The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-06-24
Irish Affairs:
From the Dublin Nation. .Jun

From the Dublin Nation, June3]
ADDRESS OF THE CoUNcIT. OF THE IRISH CoNFEDR-
RATION TO THE IRISH PEoPLE.-FelloW countrvmen
Another crime has been perpetrated against the
inhabitants of this country by the British govern
ment. Another lrishman has fallen victim to the
Vaccinations of legal artifce, and 10 the lawless-
ness OF reckless power.
His offence has been-love for Ireland as intense
as was his hatred of foreign oppression Deeply
yersed In the history of his country, he read in that
history one continuous tale of English perfidy and
raplne. In the horrors of lS47-in the desolation
of 1913, he found the same curse of msrue blight
ing land, fitted by the hand of nature for the en-
Joyment of unrvalled felicity. Saddened and
stung by such reflections, he vowed that he would
expel from his native soil this spirit ofevi or perish
In the attempt.
We seek not TO discuss the prudence of his coun-
sells, or the expedlency OF his designs. Though
participating in many of his sentiments, our con-
federation identified itself with all his opin-
ions but even those who dissent from them most,
20 not deny that they were dictated by the purest
motives, that they were maintained with consum-
mate ability and indicated with heroic forttude.
Our complaint is not, that such man was treated
as foe by the British government; but that in
order to crush him, the constitution and the law
have been violated. Totear him from his country
and from his family, special enactment was
framed. Even the penal code of Ireland - that
repository OF Ubiquitous legislation, could not sup
ply an instrument powerful enough to strike him
down. Ii became necessary to forge new weapon
for the man, and for the occasion.
The enactment of this law, though gross out
rage against public liberty, has beenless ntoerable
than the official crimes which have accompanied
Its execution.
Catholics of Ireland! bow down your heads in
shame. You have been branded as unworthy to
take part in the administration of Justice in your
native land. On the late trial you have seen every
Catholic inhabitant of this city ignomlniously
chased as pepurers from the jury box. Slaves you
aresaves you and your children deserve to re-
q ms hIc in
We refrain here from recapituatlng details al
ready but too well known. None will contradict us
when we affirm that Mr.. Mitchell has been found
guilty by jury selected not to try, but to convict
him.
BY these nefarious arts momentary triumph
has been consummated-a triumph not over an OBJ
noxious toe but over the sacred obligations o.jus
tice, over the violated liberties of nation.
Against You, against your children against your
aspirations tor freedom, not against arraigncd
or convicted patriots have the late prosecution
been directed.
Have these iniquities subdued your spirit Have
they quelled your discomfort! Have they abroga-
ted your resolve? Have they schooled you to kiss
the foot which tranples and spurns you?
These are questions which each man amongst
you must answer tor himself For us, we declare
that our resolve Is not only mistaken, but is con-
hrmed, and rendered more stern by these outrages
OF INSCRIPTIONS power.
We will not concea from you've will not con-
ceai from the government, that nothing but the
most strenuous eXertOns OF our council prevented
the outbreak OF an lnsurrectiOn last week. Thou
sands OF brave men had resolved that John Mitchell
should not leave the Irish shore except across their
corpses. We apprehended that under present cir
cumstances an armed attempt to rescue him, and
to free Ireland, might have proved abortive. We
therefore lnterposed, and with difficulty succeeded
In preventing the frutless efiusion of blood
But whilst we hesitate not to avow that such has
been our conduct, we do no. feel at liberty to con-
ceal from you that the recent indignites offered
to the Irish nation, have greatly tended to remove
from our minds the hope which we have hereto
fore desired to CHERISH that the question at issue
between England and Ireland will be settled by
amcable adjustment. We feel bound to tell you,
without disguise, thai these indignites and wrongs
are rapidly brlngnYhs to that period when armed
resistance to the oppressors of our country will be-
come sacred obligation, enforced by the highest
sanctions of public duty.
Under these impressions we cannot shrink from
the responsibility of advising You to prepare at
once tor the protection of your invaded liberties
by the love which you bear to your country and
your kindly your attachment to your honestly
your regard for your chlldrens wealthy your
thirst tor honorable fame-we exhort you to unite
IN holy league against usurpation and injustice
let no factlous strife impede the execution of your
design. Learn to contemplate calmly and firmly
the chances OF final struggle and prepare for that
struggle by furnishing yourselves with all such re-
sources as may enable you to command success
Above all, cease not to invoke, on Bonded knee
and with humble and devoted hearts, the blessing,
and the aid, and the guidance of Heaven, upon
efforts consecrated as the most sanctified of duties
by the eternal principles of Justice
Signed on behalf of the Council,
WILLIAM S. O'BRIEN, Chairman