Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1851-11-27
THE IRISH RELIEF BILL.

most extraordinary plea [says the Richmond
Republican, is set up for Johnson and LEAKEs
vote against the Irish Relief Bill. II is that they.
could not vote for il aceoun, of its uncohs,ition-
atty! How happened it. then, that large major
lily Of the Democratic Senate voted for it, and tina,
Democrats in the House, headed By Douglass, I(ihe
most prominent Democratic name now connected
with the next Presidency voted for III How hap
pened il that John C. Calhoun considered ii con-
slitutional
This plea will not Avail Johnson and Leske at
the bar of humanity. Irishmen, whose friends
persisted for ~ant of the aid which would nave been
secured them by this BILL will not see the force of
such cold blooded sophistry. The government had
extended aid 10 other nations, whose suferings did
not equal or approach those Of Ireland Why not
to her Her distress was so great that even the
British Parliament could no, turn deaf ear 10 hef
complaints. Was il 10 be expected that al Amer.
can Congress should not be equally passionate
Irishmen had been conspicuous, from the beginning
Of our existence nation, in their services TO
this country. They had formed large portion OF
our armies and navies in every war which we have
ever fought Their bones have covered every field,
from the borders of Canada 10 the gates Of Mexico.
/ Their labor has raised up our cities towns and
works Of public improvement. There is not canal
in the United States nor arailroad, which has not
been principally bailt by Irishmen. Their people
at home have ever regarded our own with he mos,
arden, enthusiasm, and have chesred us On 10 all
our struggles from the cradle of Liberty" up to
the hour Of its matured and manly strength. Yet,
when this people, already ground to the earth BIZ
oppression and poverty, were visited By horrible
famine; when whole families and whole commu
mites persisted from absolute starry alton; when the
whole island had become little better than eharnel
house--JOHNSQN and LEAKE refused 10 extend
the aid of this government these dying friends Of
our country because they did not consider il eoas
tatioaal! Constitutional II may not have been
in tkeir Constitution but that il in the Gonsf-
tuition OF The Country il is in the constitution Of
human nature, we call upon Calhoun, Douglass,
and host Of other Democrats as well as Wings, 10
/ bear witness.
/ AMI it is these men-JouNsos and LrAKE-wlo
could not permit this country give Ireland bread
/ who now come 10 ask Irishmen 10 give them votes
We again desire freshmen to say whether il is in
| accordance with the Constitution Of List hannah
nature to pay Messrs. johnson and Leake by Irish
votes for the good they did Ireland in Congress
On the contrary ongh, they not to be taught les
1 son or two in humanity and in comprehensive
statesmanship2 Il is quite possible that Ireland
may again need the assistance ofthe various States
Of this Union, as well as Of c. ngress. And shall
Irishmen sanction By their votes such narrow and
contracted views Of national duty as those exhibited
! BY Johuson and Leake, 50 as to exalt these views
into precedents, and hereafter prevent the United
States and prevent Virginia from extending aid 10
their suffering countrymen7 Suppose that the
Irishmsn OF Virginia should vote for johnson and
Leake. and BY their votes place them ia power
and suppose that another famine should visit Ire
land-mighs il not be urged that the Irishuien 81
this country have endorsed the coarse Of johnson
and Leahe4to their country, and that even icy Dc
not consider il constitutional for The United States
to relieve Ireland from famine And should The
friends Of Ireland thus repeled from The halls d
Congress. eall upon Virginia for aid can weexpeci
the influence Of johnson and Leake in favor Of any
Legislation for Ireland May they not declare thai
II they can ind warrant in the Virginia Constitn-
tion Tor appropriating money 10 save men from
Il famine OF course no one can expecf Or would
desire them violate their sense of constitutional
duty. hui i Il nat te best irar % p Ge Eere fiei,
Il HrrTQfr scFk rtrx en- 4.lrea