The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-09-14
Irish Antecedents.

| Never, in the least enlightened ages oil
Pagan Ireland, were her people guilty oi
such barbarity toward foreigners, as marked
the conduct of native Americans, in this
Christian land, on the occasion of late
state election. On the contrary, liberal
federation and generous hospitality were the
distinguished characteristics Of the Irish
race many centuries before the dawn of
Christian civilization and their example, in
this respect, should put to shame the boasted
model republicans Of the nineteenth century,
who, like the dog in manger, refuse to
share the blessings of free government
with a race which Washington himself de-
clares took patriotic and important par.
in establishing.
| Camden and Stanihurst observe that "Thc
Irish were remarkable for their hospitality.
The unfortunate always found refuge among
them. The Spaniards, Gauls and Britons
often sought an asylum in that country, to
secure themselves from the tyranny of the
Romans. Princes and people, who were
prosecuted in their own countries, found
there safe retreat" "Apud Scotos exnla.
bant." Bede mentions a body of English
emigrants who settled in Ireland for the
purpose Of acquiring the arts and learning
of which the schools of that country were
then the only accessible sources; and he
adds: Gall of whom the Scots of Ireland
most freely received, and afforded them
daily food without payment; they likewise
supplied them with masters and books with.
out remuneration"
AT late period the Emperor Charlemagne
NH Of - ~, i
gratutously in the seminaries Of Ireland
Gratianus Lucius declares that the love Of
hospitality among the Irish was not confined
to individuals, it was the general taste of
the nation and there were lands assigned
by the government to certain number of
persons. who were appointed to exercise it
in the different provinces. They were called
biatachs or hospitalers, and furnished food,
raiment and all the comforts of home to
such strangers and foreigners as might So
journ in their locality. In such high esti-
ma.ion WAS held the Office Of public hospi-
tality, that none but mobiles were honored
with this dignity, though their example was
emnlated by the people. from the highest to
the lowest rank. "Besides the hospitable
institutions established by public authority,
the houses Of private lords were like inns,
where every one was welcome" This was
Milesian hospitality to foreigners more than
two thousand years ago; and how agreeably
and strangely It contrasts with that Of the
Know Nothings Of ourland and generation,
I'who seem to think it almost too great a
privilege for foreigners-for this very people,
whose generous deeds should secure for
them reciprocal kindness-to perform for
them the most menial offices, and if they
presume to the rights of citizenship, they,
with their wives and children, properly
and homes, are consigned to the vengeance
of brutal and infuriated mob.
What renders this unnatural treatment
Of Irish settlers in America still more extra
ordinary, is the fact that, since the revolution,
they have been bitterly stigmatised and per-
secuted at home by. British tory functiona-
vies, for their intense Americanism, and we'll
known republican sympathies. In the de.
bates Of Parliament subsequent to that Pc
rioa, the agency Of their countrymen in
bringing our struggle for national independ-
enee to successful issue, has been frequent
" thrown in the. teeth Of Irish members
Upon one occasion Lord Montjoy explicitly
declared that Through tss means Of Isish
smiyrdnts, Enqland hns lost Aner;ea.'
tAnd Lord Howe, who bad opportunity
land reason TO; know the tfiieiepcy OF: theisl
tcoops ration nth The riotts OF elfsyolp.
ftiou, upon 3 question atfectipR The MA
ihserests q . large majority 81 their souid.