The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-07-23

"I wish" says Mr.. Wakefield, "for the
sake of humanity and for the honor of the
Irish character, that the rulers of that
country would take this matter into their
serious consideration. Let them only for
q moment place themselves in the situation
of the half famished cotter, surrounded by
q wretched family, clamorous for food, and
Judge what his feelings must be when he
sees the tenth part of the produce of his
potato garden exposed at harvest time to
public cant; or if he has given promis-
sorry note for the payment of certain sum
of money to compensate for such 1.-THE
when it becomes due, to hear the heart
rending cries of his offspring clinging
round him and lamenting for the milk of
which they are deprived, by the cows be-
ing driven to the pound to be sold to dis
charge the debt. Such accounts are not
the creations of fancy; the facts do exist
and are but too common in Ireland. Were
one of them transferred to canvas by the
hand of genius and exhibited to English
humanity, that heart must be Gallons in
have seen the cow, the favorite COW, driven
away, accompanied by the sighs the tears
and the imprecations of q whole family,
who were padding after through wet and
dirt, to take their last affectionate fare
well of this their only friend and benefac-
tor, at the pound gate. have heard with
emotions which can scarcely describe,
deep curses repeated from village to vii
llage, as the cavalcade proceeded. have
witnessed the group pass the domain walls
of the opulent grazier, whose numerous
herds were cropping the most luxurious
pastures, while hewas secure from any de-
mand for the tithe of their food. looking
on with the most unfeeling indifference. :"
l. Wakefeld page 4s6.
If time would permit, it would not be
difficult to show how the Irish character
has been to some extent injured by op-
preston, eXactior, vexaton and despair.
But his character is not only substantially
a good one, but possesses some most ad-
mirable qualities. Sydney Smith, an En-
Iglishman not at all inclined to overstate
the matter in favor of the Irish, uses the
following language:
"The Irishman has many good quail
ties; he is brave, witty, generous, eloquent,
hospitable and open-hearted." 1t is true
MIR. Smith goes on to say that he is an
enioyer not an acquirer; one who wants
! the superstructure without the founda-
tion-,he result without the previous oper-
ation--the oak without the acorn, and the
!, three hundred years Of expectation. ~
SmiM's scorks, page las.
Mr.. Fletcher, of Madely, in one of his
, letters, speaks of the "English cordiality,
+ the irish hospitality and the French polite
ness" In fact the Irishman is noted
throughout the civilized world for his
hospitality.
| $50 when you viii while cr you stay,
: His cottage holds a Jubilee"
Now these social qualities may render
| the individual less successful in the great
race of life, but how they can provoke
|, hatred or opposition, except in the breast
r of prejudice or partiality, is most myste-
rious.
t 1t is like hating man for not having
; the selfish feelings strong enough. One
of our cold blooded calculating neighbors
might be excused for little cxultation.
"Ah l shall beat that son of Erin in the
: great race of life; he is too gay, too open.
s hearted, he does rot pay sufficient atten;
! Il tion to the main chance" But TO hate
the Irishman on this account is monstrous
| is shocking
L Fellow-citizens let us away with these
f national prejudices. They are unfounded.
While our beloved country continues to
:, be the "land of the free and the home oi
the brave" let us make it "the asylum
t for the oppressed Of all nations" and in.
4 vite them with loud voice to the feast Of
liberty, well convinced that
S "Thc more that come with FREQ good will
|, Make the banquet sweeter STILL"
If able to promote even i'll small de.
e gree the great brotherhood of mankind
f my highest ambition will be grati6ed.
Most Respectfully, &c,
WoopsFIELb July 1t, 1856. "A.
/; P. S.-The foregoing communication
was in a great part prepared in the month
!, of March last, but the crowded state oi
!, your columns deferred me from offering
it to you4then. A.
For the esprit
: A Call to the American Party of Mon
) s roe County.
. make this call to you, the American
! party of this County, because when see
r party assailed by the insdious whispers
t and covert destinations, of political lead
! SIT is not to be supposed that can
stand by and look ON with Indifference.
' When see the wire workers of the Re-
! publican party set up as central and
controlling power to put in motion all the
. schemes and plans that may be devised
s for the purpose of raising John G. FIRE.
' mont to the Presidency, cannot quietly
a look on aud see the people deluded into a
support of them or their candidate. 1t