The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-12-15

The Reform and Anti-Fenian Alliance with
John Bright.
At meeting OF the Executive Council OF tho Irish
Reform League the following address to the people Of
Ireland was adopted
Fellow OouNrRyMRs--At the present time, which ls
admitted by all to be crisis In the history Of
try and our race we appeal with confidence for your
earnest sympathy and practical co operation in support
Of movement which we feel convinced is OF vital i'm
porance to your individual and national welfare. For
centuries Ireland we'll as England and Scotland has
ruled by class and not by the free voice Of the
population The result has been E,a0 connsd naisruIe
OF The throughout the three Kingdoms IL Ia
time however that those upon whom tho burdens OF the
state thrown who pay the taxes that others
pose, should be admitted to voice In the admnisra
ton Of thor AFFAIRS and should demand something
than mere sentimental recognition of the doctrine
that "taxation without representation Is oppression.
For us. fellow countrymen. the termination OF Mis OIL
aneful sway our industrial classes pine: our manufac
tures few and trivial struggle through sckIy exist
ence; natural resources lie neglected; but worse
ALL under this class rule agricultural population
tho chief element OF national strength and wealth. is
being steadily DESTROYED and while the governing GLASS
filed tho statute book with enactments
their own power and to tighten their responsibilities,
years Of agonzed endeavors the part Of the hapless
tenantry lave failed 10 obtain the scan protection Of
even equitable clause
Fellow countrymeD, fo- the selshncss and injustice
Of class substitute the wisdom tho justice and
the patriotism Of united enfranchscd 'ople We de-
mand that every Of full age, unanted by Grim nal
conviction II he has given hostage TO his country by the
possession Of homo beneath It's laws, shall have
Ia the election Of parliamentary representatives aud
demand this further right, without which extension
Of the franchse would but widen tue area or gHtchica
coercion intimidation and tyranny in this country that
the tndepondent exercise OF the franchise shall be
secured by that indispensable safoguardtac ballot We
seek for the application Of no untred experiment. Tho
example Of other countries IN Europe. in America ia
Australia chow the road to peaceful reform
stitutiona freedom and lasting prosperity In Prussia,
is not afraid to trust the people Universal suffrage and
mite on ballot prevail in the yrs doii1s gDcrp6d by
King Frederick W,hiann In Canada, IN Ansralo, in
the United States ppe bound 20 6y che close ties Of
kindred possess the freedom the parent countries have
vet to enjoy Must We at home be denied the rights TO
which brethren in tho rcmotest colonies attain
these islands less worthy oil the franchise than tho
colonists OF Victoria TasmnniaY Have not our
artisan and laboring classes proved their fitness 70
exercise tho privileges Of freemepY 0ought they not
occupy such position in tho state would enable them
TO watch over and protect tho rights Of laborp In
this moyemcn, sbors will not be he isolated Efforts
Of tho Irish people alone The people Of England and
Of Scotland up and strrng In the assertion OF their
rights and for the establishment Of the great principle
OF political equality.
Fellow counlrsmcn lot us have faith in ono another
let US go forward shoulder TO shoulder, relying upon
those wise and peaceful agencies by which oCopncii
rsnoiIisn and Iiocd,led Discaimnr, in tho most cm
phac manner, any otcr object than Tint OF obtaining
your just rights and any deptncation with cihcr OF
our counry--benc neither wings nor TOTES, but
reformors--we claim from You that hearty cup
port which must result IN your compo'e political
acknowledgement BELIEVING that tho question o rara
mcntary reform comprchends within It's scope all that
the ardent lover OF his country ambition for
her In elecual social and material advancement there.
FORE we. the council o. the IRISH Reform League call
upon yo people OF Ireland OF all creeds and classes
to units upon this truly national platform, and rally
round the standard Of reform which we now rase and
and forever for yourselves aud your pocrty, 10
vndicaie yoer ndefcasble right TO potential voice In
tho government Of the nation.
Signed on behalf Of the council
0'DONOGHUE, M r., President
PETER PAUL. McSwINEY Vice President
II. j. STANLEY, Secretary