, 1866-09-22

We observe In the advertising columns Of
the papers and placarded upon the walls Of
Chicago, IN announcement that the Reverend
Father Vaughan, a Roman Catholic Priest
from Ireland, will lecture to night at Crosby's
Music Hall, upon the penal code Of his na-
tive land, and also upon the cxtcrnatnating
policy Of Great Britain pursued towards tie
Irish people during the great famine Of 1s4G,
Y and .. We have no doubt that the rcyer-
end gentleman will do Justice to his subject,
aud our purpose in referring 10 this matter is
to mention little historical fact which he
may overlook, If indeed lie is acquainted Will.
II.
The people of the United States have ever
been kecply alive to the suIerings OF their
fellow men. No geographical boundaries
have ever shut ont their sympathy for the
oppressed and distressed. Nationality,
color, race, religion. or cline hnvc never
offered sufficient reasons to prevent them
from extending their kindly greeting or
material aid to suffering members Of tue
human family In 1916 when the news Of
the terrible suffering Of the people of Ireland
rcachcd this country, there was hardly q
village In the North which did not contribute
either in money or food for the unfortunate
victims of taniine. The picture OF whole
people starving to death was difficult one
for nn American to realize, but nevertheless
he was none the less moved to sympathy
and none the less prompt to act.
In the winter Of 1867 there were reliable
and official reports Of the uniycrsalfty of the
distress, and of the Indifference of the British
Government. The American people were In
dignant that race Of seven Or eight millions
of strong men aud women and children
should be permitted to die for want Of food,
and this Indignation found expression In re-
newed contributions Of food and money.
The necessity for some provision for the sup
ply Of food for the people In the spring
Of 1877, until the new crop was
raised (Which crop utterly ailed),
forced itself upon NIL men, and ia
tue Senate Of the United States u bill
was introduced appropriating sum of
money to purchase food, TO bc transported
In national vessels TO feed the hungry, and
to drive guaut famine from the habitations
Of the poor. That bill passed the Senate.
1t was carried to the House Of Representa-
tivcs. When 1t was delivered to the Speaker
and its title read, n member from Tennessee
rose and moved that 1t be laid on the table
It was unconstitutional to send bread to
those dying Of starvation; 1t was unconsti-
tntioual to give cup Of water to tho parchcd
lips of the dying, II was unconstitutional to
intcrposc loaf Of bread between Death and
the starving. On this motion to lay on the
table, which at that period Of the session
meant The defeat Of the bill, Us nothing less
than two-tllrds Of the House could tuke It
up ngnin, the yeas and nays were called,
and one Andrew johnson, Of Tennessee, who
boasts Of having filed every Office from vii
lagc Alderman to President, with dry eyes
and rcsolutc voice, voted aye.
ireland in Lis estimation was like Com
grcss, merely hanging on the verge Of the
Union, In swinging round the circle llo Ind
not recognized the fact that famine and
death were cutting down a whole race OF
human beings. His vision was entirely llled
with Tho well fed and sleek negro slaves, and
he doubtless thought that the free white
Irish would much better their condition, II
they Ike the negroes Of Tennessee, were the
well cared for slaves Of some Southern
gentlemen. lie therefore said that no bread
should be sent In the name Of tho United
States. He arrested the loaf on its way to
the mouths Of the furnishing women and
children he struck the crust from tile feeble
hands Of infancy, and told old uyc to die
| Of starvation ard rot In the paupcr's grave.
When Father Vaughan describes tonight
the nw{ul spectacle Of families dying for tho
want or few ounces Of meal, a loaf Of bread.
OF half dozen OF fpotatocs. We wish Ills audi.
! tors to rcsnemhcr that Andrew johnson voted
In Congress That that meal, TINT bread, md
those potatoes should not he furnished by
I xf1f1u 1r%Lt y Nt~t- dt.-A