The national Republican., 1867-07-13
THE iRlsH QUESTION.

the cable dispatch announcing that the
Gear Of Russia had sent circular to the
Ministers Of the Empire in Washington,
Paris, and London, requesting them to
call attention Of the Governments to which |
they are accredited to the condition OF
ireland. This may be deemed in itself
very important movement, and, il 1t
could be carried out, might, and doubtless
would, result in comforting great and last
ing benefits upon Ireland. We took oc-
casion Yesterday to doubt the truthfulness
Of this dispatch, and after some reflection
we see no reason to change our mind, but
are more strongly confirmed in the belief
that no such circular has been issued.
That the Gar Of Russia might desire TO
move in such cause we do not doubt;
that he would, were it in his power, lend q
helping hand to oppressed Ireland is more
than probable, But how to do it is the
question. Ireland is as much part and
parcel Of the United Kingdom, as is Liv-
erpool or Manchester. Mind you, we do
not now raise the question of England's
original right to govern Ireland. We take
things rs we find them, and we consider
the fact that the civilized world has con-
ceded to England the right to govern this
"Green Isle." This is conclusive evidence
that England has the right to doso. To all
intents and purposes, therefore, ireland
stands in the same relation to the British
Government as does Liverpool. This may
be putting it strong; but we Gun see really
no practical difference in the two cases.
Now, were there difficulty IN Liverpool
like that which exists in Ireland, would
Russia interfere, or would England tole.
rate such interference? II will be OBJ
served that England does not concede for
moment what Ireland claims-a distinct
Irish nationality. 1t has repudiated for
many years, and it still repudiates, oil such
claims set up by the Fenians.
Russia has similar question Of its own
in the case of Poland. 1t has blotted that
nationality from the map Of the world,
and now only recognizes that territory as
part Of the Russian possessions; and should
u
which now exists in Ireland, would the
Gear be disposed to accept such friendly
Offices and advice as he is now said to
vouchsafe to England through the Gov
ernments Of France and the United States
Besides, what is the question for these
Powers to consider? Upon what basis
are existing difficulties in Ireland to be
adjusted? 1t is clear that England does
and must regard these troubles in Ireland
as domestic rebellion and n revolt which
she herself is able to put down. What
then is there for these outside Powers to
do? And what does the Emperor Of Rus
sia propose? These are questions that
arrest our attention. Does this circular
assuming that it has been issued-pro-
pose that the independence of Ireland
shall be acknowledged The Gear is too
wise o ruler to suppose that England
would, for q moment as matters now
stand, listen to such proposition SHOULD it
be made to her by all the Powers Of earth.
IT, then, Ireland's distinct nationality be
not the question for these Governments
to consider and act upon, what is there in
England's treatment of the Fenian move
ment or the revolt in Ireland that induces
the Russian Emperor to propose through
his ministers to the United States and
France interpositiOn at this time? The
English Government is very severe in its
treatment Of those whom it esteems
traitors; but really we have seen nothing
thus far in her dealings with the captured
Fenians in Canada or in Ireland that call
for such an imposing demonstration in be-
half OF mercy us this movement on the part
OF the Gear would seem to warrant We
may be mistaken in our views Such cir.
cular may have issued from st. Petersburg
and the Russian ministers in Washington,
Paris and London may be in possession
of these instructions, but we doubt il,
We do not, in anything We have said
above, wish to be understood as opposing
the good Offices of any Government or any
people in behalf Of Ireland. Our sympa
thies are with her most thoroughly in thi
struggle for freedom and for nationality
and God grant that she may succeed an,
that her people may be free, The onI,
question we are considering is the i'm
probability that the Gar has made an,
such oyertures as this dispatch announces
We shall be glad 10 learn that we are mis-
taken. II II shall turn out that such
manifesto has been put forth by him 0
Russia,iwe shall look upon II as one OF tn
most significant indications Of advancing
civilization and humane progress o
modern times. In the meantime we wal
oatiantl,, Ia nn.o Ill. IL