The Irish republic. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1867-18??, 1868-01-18
Why are the Irish Enslaved?

DUNKIRK, CHATAUQUA Co., N L, Dec. 23d, 1867.
To the Editors of The Irish Republic.
GENTLEMEN: Several years ago. Archbishop Hughes of
New York. delivered in this city public lecture some
Irish topic In that lecture sentence occurs, which,
that time produced impression my mind that have
since got rid Of Its substance and perhaps its very
words, are "y the Irish Presbyterian, they woud upset
British authority in Ireland IN tortyegM hours"
is said of Bishop Hughes that he never spoke without
elaboration. The above, therefore, which he not only
spoke but had printed the deliberate expression at that
time of what he believed Look at the words read them
and ponder the meaning with which they are
pregnant and remember that they the words of
inent Irishman and Catholic preate.
This eminent Catholic divine did not intend by these words
to ndorse the uthfuness of Presbyerianism as religion
Nothing could be further from his mind nothing can be
further from mime AS religion, that is, system having
regard to the things of another world he believed it be
faseso do l. But religion has bearing State here
exercises influence worldly condtionour polit
cal and social relatonsand this influence is such that if
Ireland Presbyterian instead of being Catholic in reg
ion it would be free from British tyranny in fortyeght
hours do not believe there is sensible in America
that will not fall in with that opinion.
In making this declaration in public way the Bishops
intention does not SO clearly appear He may have wished
produce in the mind of the British Queen and her Govern
ment the impression that their best allies and friends
land the Catholic bishops and priests since it is they
alone that WILL and that cam make the people submissive to
the hgher powers" or in people should resolve
resistance the priests by the effects of their teaching and
management Illustrate the whole thing and give the Govern
men life lease of its tyranny But his intention be what
may is not the point which claims attention at present
He uttered truth when he said that the Irsh if Presbye
rian, Tor Protestant tits all one) could and would upset
British rule in Ireland thus recognizing in Proestants the
existence of power which he knew-aas we all know
to be lacking to the Catholic people of Ireland.
This advantage of Protesan Catholics makes very
great difference between the two bodies And this difference
awayswas but especially of to the people
of Ireland and their mpahzing brothers everywhere Not
to ascertain to its existence How do Protest
ants by the possession of this power? Where do they
get it? How is it to be explained accounted for that the
people of Ireland if Protestant could and would free them
selves from British oppresson but that being Catholic they
lack the power and have bow down their heads perpe
ual slavery? What are the elements of this powe the
one sde and of this eaess the oher Whence do they
spring. and how do they work their respective results? This
Think is the point in the Archbishops remarkable decar
alton that claims the very serious attention of Catholics who
have no desire to be the fathers and mothers of progeny Of
slaves.