New-York tribune., 1868-05-18
THE IRISH IN AMERICA.

The Hon. JOHN f. briggs, q representative OF
Michigan in Congress- in letter TO The Irish Republic
says:
IreOlce that we have at last paper in the country
road and Wien II followed by the irish in the United
States, would not only lead to confidence harmony and
peace between the two but that must and surely
would result in the liberation OF Ireland from her bondage
and oppression.
that is not merely belief or opinion but amounts to
positive knowledge, that the irish people have been
same KIND Of leaders teachers and false blind guides
that aborng today tand regret with much sue
and complete failure all former efforts have been.
No man Of intelligence who has read history or been
familiar with the events OF tho last 80 years. and who
is not blinded by prejudice Influenced by bgotry, will
deny that the present condition OF ireland and the want
OF harmony between the Irish people n tins country aud
the native Republican element is owing mainly TO tho
stubborn tenacity with which the irish cling TO the
teachings OF the very who have long cheated them
There is something noble and generous in the Irish
character which in common with Americans, greatly
admire; but how strange and seems that
country TO political organization which has always been
In favor OF Slavery and opposed 70 Liberty There cer
instinct OF the Irish for left to Themselves they aro
naturally radically In favor OF Liberty What, then Is
must be one win tell them frankly. and with great
spect for their that the
GoadO1 b To- the
antrepuocan and influence OF the English
and outrage In compelling support from Catholics; while
the Catholic Church. fearful that the spirit OF liberty and
Justice unclaimed might too far and shake of
some other influences and bonds has preferred to have
prove this witness the hopeful beginning OF the present
Pope, and contrast 1t with bis present position toward
Republicanism In Italy Fenanism In Ireland and the
Shareholders Rebellion Of the South In America Sad sad
indeed the day for Republican liberty In Italy Ire
land and all Catholic cOries when the noble designs OF
the good Pope Plus TX overuled and aside by
the cardinals bishops and priests They knew unless he
was checked in his liberal Intentions that their
absolute power over the religious and political con-
sciences OF the people Of these countries gone They
knew that where Republican liberty prevails the minis
ters OF religion compelled TO abandon political con.
man. as God intended they should. The Pope yielded
and Italy and Ireland remain In political and religious
slavery and bondage to-day as they have for centuries
and ever will unless these mighty etters broken and
the people OF these countries shall rise above the
that them and Join with the friends OF universal
political aud religious liberty to the people OF every
ton color and cline. When the people OF Ireland and
simply ask liberty TO Irisme4 alone from the oppressons
OF the English Church. IN order to make more room for
the opprebon OF the Roman risthoOd In the language
OF one OF Ireands most eloquent patriots Then, and
not till then, will Ireland be free love religious lib.
erty too dearly Geuy the same right claim for myself
70 others and have the respect for the Catholics
right TO choose his faith that have for one OF my own
belief wond force on him substitute for his religious
faith would trust no other church with the same po-
cal and other power and influence than hs All
ask that the glorious principles of country, uni
versa justice. religious and pOltal liberty, untrammeed
Dy Chureh and STATE shall prevail and be secured 10 ali
the people OF eyeE nation on the earth. - s...
Messrs Editors, am bgot nor do Twant 10 inter
fere VITA liberty and justice TO state what
know W De True that your liberal and able Journal Ths