The New York herald., 1872-10-18


Mr.. Rufus King in 1798 The question Ia
not one merely of the relative condition Of
Ireland; and while it is not necessary for the
English to consider the fate Of the Irish in q
state ofindependence, it is equally unnecessary
for us to consider England's treatment Of
Ireland. In making up an opinion on the
subject we care not whether England has been
the tyrant and Ireland the slave, nor do we
care whether Mr.. Froudes assertions as to the
condition of Ireland are to be attributed to
English or Irish causes. More prominent
than anything else is the fact that for seven
centuries Ireland has been unhappy and dis
contented and painting to be free. We cannot
overlook this fact, and the American judgment
IN case where the two peoples are SO unmis-
takably irreconcilable will inevitably be in
favor of the weak and dissatisfied nation.
The condition of Ireland we regard as the
weakest point in Mr.. Froudes plea. II gives
Ireland and Irelands partisans the opportu-
nifty to reply by imputing the blame for this
upon England, and even TO 60 further and
accuse the English of inventing the machinery
and fostering the system by which the Irish
are repressed and degraded Nor can we
forget that Mr.. Froude's own pictures of the
condition Of England are quite as painful as
those which he draws Of Ireland and the Irish.
It is a very superficial view of the rights and
duties of nations to argue from any such
standpoint and an equally superficial view Of
the capacities for freedom of men ardently
desiring to be free. The Norman conquest of
Ireland has no more legitimate bearing upon
Eeland's subjection to England than the Nor
man conquest Of England upon Englands
subjection to Ireland. Everything except the
seven centuries Of discomfort is out Of the
case, and this will stand as the condemnation
Of England till Ireland is free.
Mr.. Froude's mission, in so far as it is
mission, cannot but end in failure. His
visit to this country will prove, we earnestly
believe, pleasant and agreeable experience.
He will not find among us much of that kim
ship of which both people sometimes speak,
but we trust he will find us more hospitable
than kinsmen usually show themselves. He
will find us differing from his own estimate Of
ohAO AhOAAoO Va VAC QubLACA NCCWCOh oA1u
Ireland, but he will not find us indulging in
any discourtesy towards guest or treating his
opinions with disdain. In oil things we shall
behave as free people receiving dis
tinguished visitor, SO that when he returns to
his own country he may carry back with him
many pleasing memories of the newer world
he is now seeing for the first time.
An ssInternati0nal FUND.- for the Ab0-
HtiOn Of tho African Slave Trade.
The following note from a philanthropic
american" with his admirable propositions
for universal movement in the name and the
cause of civilization and humanity, looking to
the abolition of African slavery, or the slave
trade in Africa, we cheerfully submit to the
special attention Of our readers throughout the
world. We do so because we believe that we
have here hint or two which, if actively fol-
lowed up in the line suggested, will surely
result in one of the most glorious and benefcent
triumphs Of modern civilization:-
NEW YORK, Oct. le, 1872
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
HERALD Of this date, 'African slavery" and ADMIRED
It's spirit, DC. As you say, Why should not America
slavery from among the nations Of the woridf Eng
land would join her. Circulate petition, signed
by the principal men Of the country calling upon
Congress or President Grant to make move In
the matter, and start IAN international fund" or
collection In this city and extend 1t at the same
spt o cs
thus help the good cause along by rapidity and
strength in contributions. have no doubt BY the
could enlist the moral support III not the materiaD
Of the different Powers, and the money collected
70 espey this last blot on Of te
nineteenth century will head the list with ($25)
twenty-five dollars, and enclose my check for same.
so you can say, 'Received from an American, $25"
~ '''S'''' - e'''''' ~ AMERICAN.
Let us briefly consider these suggestions.
The idea of petitions to Congress and the
President for q move in the matter is good
one. In fact it is the first essential required
to give practical shape and direction to the
great enterprise in view. If we could get .
recommendation to Congress from the Presi-
dent, in his annual message of December
next, for IN act approving the movement, we
are sure that he would gladly undertake the
pleasing task of getting together at Washing
ton q High Joint Commission, embracing
representatives from all the great Powers of
Europe, and from Spain, Portugal and Tur-
key, and from Egypt and other countries
directly concerned, for the purposes Of gen.
eral treaty, embracing the complete abolition
of African slavery and the African slave trade
in both hemispheres.
With the general adoption Of such treaty
the only serious difficulties against its enforce
ment will be among the slave hunters and
traders of the African Continent, and here,
under the protection of the treaty, the private
contributions Of the people Of Christendom
will no doubt be needed in the support of mis-
sionaries and other agents specially assigned to
the duty of policemen and magistrates against
the slave hunters and slave catchers in the
various districts of Africa where this traffic
has become systematic and profitable. True,