The New York herald., 1874-07-20
THE IRISH RIFLEMEN.
Special Visit to the Members of the
Rifle Association In Dublin.
HOW THE TEAM is MADE UP.
What They Say of the Match to
- Come Off in America.

DUBLIN, July 8, 1874.
Yesterday I called at the once OF the irish
Rine Association for the purpose OF seeing Major
Arthur Blennerhassett Leech, and learning from
HIM the latest particulars and movements regard
ing the great rife match which Is to take place in
September next at CreedmOor. between the Irish
team and the rinemen of America. was not for
tunate enough to meet Major Leech, who is at
present In London; but the Honorary Secretary,
Mr. Henry II. Foster, received me In the klndest
and most polite manner
He STATED
that all the arrangements for the MATCH the part
OF the Irish team, mad been nearly completed that
Six out OF the eight gentlemen named in the team
were certain to go to America to compete for the
prizes; that the greatest interest was manifested
IN the forthcoming contest among the patrons or
rife shooting in Ireland ana England; and
that the team were doing the best they
could to uphold the reputation they
had already achieved as expert aud
clever marksmen. Your correspondent ventured
TO suggest that If the irish rfemen were anxious,
ss undoubtedly they are that victory should perch
upon their banners they must practise closely and
continuously, as they will have to contend with
some of the keenest shots in America, where rlne
shooting is not confined to few gentlemen whose
fortune and leisure give them chance of indulg-
ing iD this manly sporta sport that fits men to be
the defenders and guardians Of their countrys
honor and independence In time OF danger.
Mr.. Foster admitted this to be the fact, and said
that the Irish team were doing their best; that
they w0nd leave nothing undone on their part to
win The honor Of a victory In the United States,
and that they did not gain the laurels they would
most willingly place them on the brows OF those
who best deserved them.
WHO THEY ARE.
Your cOuntrymen will lind in Mr.. Foster, who
goes out with the team, pleasant and agreeable
gentleman He is thoroughly posted IN the atfai RS
OF the irish Rifle Association, and If any one in the
United States wants information OF special char
acter regarding the forthcoming match q line ad-
dressed to Mr.. Foster will at once secure 1t. Mr..
Foster has travelled extensively In America, and
speaks in the highest terms Of the country. Your
correspondent took the liberty Of assuring him
that he would meet with warm, hearty and en-.
thuslastic reception from the American people.
and especially from those who interest themselves
IN the promotion OF manly and moral sports Mr..
Foster replied that he was aware Of this; that the
Americans knew how to be kind and generous to
those who had won respect and esteem and
honors in their own land, and that they had be-
come famous for their hospitality and friendship to
Intelligent and well-conducted foreigners.
Our conversation then turned upon the proba-
bility of establishing
VOLUNTEER RIFLE ASSOCIATIONS
In Ireland after the manner in which they had
been established IN England.
Mr.. Fosters opinion seemed to be that The Irish
people, as body. did not for the formation OF
volunteer companies.
To this your correspondent replied that II there
was any lack of disposition on the part OF the Irish
TO form volunteer companies the reason might be
in fha rim opd Ioyvo vuh ioh fhQ
British Parliament has enacted against the carry
ing of arms in Ireland.
Upon ths last mentioned point Mr.. Foster made
no remark, probably because consideration of it
might involve political discussion and the Irish
Rifle Association, OF which he is a member, does
aot discuss political questions But it may be well
to inform readers in America that the great
body OF the Irish people are debarred
from the use OF arms-that they cannot have
gun or sword without the license OF magis-
trate that II person applying for sucn license be
'suspected, or is supposed not to be truly loyal'
and devoted to the powers that be, he has not the
remotest chance OF enjoying the right of carrying
weapons or OF having them in his house for the
protection of his person and property, and that if
. person Is found carrying gun, sword Or pistol
IN q proclaimed" district-that is, in district
where the Lord Lieutenant chooses to say there is
an unusual amount OF agitation or violence-Often
concocted by she police under his CONTROL so that
they may keep their hands In practice and their
salaries running on-he is liable to be Immediately
8pprehended ana put in jail for long term OF inl
prsonment. To Americans, fond ofliberty and inde-
pendence fond Of the use OF arms which in the days
or the Revolution gave them free government,
these statements may seem strange and almost
incredible; but they are nevertheless true, and If
the American rnemen should be beaten by the
Irish team at Creedmoor let them remember that
they have been beaten by men belonging to a
country where the use or arms Is strictly prohlb
ited BY the law and where in fact the privilege of
carrying them may be said to be almost exclu.
sively confined to persons identified with the
upper classes OF society, The late Lord PalmerstOn
was fond Of sneering at the Irish. On one occa-
siOn In the House of Commons. when he was asked
If he would consent to the formation OF volunteer
rtne companies in Ireland. he replied in the most
emphatic manner that he would not "Why viii
you not consent ~ asked his interrogation. "Be-
cause, replied his Lordship. iii the Irish had arms
In their hands they would turn them against one
another" This ID always the excuse made BY Eng
lish statesmen for disarming the Irish. But 1t is
mere pretence. LORD PalmcrstOn well knew,
and Mr.. Gladstone and Mr.. Disraei now know,
that the great majority OF the lrish If they were
armed, would think, not OF fighting with each
other, but against the English.
IRELAND'S DUTY.
or course, ! am far from recommending the Irish
to make any insane attempt at revolution in the
present condition OF their country. II they made
any such attempt it would be sure to be attended
with utter aud runous failure. They can only
watch and wait for the turn OF events in Europe,
which, at any moment of general convulsion may
give them complete independence. But the fact
that England deprives them Of arms Is proof to
every impartial mind that English power and au-
thority to-day in Ireland are not founded upon
the affection and love OF the irish, but upon the
force with which Great Britain holds the island.