Connecticut western news., 1874-10-30
For the Connecticut Western News.l WESTERN IRELAND.
BY T. FRANK McGRATH.

BY T. FRANK McGRATH.
 There is a mistake prevalent among Americans travelling in Ireland, especially those who travel only in the Northern part, that the people who inhabit the province of Ulster-comprising the nine counties |: Donegal, Londonderry, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Monaghan, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Cavan-are the most highly cultured and, in fact, the cream of the Irish popula- tion. This mistake, perceive by your transatlantic letters, Mir. Editor, you have fallen into; but, perhaps, your time did not allow you to extend your tour sufficiently to visit the Southern, Eastern and Western provinces of the Emerald Isle.
 call it a mistake, because even history will sustain me in my opinion. True, the people of the province of Ulster may ac- cord in manners and tastes more fully with the Protestant part of Americans but, be- cause they are mainly Protestant, should not be nadsinsaIns of their better worth. This IS the part where the Reformation first made it's appearance under the auspices of William, Prince of Orange, and here it is that, to this day, the infatuated and fa- natical followers of that prince hold their annual psrades, in commemoration of the battle of the Boyne, which the aforesaid William won, solely because the Irish were deprived of leader through the cowardice of James, who commanded them on that occasion, and whom, through pure sym pathy, they fought for, and were defeated. Any unprejudiced American can readily see the cause of tumult and oftentimes of bloodshed among the people in this north srn province. It became so obnoxious in time not. only to the peaceful part of the population of the above province, but to those who hitherto smiled on it, that the Grown of England had to use its power to bring about a cessation of the shameful scenes.
 The northern population of Ireland can : not in justice, therefore, be called Irish men. In the eastern province of Leinster, the southern and western province of Mum ster and the western province of Connaught the true Irish sentiment may be found. There are, of course, some who are uncul- tured and uneducated; but this fact should not condemn the people in general, as such may be found in abundance here on Amer ican soil, where the benefits of free educa- ton are dispensed with lavish hand. In the first mentioned of these provinces were raised the two heroes of Irish fame, the two martyrs to Irish liberty-Robert Elm nett and Lord Edward Fitzgerald. The latter was murdered by the red-coated min- ions of the English despot, and the former more formally deprived of life, but with as little excuse on the part of the all-powerful England, as they had for the murder of the former. Emmett's speech to his judges yet rankles in words of fire in the breasts of Ieland's sons, and will continue to do so till the grand end is obtained, of which he spoke in that address when he said: 'sWhen Ireland takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and NOT TILL THRN. let my epitaph be written" His re- quest has been granted. The grave of the murdered patriot is yet nameless, and will remain so till Ireland throws off the shackles of English mis-rule and ranks with her sis ter nations in freedom. .
 In Western Ireland, Munster, the great Lberator, Daniel O'Connell. rose. He was native of Kerry. Clare first sent him to Parliament, and that county has reason to be proud of her choice. Odds were against him. The monetary power and the despotic influence of England's representatives in the county were brought to bear against him. But the long g-crushed race made struggle. Men risked, and many of them lost their sole means of sustenance. Tenants who voted for and upheld the Irish states man were instantly ejected from their homes, to seek shelter as best they could. But he was elected, and he stood in the English Parliamentary halls. alone and un- Ireland's champion, Erin's friend. His first grand stroke was repeal of the Penal Code of laws then prevailing in Ire land-a code that was the essence of not less than barbarian cruelty and depression. Of this code will say more in a future letter. OConnelPs success was hailed with joy. He was at once, and very properly too, named the Great Lberator. Following on this were benefits after benefits for his down-trodden country, which he literally wrenched from the English government The fame of this man, though not sealed with blood, is yet as ripe and fresh in the Irish hearts to-day as when his voice thun- dered in Parliament. ...a.
 Other men, and as good, were the fruits of these provinces but did Leinster ever send out a Missionary to relieve the fallen country of which it formed part? will not essay to condemn the people of Lein- ster. Far from it. I would not have it understood that even mean it SO; but I win not allow them place above the level of the Irish nation. They are as good; they are as bad. They may be as highly cultured, but they are not more so. Eng fish favor has done much good toward part of them but even that now has to be con- yeyed to them in as stealthy manner as possible. .... s......
 We will in our next make contrast of the scenery, and afterwards give general outline of the social and educational stand ings of the people in the West of Ireland.
 (7o De Contsnued.) ... .-
 
 Clayton @~~I7
 I Extra meetings have been held at Clay ton school house for the past two or three