The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-21
NEW YORK HERALD SUNDAY MARCH a. 1s75-ouNTUPLE SHEET

the struggle he lost TWO OF his sons, the eldest o.
whom distinguished himself by his gallant defence
property IN the fire OF Richmond. He came 10
New YORK soon after and joined the
tinued his attacks on the North BY order or Cen
erai Dix lie was arrested ami sent Fortress Mon
roe, where he occupied the casemate next TO Jer.
Davis lie was pardoned by President Johnson.
and on his arrival In New YORK was appointed bv
the Fenian organization their agent at PARIS. He
lived there until divisions broke out their
ranks, when he resigned, refusing TO attach HIM
sell TO either party. lie returned TO New YORK
very popular. but owing TO the appearance OF ar
tcies bitterly attacking the Fenian movement 1t
ieli RAPIDLY into dsfavor and finally the publlca-
taron IN ireland seemed to have infused
lnto ms heart the hope OF doing something useful
campaign Was proof how deeply his untiinching
devotion to the national cause had won the aiec-
tlo no e OF tne irish people VINO readily orgave az
manly courage. He mas lett to mourn his loss a
widow. two daughters ana ore son. HIS eldest
daughter, henrietta, became Catholic aud en-
tered q convent in Paris. where she died during
ner noviciate. HIS eldest son. John, was killed IN
Fort sumter; his youngest iell at Gettysburg. HIS
surviving son accompanied him to Ireland.
In reviewing The chequered life OF Mitchell IL Is
impossible not TO Ieei that with ms intellectual
gifts and fearless spirit he might have achieved
greater things. Quick OF understanding and reso-
Lutte Of purpose he was wanting IN those qualities
which make successiui leaders, What he thought
right he sought TO accomplish directly by over
throwing all opposing obstacles. He seems never
eXpediency. Although learned in history, and
more especially that OF his own country, he missed
the lesson That DIVIDED counses lead to failure and
ueleAt. The earneslness OfhIs nature inclined nm
toward violent measures; but he never shrank
from sharing the dangers TO when he invited
others. There was IN Mltche's character u vein
OF Roman iortltnde that raised HIM above the
petty ambitions OF the age In which ne lived. He
had a grand ideal that ne worsnIpped-an lnde-
pendent Ireland. But even this idol ne would
worship only a. he liked himse.f. He was alone IN
MS aims, or rather Ia his method, OF achieving
NJ hn nnIn yhnvr ha
loved ana abused them sometimes rOundly; but
whether ne blamed or praised he was In earnest.
Knew him ever douDied 'u Tor ~ an '"1 instant nT
ms honor bis sincerity or the purity Of
MS motives; Even IN his last campaign
ielt that he was drawing them toward u precipice
followed because they could not desert the man
who had stood by them in the presence Of the
enemy. In she darkest hour OF defeat Mitchell
never despaired. He was overrnrown. but not
conquered his bitter. Incorporating, indy
ing hatred OF England made him the represent ia
tive or irish nationality, and the love rne people
bore MIN lor this quality was intensified because
With greater wisdom he might have lett behind
him more tangible results, ont for all that his lie
pie to come out oil the terrible ordeal
through winch ireland passed from the
reign OF Elizabeth to Catholic emancipation With
cut losing their confidence IN their own power
ana courage. Had 1t oeen otherwise the Iervid
appeals made py Mitchell IN al ana '4s would
nave been answered by the starving people. 1t was
the sight OF those 1amisning wrelches for which
Mitchell could never forgive England. lie saw IN
the famine Of '46 and al not visitation OF Divine
Providence. but deliberate ATTEMPT OF the
British government to destroy the irish people.
HOW well founded his belief Is well atrested by
the official reports OF the government, for while
the people were dying Tor want OF food by thou.
sands tue expectation OF ali classes OF iOOu to
England was lmmense-more than sufficient
70 lct double tue population. Against
this ASSASSINATION of people all tnat
was bold. manly and generous in his nature re-
VOTED and mated the mallgn power which did SO
greata wrong with a Titanic nate whlcn is only
paraleled III history Dy Hannlbals hatred to
Rome. Mitchell served Ireland with his whole
heart, and IN return the Irish people all over the
world looked to hun as mariners look to the Polar
star-tne one fixed thing In all nature that was
ever constant and ever stood as guide and Dea-
con. His place IN Irish history will be beside
Emmett and Wof Tone rather than with his con-
temporary rev0lutiOnists. There was III him much
OF he ''thorOugh" spirit OF 1873. He was earnest,
disinterested and devoted, and his memory Will
remain green IN the LAND he loved 50 well until
time has been forgotten.