New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-08
a beautiful and plausible theory to its logical
and practical conclusion.
OPPORTUNITY FOR MIR. DAVITT.


Mr.. Michael Davitt has produced an excellent
impression in this country, in almost every
respect strong feeling OF kindly appfe-
citation for him was aroused by his manly
rebuke of the dynamite towards, who use the
safe shelter of American freedom TO wage
war against unOiendng men, women ana
children. Mr.. Davtt manifested courage
and sound sense in his treatment OF this de-
testable faction, and, in land where ialr
play is really held dear, his course In THIS
respect has won much hospitality for his
opinions IN regard to the state and the needs OF
Ireland. Yet Mr.. Davitt in common with many
of his countrvmcn who are politically active
and Jealous. seems to make a serious mistake
in respect TO the status and duties OF lrlsh
American citizens. In his eloquent speech,
he urges that people come hither from other
lands with intent to make this their home,
but that the Irishman, having strong love
of bis native land, comes here only as tenn
porary refuge from intoerable oppression.
If Mr.. Davitt 'has not used such language as
to convey most mistaken idea OF MS real
meaning, he is quite in error y very large
proportion of the Instantaneous have taken
the oath of allegiance to the United states, anu
have voluntarily assumed all the duties OF
American citizenship. One of these duties, ami
most important one, is to he at peace with
nation with which the United States IS at peace.
1t must he assumed that citizens OF irish Dlrth
have not basely claimed the shelter OF Amer
lean citizenship merely for the purpose OF
getting ready to 90 back to portion OF Ureat
Britain rs armed enemies, cOnqueroIs anu
masters of Ireland. The worst enemies OF
the Irish-boIn citizens have not ventured TO
nut in definite terms charge implying III
them such nfany as this But if that charge
is unfounded, Mr.. Davitt is mistaken III saying
that the Irish American has other motives III
coming to tins country from those which actu-
ate the immigrants from Germany or other
lands.
If they have not been guilty Of infamous de-
ccption-and this Mr.. Davitt surely does not
mean to imply-thcsc citizens have come hithrr
TO cast their lot permanently with the Uhlteu
States. to respect its laws i'll all things, to re-
gard its welfare more than that of any other
country, and, in short, TO conduct themselves
in all respects as faithful citizens OF this land
of their adoption. In that case they are not
contemplating a return to Ireland, or any
PARTICIPATION in struggle Tor the Independence
Of Ireland. If their object is the diSmcmber-
mcnt of the British Empire, they have no bus
mess TO vote, or speak, or seek Office, or eA-
ercse influence in any way, as citizens Oh thlS
country. 1t is very grave question how lar
their organizations for the promotion OF polit-
zeal changes in Ireland, being inimical to a
Government with which this country Is at
peace. are consistent with their duty as citi-
zcns of the United States. They raise a great
deal of money, for what purpose! Is 1t to pre-
pare and publish appeals, III which those
moral and intellectual forces which Mr. Davltt
wishes 10 have employed exclusively shall be
brought to bear upon public opinion Ii So
the money is not intcliigcnuy spent to that
end. Irish opinion stands in no need OF edu-
cation. American opinion has no weight IN
the matter whatever, any more than British
opiuion had weight with Us when the South
ATTEMPTED to scccde. British opinion alone
can be influenced with reasonable hope that a
change there would result in change OF gov
eminent in Ireland, but it does not appear
that the Irish societies in this country make
any effort whatever to appeal to the reason or
the Justice of the British public. In what con-
ceivable duty, then, can they be engaged
which is not inconsistent with the paramount
duty of an American citizen!
If this question has been overlooked even
by Nr. Daytt. as it Is constantly by all the
shallow dcmagogucs who are rnting in this
country for the purpose OF eniisting Il SYM
patby that is not American, but dislinctlycly
foreign. might it not be we'll Tor the Irish
leader to give it serious thought and frank
discussion a great many OF his countlymen
by birth seem to stand in srca, need of some
enlightenment as to their duties as American
citizens. Mr.. Daytt can surely help them, il
he will.