The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-05-07
IRISH NATIONAL LEAGUE.
Chicago's Ratification of the Action
Taken at Philadelphia.


Irish National League of America, was mea-
gerly attended in comparison with the former
gathering in the interest of the Irish
national cause in this city One of the fore
most elements which has hitherto been
prominent in all agitations of interest to Ire
land was absent and unrepresented by any
of its orators or leaders. The explanation is
offered that the feeling which was displayed
az the Philadelphia convention has
not been healed, and that matters
are at issue between representatives of
the race which prevent uniform action
on an occasion of this character. The An
Gent Order of Hibernians was represented
by several bodies, members appearing in full
regalia, and two companies of Irish soldiery
were present in uniform and bearing arms.
On the platform were members Of the State
judiciary, the mayor of the city and other
distinguished gentlemen, in addition to the
new president of the league. The audience
was not lacking in enthusiasm. and some of
the sentiments expressed were wildly ap-
plauded. Judge Thomas A. Moran, of the
Circuit Court presided, and, in accepting
the chair, pointed to the fact of the inability
of Ireland to obtain relief through the agency
of the English Parliament, and spoke of the
unfair representation granted the Irish peo-
pie in that body. He asserted that the only
hope for Ireland lay in a sentiment which
would eventually actuate the entire Amer
lean nation, and which would compel En-
gland to give Ireland favorable legislation.
Mayor Carter H. Harrison said Irish free
dom would have to be won this side of the
A mt ~ lNry4 L.
forcing American opinion favorable to Irish
freedom
Congressman George R. Davis said the hon
est sentiment of America was irresistibly
with Ireland in her struggle for liberty, but
warned his hearers that any attempt to or
ganize rebellion this side of the ocean, to be
carried on by indirect methods, would alien
ate the sympathies Of this people.
sULLvAN's ADDRESS.
Alexander Sullivan, new president of the
Irish National League was the last speaker,
and his remarks in view of his position,
were closely listened to. He was met by
storm of applause and began his address by
referring to matters in his personal career
which have been commented upon since be-
ing raised to the head of the new national
organization of Irishmen. II have known
ut is just, however that should say that
many who became so ON a mistaken impress
sion of the circumstances have since become,
on hearing the truth, my warmest friends
For those who remain my enemies in spite of
the truth, and who would be the enemies of
any man OF my race, have only that indif-
ference which becomes a self-respecting
man"
Proceeding to other subjects he said 1.-THE
great convention which assembled at Phila-
delphia was the largest representative body
which ever came together in America to de-
liberate upon the condition of Ireland and
to take such action would, in its Judgment,
best promote its welfare. 1t was essentially
an American body-American in simplicity
and straightforwardness of its proceedings;
American in its quiet and steady behavior;
American in the wide view it took of politi-
cal IDEAS American in that it owed and
proudly boosted of its first allegiance to the
constitution and laws of this republic, and
American in its desire to extend the princi-
pies of that constitution and the blessings of
these institutions to its enslaved mother
land" He contended that the platform of
the Philadelphia convention had secured the
enthusiastic approval of the entire American
press without notable exception, and that it
has won for Ireland, to a degree hitherto
unattained, the sympathy of mankind
Yet" said the speaker-"for such is
the condition of Ireland to-day-if such a
platform We're put forth by similarly-con-
stituted body in Dublin, the entire assem-
blage would have been marched under mill
tary escort from the convention hall to the
most illustrous abode the English govern
ment has ever conferred upon Irish patriots
the jail.
'The platform declares, in o word that
henceforth the Irish race in exile is unit
in It's determination to aid our countrymen in
their struggle for self-government, by what
ever method they think best for the achieve
ment of that end"
Continuing, he declared it his purpose in
carrying out the wishes of the convention to
make the masses of the American people in
formed of the truth about Ireland When
they understood the rsasonableness of her
claim they would be united in its support,
and their will properly expressed the power
of the British empire could not withstand
He contended that the method England
had most successfully practiced against Ire
land was by misrepresentation, in asserting
that the land was over-populated, and that
emigration was necessity. Yet the popula-
ton is only 1852 to the square mile while in
Germany it is 213, and in England and Wales
445. at is said, /" continuing the speaker
THAT Ireland being only an agricultural
country, cannot support herself. 1t is true
comparatively speaking, she has no manu-
features, but who destroyed them? The Eng
lish government, that Ireland might be an
exclusive market for English manufactures
1t has been said Ireland is without capital
and that a country without capital cannot
maintain self-government but we shall tell
the American people how the capital of Ire
land is drained from her teeniing soil, and
they will see for themselves that it is only by
self-government that she can keep her capital
at home and invest it in industries which will
create domestic exchanges"
In conclusion he said: when she has self
government she will use her own capital to
create manufactures. She will then export
only her surplus food, and what manufac-
tured articles her people need they will i'm
port from America or some other friendly
people. We are told her people are ignorant;
but who destroyed her schools? Who made
learning crime2 Who, by force, reduced
an entire people to iliteracy in the name of
religion and law. that they might be more