Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-04
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II Fl + s EN- I'll N + l..
ROCKVILLE. MID.
Friday Morning...........,.May 4, 1888
THE IRISH CONVENTION


ment which must be source of satisfaction
10 every friend of Ireland All the anti
cipations Of factional struggle were 10 put
TO shame. The spectacle presented was that
Of more than thousand delegates compro-
missing in liberal way their differences of
opinion as to modes of agitation, holding
themselves clearly within the duties Of
American citizenship, putting under foot
utterly the old antagonists born Of reli-
gious bigotry, and going forward in Union
at once formidable and picturesque to the
accomplishment of a well defined purpose.
Held in land of liberty, where free
speech is guaranteed to all classes and con-
ditions of men, and where the only practi-
cal limit to free expression of thought is the
rule Of good sense and judgment which
American institutions teach, we believe this
great convention of Ireland's people has
shown to the world that above all things
the government of the United States makes
citizens who know their rights, and arc
able tocohtend for them properly the world
over. - Hlek
'Thefspfinciplcs Tor which the people Of
Ireland are contending and in aid of which
this National League of America has been
organized, are in themselves such as every
people in the world are entitled 10 ask and
TOR which they are privileged TO contend.
They demand national elf.government.-
They ask for land law reform, for local self
government, for extension of parliamentary
and municipal franchises and finally are
laboring for the development and encour-
agement of the labor and industrial interests
Of Ireland Only the Nation that is OPP
pressed can appreciate the full force of
struggle for liberty. Only the people who
long for selfgovernment can feel the full
import of the cumulating forces, which in
their estimation bring them nearer TO the
accomplishment of their wishes
Viewed in the light Of powerful mani
festation Of Irish sentiment in America the
Philadelphia convention was powerful
factor in the struggle for the independence
Of land, and for this reason II is at all likely
that II will lose its legitimate force. 1t will
not be contendcd for moment that these
people had not the right to meet and de-
liberate, for 1t is settled beyond all dispute
in the United States that men who deem
themselves oppressed have sacred and in
vioable right to proclaim their wrongs 10
the world.
Happily the methods of moving the con-
science of humanity are changing. The
days OF brute force are fast passing away
The power of arbitration, the influence ol
public sentiment, the progress Of inter.
national relations are daily gaining wider
recognition in The sentiment of political and
social differences.
We hear much talk about lreer CONNER
cial and political relations among nations
We contemplate grand schemes looking to
ward the unication OF humanity in the
grand work of progress, Of human progress
and development. Bat all Of these ambitions
and efforts are vain unless nations will con
sent to recognize reciprocal obligations in
the management OF financial, political and
social affairs.
There are ignorant, fippant individuals
no doubt, who will try to belittle this gather
ing. They will, in the language of their soft
headed aud small-hearted forerunners, who
distinguish themselves for making merry
over every endeavor to secure 10 men theil
natural rights, sheer at the work done and
speak contemptuously Of the patriotic spirit
awakened. What, however, may be deter
mined upon is that no English statesman
fit for his place will deem this ligh, mat
ter. No direct crusade is 10 be feared from
the United States. Fleets are not 10 be sem
ont nor armies organized. But the English
government is notified that millions of men
distinguished for their courage, adroit il
the use of political weapons and well sup
piled with money have banded together
under common leadership to give II ne
rest till the heel OF its oppression is re
moved from their native country.
In the face of this movement 1t must b,
worse than vain TO persist in answering ap
peals for liberty with the DEGREES of Judge,
appointed TO convict the defendants brought
before them, and the rattle of mercenar,
rifles. There is an Ireland which no Eng
lish coercion can reach. There is now ,
coniederacy almost ce-extenslve with tn,
globe which cannot be put down. and which
will not rest I'll justice be done in the cen
trail home OF the Celtic people.
The members of the Philadelphia conven
ton appreciated the great objects of ih'
Irish race and they succeeded in placing III,
whole movement on a basis which will en-
list the moral support of the majority Of th,
people. They did not imagine for one mo
ment that the main object OF the conven
ton was 10 aid in revenging past wrongs OF
ireland and their efforts did not degenerat,
into a mere encouragement TO dynamite con
spirators.
We think further that the proceedings o
the convention developed additional evi
dence that the Irish people are capable Of
"'h- oof'tsststshtt ahi di1e tiitl ttuu W ttltCi
the English people that the surest way Il
make good citizens is TO grant the reason
able and natural rights which belong to an
ambitions people under the natural rules
applicable TO life, liberty and property.
The convention of historic interest, as
being the greatest gathering ever held by
eKpatriated men 10 take measures for the
relief Of their native country. No other
government known 10 history was ever con
fronsed with such spectacle rs England
had 10 look upon for four DAYS of last week
While the State Of Ohio is sending man
10 prison for attempting to bribe Legislators
the Legislature of Massachusetts is consid.
ering resolution that eulogizes the late
oakes Ames, and calls on Congress 10 honor
his memory--thc same Cakes Ames who
frankly aud repeatedly ayowed the policy Of
making Congressman interested in his mon
IL