The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-08-26
Excerpts from Michael Davitts Speech

would rather by patient endurance, by suf.
fering insult, by putting up with calumny and
uisrepre sentation, plod on through all my life
working for Irish national self-government than
60 crafty the natural promptings OF the irish
heart 90 have revenge for what Ireland has suf-
fered in the past Applause. The night for
Irish national self-goyernment looks perhaps
different in Ireland from what it does in Chicago.
Hear hear 1t is very easy to establish an
Irish republic 5000 miles away from Ireland by
patriotic speeches Applause and laughter; but
/ assure you il is not at all an easy task on the
hillsides and the plains OF dear old Ireland.
The defeat Of Mr.. Gladstone's home-rule
scheme is believed by many ardent Nationalists
in America 20 be not IN unmixed evil. must
say that the same opinion largely obtains in Ire
land. The scheme rolosed by Mr. Gladstone
recognized the principle of national self-govern-
ment for which the Irish race has so long con-
tended. A Parliament in Dublin to manage
Irish affairs appeals strongly 70 me as an Irish
Nationalist 10 accept such Il measure, and hope
for Ii me 10 remedy the other drawbacks OF such
measure; and, consequently, when appealed
TO by Mr. Parnell for my opinion, L agreed with
him that we would not be acting in the inter-
ests Of the Irish people if we did not advise them
TO accept and give fair trial 70 Mr.. Glad
stones scheme of home rule. Applause
The situation in Ireland to-day is such as may
largely draw upon the patience and forbear-
ance which ask OF my cOuntrymen in America
for the leaders and the people at homo. Glad
stones defeat gives power in Ireland for time
to the landlord garrison of that country and its
English supporters, the Tory party. Many men
in America may believe that this means tho
movement Well, such emphaticaly is not the
belief of the leaders at home or of the Irish
people. We DO not think that the IN 9yement
started by the Land League is It all impaired
by the recent defeat in the House Of Commons
So long have cool heads and
resolute hands to carry on the strug-
gle it matters very little about
one or more knock-down blows We
have become SO accustomed to reverses in Ire
land, our movement has so often arisen from
defeat 70 smite its very overthrowers, that we
are not discouraged or dismayed at having to
begin again this winter the fight that has been
going on without cessation during the last seven
years. The overthrow of the Gladstone Govern
ment will change the scene of action from West
minister TO Ireland. In the British Parliament
Paraell has had the balance Of power during
the last few years. Therefore the struggle for
Irish autonomy was mainly carried on there.
Now the scene Of action and strife is removed TO
Ireland, where, Notwithstanding the POWER of
England, Irish national sentiment reigns su-
preme in an impregnable position. Applause.
We believe that we can night out the destiny
OF our country even without the aid of the sword.
Applause and Hear, hear In Ireland borrow
ing weapons from the constitutional armory Of
England and turning those weapons against
herself in Ireland has made Irish national
sentiment supreme within her borders and our
cause to be respected throughout the civilized
world. lApplause.l Mr. Sullivan has spoken
some truths, which, l trust, will attract atten-
ton in England. 1t was not NJ Parnell,
it was not his followers, who called tho
dynamiters into England. All this was done by
England, and If men here in America choose TO
fight for enge, choose 70 resort to retaliation
for the wrongs inflicted upon them and their
country, we cannot be 70 blame 1t is England
that is TO blame. Applause and Hear hear,7l
must say, however, that we in Ireland believe
we can work out the destiny of our country, we
can vindicate Irish national sentiment we can
realize Irish patriotic aspirations, without the
aid Of dynamite any policy of that kind.
We in Ireland must face the enemy and fight
the battle OF our country. Applause and True
for you. We are the men in the gap. We
have To run all the risk. We have TO take the
consequences, providing we make false step.
IflANn faRa Nla..r fVl
the right Ia say in what way we, the people OF
Ireland, shall work out the regeneration OF our
country. Applause and "Good there is lit
tie accorut taken here in America OF the terri
BILE odds against which we have to contend at
home. Don't YOU think the policy which has
brought 50 much about is the best and the
wisest policy for us to pursue? Applause and
yes" Anyhow, going to pursue il.
GOOD enough" am certain that in short
time we will win this fight.