The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-19

A call was made to-day at the Office of the So
cialist League. in harrington street, in order to
learn, if possible, what progress had been made
in Ireland with organized Socialism Mr.. Spar
ling, one of the chiefs Of the British movement,
admitted that there was only one branch of the
society in ireland, and that this branch was
located in Dublin, and consisted of thirty paying
members, nearly all of whom were workingmen
Mr.. Sparkling further said that he was in a posi-
tion to state that the more advanced among the
Irish members of Parliament were in full SYM
pathy with the Socialistic movement, and that
several of them had made secret contributions
of money for its advancement
There is no doubt, he continued, ''that vast
numbers of the Irish people sym pathize with our
ideas. and would at once join our ranks if they
were not already engaged in determined strug-
gle for national independence. The Nationalists
recognize the fact that their chief duty at pres
ent is to achieve this independence. After this
has been attained social questions will come to
the front. The majority of MIR. Davitt's follow
ers are Socialists at heart The meeting which
we attempted to hold at Odd fellows' Hall, In
Dublin, on Thursday night, was thoroughly or
ganized, and at the first proceedings were order
ly, but a lot OF roughs, who had forced their way
into the hall, created such disturbance that the
affair was broken up. This is the first public
meeting which the Socialists have attempted to
hold in Ireland, and its non n-success is disap-
pointing.
"If, as have reason to believe, it is intended
to suppress all Socialist meetings in Ireland by
the means adopted on Thursday night or any
other equally outrageous. Dr. Aveling and others
will proceed to ireland and hold meetings until
they either triumph or 60 to prison. The Dub
lin Socialists are determined to meet publicly,
and if the use of halls OF buildings is refused
them they will make their demonstrations out
OF doors There is a certain amount of prejudice
in Ireland against Socialism on account of the
strong religious feeling and the open opposition
of the priesthood Socialism has thus hitherto
been prevented from making rapid progress but
Ireland is certainly moving toward Socialism.
Thus far Parnell has been able to control the
masses but it is not to be doubted that the pop
ular movement is now beyond his control
'1here is no connection" said Mr.. Sparling in
conclusion, 'between Socialism and Fenianism,
agrarian outrages or the overt acts of moon
lighters"
Mr.. Sparling's views are sadly at variance
with those expressed by the Cable News CORE
spondeut at Dublin, who telegraphs to night, on
the subject of Socialism in Ireland, that the idea
of its ever spreading in that country is ridicu-
lous. The opposition Of the priests alone would
prevent this The people of Ireland not only
greatly distrust the Socialists themselves, but
they are possessed of prejudice against the So
ciety which would seem to be ineradicable.
Both Socialists and Socialism are almost entirely
foreign, and the chief speakers ar the meeting
on Thursday were Germans and Russians.