The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-15
Mr.. Egan and the Hendricks Monument.


To the Editor OF the Indianapolis jon rnaI:
There is indeed much truth and force in the
old Irish adaee which says that s'the best hurl-
ers are always found on the fence The short
and simple note Of Mr. Patrick Egan, president
of the Irish National League of America, prom
Using the Irish American committee of the
Hendricks Monument Association all the assist
ance in his power, although differing from the
late Vice-president in American politics, seems
to have called down on HIS head all the spleen
and abuse Of a few of the ultra-patriotic Irish
Democrats of this city, if the columns of this
mornings Sentinel may be relied upon.
Despite the i'll natured sneers of the Sentiners
critics, feel assured the Irish race in Ireland
as well as in America have full faith in Mr.
Egan's manhood and patriotism, and believe
that man who has. sacrificed his bust
ness and life prospects for the cause
of the land that bore him, and is prepared if
necessary, to make still greater sacrifices even
though Republican, in American politics. is
much greater shakes" than those who are sell
dom OF never heard from in any good cause at
ALL American or Irish, save as chronic grumblers
or fault-finders, and who seem to fancy that even
the work of the Divinity would be imperfect had
they not been sent to keep it in order The public
will properly appreciate the graceful action of
Mr. Egan in connection with the death of the
distinguished friend of his native land aud will
acknowledge that after all there is not any great
treason in the frank avowal that he was at the
same time on the other side of the house in
American politics. The insinuation that he
sought to use his position in the League to further
his own we'll as the interests of the Republican
party is too contemplate for comment. Irish
Americans have sufficient intelligence to
direct their individual action in these matters
and if the "fence hurlers' of the Sentinel had
taken the trouble to look abroad they could have
discovered goodly number of worthy Irishmen,
not enrolled in the Democratic ranks, who have
rendered creditable service to the land of their
adoption as we'll as to that of their birth, and in
whose presence the Scion of the Sentinel would
be made TO see that he was himself not such
great shakes" as he sets up to be.
By the way the Irish Republican, Mr.. Egan,
having senfed his willingness to do all in his
power to honor the memory of one of Americas
foremost Democrats, what are the Irish Demo
cratic fault-hnders going to do in the same di-
recti6nl suggest that they make themselves
known TO the monument committee and offer
their services. For myself. will say that since
/ acquired the privilege of voting have used it
in the interest of the Democratic party, believ-
ing it was the right thing to DO; but that is no
reason why / should refuse to Others who believe
and act differently credit for the same honesty
OF intention claim for myself, and, further, /
believe it is possible for an Irish Republic
an to be a good citizen, good friend and good
man all around. JOHN CALVIN.
INDIANAPOLIS. Jan. Ia.