The Irish standard., 1888-06-09

leave taking, and then along each road
that led to Connaught streamedethe sor-
rowing procession, weary, fainting,
foot-sore, weeping aloud. All these
expressions, terrible as they were, were
but as torerunners of the fearful destiny
awaiting Ireland. 1t is evident in
glancing over the history OF the nation
that one continuous wave of oppression
and tyranny has existed eyer since the
Norman invasion. Even now in this
present age Of freedom the Irlshman is
punished for raising his voice in a cry
for justice. Since he has been trampled
upon for centuries, granted but few
privileges, distressed by famine and
sickness, we would expect to find him
logged and sullen, submitting to au
thority in a mechanical way. hopelessly
Indifferent as to the justice of the au-
thority exercised. With this expecta-
ton we are surprised to find him ever
ready to resist unjust measures and
wide awake on all subjects pertaining
to the welfare of his people. His great
love for home and freedom, his ambition
and restless spirit will not permit him
to quietly submit like one of calmer
nature. He loves his country and for
her he will live and die.
Many things have conspired to make
the Irish more sensitive to their condi-
ton and to arouse within them never
ceasing desire for liberty. A great
impetus to this movement is gained
through the press which carries the
story Of oppression into the farthermost
corner of the Isle, even to him who has
been denied the right of education, but
who seems to have stolen that right in
spite of the English Government. True
it is that the ruling power does not pro-
hibit education in Ireland now, but it
is practically prevented by evicting
such numbers Of people and charging a
rent so enormous that the poor tenant
fails to satisfy even his physical needs.
Is not education prohibited? And more,
England, as if she wished to destroy all
thought of advancement, afixes an ad-
ditional rental upon every improvement
so that there is no impetus to better the
condition of affairs.
Some concessions must be made by
the English Government. Emigration
from Ireland is increasing that neces-
sity. Irishmen coming to America see
the results of liberty and in time be-
come imbued with more patriotic feel
ings than they ever before experienced.
It is the lrish-American to whom Ire
land may look for aid. When he comes
to this country he shows what he is
capable of doing, thereby making the
sin of England seem greater in our eyes
that she keeps down a people so pos
sessed Of wit and intelligence.
Then lay aside ali prejudices. Look
upon the Irish1nan in his true condition.
Do not taunt him with lack Of ambition,
Of education and industry. Think what
ireland has suffered! How we'll she has
borne it! How could she manufacture
or carry on trade when expressly for
hidden to do so by the ruling power?
England now invites Ireland to make
up" and compete with her, and she may
safely give that invitation since she has
nursed her own into maturity. The in-
yitatlon to the weakened country to
compete is like calling for race be-
tween trained athlete and a cripple
who has been detained until the
other has neared the winning post.
Give ireland a chance and see what
results she will achieve! Give her
freedom and we will see, as has
been shown before, that Ireland's right
does not involve England's wrong. Let
US open our eyes to the truth and then
Judge whether or not, ''Ireland is re-
spOnsible for Ireland,s condition."