The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-06-13
q IRISH-AMERICAN.

There is no prouder distinction in
America than to be called an Irish
American. 1t is estimated by some who
have studied the census tables that 25,-
600, 900 of the G 5000, 900 people composing
our population have more or less Irish
blood in their veins. That no one
bushes at the mention of his Irish ex-
traction, but rather boasts of it, is the
highest possible compliment to Irish
character. But should this shut our
eyes to Outrages that are perpetrated in
the name of Ireland? Rather, ought not
this fact make the Irish ele-
ment of society and every other good
element the more determined that no
wrong should be perpetrated in the
name of Ireland? 1t did not need the
findings of the ~coroner's jury in the
CrOnin case to fix upon that Irish
league known as the Clan-na-Gael the
preparation of that murder. From the
beginning every circumstance pointed in
that direction, and the verdict of the
jury only formulates universal opinion.
The most alarming feature of this sad
affair is that every single development
proves that at no stage of the conspir-
acy which ended in the murder was
it an individual grudge. Whata
ever there was in it affect
ing individuals was made the
cause of the clan as such, though
no official records have yet shown that
it was an official act. That could hardly
be possible. DR.. CrOnin was murdered
by the league, those Immediately con-
cerned acting for the league.
There are several of these Irish or
CARNATIONS more or less ~interlocked
with each other, all having the same end
in view. All of them are more or less
secret, oath-bound societies. Some of
them include in their membership Irish
men of talent and high social position;
but this does not justify their existence
on American soil. No true American
fails to heartily sympathize with Ireland
i'm her wrongs; but all true
Americans, whether just natural
lied, coming from the green island,
or descending directly OF remotely from
Irish ancestry, or naturalized from any
other country, or descending from any
other stock. wish to help Ireland; but as
Americans, not as Irishmen, or as
Germans, or as anythi ng else. That
Irishman is a ~hypocrite and a dangerous
man who takes the oath of allegiance
merely that he may plot more success
fully against England, and he should be
marked and be punished for his treason
against his adopted country. Just what
ought to be done or what can be done in
the premises is not now plain. At least
this much is possible: those clans and
leagues, as political factors, must be
resisted at any cost. The developments
which show that q very large per cent.
of the police force of Chicago belong to
one or more of these leagues, and that
policemen are implicated in the Cronin
murder, are not the most alarming de-
velopment of late years. These leagues,
by their adrOit management, have laid
their hands upon much higher forces
than the Chicago police force, or any
other city's police force. That they die
tate candidates at will and control cleo
tons is much more alarming.
A league or a combination of
leagues in America that can
hold their power over the United
States Senate, and forbid resolutions
of coincidence and sympathy on the
death of such a friend to America as the
late John Bright was, is in a fair way to
dictate any line of policy they may want.
Ii conviction follows the arrests in the
] Cronin case, it viii be on account OF an