The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-04-25
lreland's Struggle
For Freedom.

The result Of the second reading Of
Gladstone's home rule bill has caused
an awakening Of interest in the Irish
question; so much so in fact that a
brief history OF the struggle for auton-
omy on the part of the Irish people
will be read with interest by many:
The long conflict between England and
Ireland began in 1172 when the Second
Henry invaded the Emerald isle, and
owing to domestic strife gained firm
foothold there. ages of bondage and
slaughter" to use Moore's words. fol-
lowed. The Irish resisted stubbornly the
invaders who coveted their fertile wales
and valleys. British commanders such
as oliver Cromwell ravaged the country
with fire and sword. They confiscated
the lands and divided them among
their followers. 1t became the settled
policy of the invaders to root out the
irish and replace them by British set
tiers. who II was supposed would be
loyal to the crown.
This ruthless policy failed as the
world knows The British settlers and
heir descendants, became in great part,
fused with the native population and
made common cause with them. The
national spirit survived persecution and
resisted artifce. Thousands Of tho Irish
left their homes to win renown in
European wars while others crossed
the Atlantic to lay the foundation of
states in this country.
In 1882, there was great uprising,
inspired by the success of the Ameri-
can revolution. Under the lead OF
Henry Grattan, the Irish volunteers
assembled at Dungannon and declared
that only the King, lords and commons
If Ireland should govern Ireland. BY
this powerful eloquence Grattan in
duced the Irish parliament to proclaim
legislative independence. England.
which was involved in the Franco
American war granted the Irish de-
nand and after the lapse of centuries
here was a fair prospect that the two
Countries would be united on a basis
IF justice and equality. But England
withheld Irish rights and resisted re-
'orm. Inflamed by the revolutionary
;pirit in France, the Irish demanded
total independence, and some Of them
took up arms to obtain 1t.
This heroic struggle"the rebellion of
'9S' ended in disaster, and England. by
intimidation, artifice and bribery. de-
stroyed the Irish parliament. Grattan
resisted this act of union with match
less eloquence; but his patriotic ardor
did not avail against the determination
Of William Pitt to restrain the growing
power OF the Irish nation.
The Irish submitted sullenly to the
so-called union until 1S43 when Daniel
OConnell began the great agitation
for repeal. The popular demand was
stubbornly denied by the British par
lament. The Young Ireland movement
followed in 1S4S. Despite the patriotic
ardor Of Mitchell. Meagher. Duffy and
O'Brien, the contemplated revolt came
to naught and Ireland relapsed into a
state Of political dependency.
But hope springs eternal in the
Irish breast. After years Of agitation
for reform in the land laws. the Fenian
conspiracy made England feel the wide
extent and persistency Of Irish discon-
tent.
Mr.. Gladstone saw that something
must be done. At his instance parlia-
ment disestablished the Irish church.
and some years later. passed liberal
land law. These measures did not
satisfy the Irish people. who had ac-
quired much political power by tle ex-
tension of the suffrage and vote by bal
lot. Under the lead of Isaac Butt, they
began to agftate for home rule. Parnell
succeeded him as the popular header
and with the aid Of ardent supporters
compelled the British parliament to
give heed to Ireland's grievances. In
1886, Mr. Gladstone introduced a home
rule bill which was rejected in the house
OF commons by a majority Of about 20.
He APPEALED to the country and was
defeated. The conservatives came into
power, and aided by liberal unlonists,
retained Office until their defeat at the
general election last year compelled
them TO again retire in favor OF Mr..
Gladstone. whose efforts will. this time.
no doubt be successful. and whose
name viii be enshrined in the heart OF
every Irishman who loves the home Of
his birth.