The Irish standard., 1896-06-06
q ~
THE BLESSINGS OF WAR
Archbishop Ireland Discusses Ar
bitration From a New
Standpoint.
Should War Be Abolished, What
Would Keep Alive the Fires
of Patriotism?
.
National Dishonor and Loss of Ma
tional Respect Are Worse
Things Than War.


tional disputes He remarked at the time
that war, while deplorable in some of its
| features, developed patriotism as moth
| ing else could develop it, so far as he
could see.
The archbishop's words were tele-
graphed broadcast over the world and
have been provocative of universal COM
| ment by the leading newspapers and
periodicals. Some applauded the arch
bishop for his opposition to what they
termed the t'milk and water, peace-at-
any-price theorists while others have
made the address an excuse for some ur-
gentle criticism. Still others have
doubted the entire accuracy of the tele-
graphed reports.
| To set at rest whatever doubts or mis-
understandings there may have been as
tc Archbishop Treland's position, the st.
Paul Globe sent a reporter to interview
him and obtain statement in regard to
his st. Louis address. The interview was
readily granted.
my allusion to arbitration and war,
in my st. Louis address, seems to have
been reported to the ends Of the earth
said the archbishop, with laugh. 1T
has been made to include more than 1
intended, or what my words Indicated.
stThere is a growing public opinion in
favor OF arbitration. 1t is proposed that
war be made to cease forever, and that
quarrels, whether between populations OF
the same country or between nations at
large, be settled by the Offices OF peaceful
tribunals I am not discussing tonight
the problem of arbitration. But while !
do hear mention Of it, the question press
es itself en- my mind: How will patriot
ism fare under the new order of things?
What will there be to take the place of
war in evoking, strengthening and con-
sacrating patfiotism? EioW SIS o2Wss..s:s stTIyong: and
indestructfbie is the patriotism Of the
Grand. Army of the Republic and, the
Loyal Legion! The mere sight OF the
country's flag warns the souls Of the
veterans to fever heat OF patriotic de-
votion which spreads from the sanctu-
aries of their associations throughout the
land. They typify and teach love Of
country and ardor of sacrifice for the
sake of country. Whence this perfervid
and holy patriotism? From memories
of the war of thirty years ago, from mem
ories of battles fought and won at the
price of life itself. Sacrifice for country
makes country doubly dear, and, so far
as l can now see, develops patriotism as
nothing else can develop II.
''rThe meaning OF those words is that
war eyokes and stimulates patriotism,
and in case universal arbitration were to
prevail, some other spring OF the noble
virtue must be sought for--one SO rich
and powerful as was remaining, Tor the
time being, unknown to me.
s'It rests with the advocates of arbi-
tration to show that patriotism will not
= n Fpi ar
that, il it does suffer in some degree,
what is lost. a
Il dc not undertake to deny that an
admirable case can be made for arbitra-
ton: I did not discuss arbitration;
merely raised q question; and, mean
while. ! do not dare to say that no an
swer will be Forthcoming.
81 am not ignorant OF the terrible mis-
cries attendant upon war. / have wit
messed them on the battlefield, under
the hospital tent, in the homes OF be-
reaved mothers and wives
"tF'orce is, at best,
4 fearful thing, cen in a righteous cause.
s.The power of religion and reason
should be used to avert war. Arbitra-
ton is q beautiful theory. 1t comes to
us from our dreamings of an improved
humanity, and the dominance OF Christ.
Universal peace Is the ideal fruit OF
Christ's preaching and the ideal conel-
ton of the human family. No wonder
that men, good and true, sigh for uni
versal peace, and for the settlement OF
all difficulties through arbitration. The
head of the Catholic church, Leo Kill,
To whom I owe reverence and love. has
invoked peace, and recommended arpl-
sration. and fellow him Loyalty.
sIN 1i1so n 81
should not allow ourselves to overlook
the fact that humanity is finite, limited
entity. not always prepared for the full
realization of the ideal, and that, In con-
sequence, horrible as war is, there arc
evils inmeasurably worse than those of
war.
aCount Tolstoi, it is said, denounced
patriotism a short time ago, his argu-
lnent being that patriotism promotes
war. Well if wax may come OF patriot.
ism. let war come, for patriotism we must
have, at any cost.
IA people without patriotism is not
worthy of peace; and the blessings OF
peace will not rest upon it. Patriotism
IS the sap of life in nation, giving
growth and luxuriance to its social fnsti-
Iu1ions, and prosperity and happiness to
its citizens.
Eyes, there are things worse than war.
There is national dishonor the loss Of ma
tional self-respect, the wreckage Of the
national inheritance of dignity and liberf
ty, and If war is the only preventative
of these things, let war come with all
Its ntseries and horrors. 55 5.5s 5
.'God forbid that we go backsto bar bar
ous. or semi bar rbarous periods of history,
when tribes and nations made war as for
,,astime; when baub,e was the prize
for which men fought; when the whims
and personal ambitions OF kings and
queens summoned armies into battle ar.
ray. The interests at stake must be-
equal in value to the sacrifice which war
exacts. !. 4 -; sSy ,
There is abundant room for arbitra-
ton ia making war. impossible Tor a II