Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-06-24
OUR BOYS ORATIONS.
Thos. MtInerny's and E1mer j. Wa1lacc's
Graduation Theses.
TFrOm Dakota Republican,l

Thos McInerny's and Elmer j. wa1lacc's
Graduation Theses.
[From Dakota Republican,
THOMAS McINERNY
On "Hobert Emmet and Ireland"
The 18th century is the nation
forming century. The nations of Eu-
rope emerged from confusion and strife
and became unified powers. OF the
leaders in these revolutions sur
pass Robert Emmet in the noblcness
and charm and pure, unselfish motives
of his undertaking to free Ireland.
The history of Ireland for three CEN
turtles finds no parallel for the indig-
mites heapcd upon it by England. The
first attempt was that OF the Anglo
Normans in Henry lis time. Under
Cromwell it was finally and complete
ly subjugated and Milesian Ireland
ended. Never again were the ancient
laws and customs obeyed. The era Of
spoliation of Ireland under Elizabeth
and James, when the land was confis-
Gated and people banished and Irish
children peddled as slaves, now be-
came one of intolerance in religion.
Ireland must become Protestant. Can
we wonder that the Irish are treasur-
ing these indignities for day of re-
venge. The Restoration was only. a
period of temporary betterment. Ire
land and Catholicism went down with
james in the rebellion, and now Ireland
fell into rule OF shameful chaos, do
minated by aliens in blood, language,
customs and religion, whose actions
were inspired only by bigotry and av-
arice. Ireland was in exile. How
long was Ireland to remain in this
condition? Would she disappear from
the face of the earth? The story of
Boston Common and the Declaration
of Independence came from over the
sea and awakened Ireland from her
trance. The Protestant king and min
listers increase in expressions. They
discriminate against Irish industries,
and the people broke the shackles for
they had received taste OF liberty.
The Irish parliament was acknOwled.
ged. Now came the struggle. Eng
land practiced all possible devices to
subjugate the Irish, denationalize the
people and destroy affection for Erin.
She came forward with the Act of
Union, which was but a sham for the
avaricious betterment of England,
Now came Robert Emmett. He was
born in Dublin in IT'S and had BEEN
an exile for free speech for Erin s sake.
He came when Ireland was a volcano
of determination. He determined to
try to free her from oppression and
planned his rebellion. It's result we
know and we are not surprised that
the cords of Irish bondage we're not
broken by single attempt. The
revolt brought immediate and great
suffering. But we know he was justi
fled for Justice sake. England had no
right to take away the sacred ma
tionality of Ireland. Who would not
fight for his birthright? Emmett be-
came martyr, and around him Irish
love will never die, whether in Erin
home or alien exile.
ELMER JAY WALLACE,
The last speaker, had, as subject,
''The Philosophy OF Pessimism.' The
most ready means of attaining the
public notice is to doubt the future:
to look with fear upon a coming Gen.
tury is our custom. This is not sen.
timent, but fact. We find the past
has met difficulties, too, but all have
been surmounted. The path Of prog.
ress is by antagonism. A Wvclif, a
Huss, must come to break the shacklee
of injustice, and in few years of blood
make q new pathway for mans for
ward march. We have perhaps more
difficulties than the past, for this Ii
the manhood Od-not the childhood Ol
civilization. To day we confront the
struggle OF radicalism and conserva-
tism. Both are unyielding and look
with growing apprehension upon each
other. The conservatives are the
more cultured, the radicals are the
common people largely. OF these
perhaps the most to be feared Is moi
the bad of the commons but the tradi
tionally good of the conservatives. The
latter are always the bitter opponents
OF new ideas. The worst enemy OF The
better is the good. Socrates and Chris
were condemned not by the lawles.
and irresponsible masses, but by the
learned conservatives who clung Il
the old. Naturally the two classe,
view each other with distrust. One Il
anarchy to the other. Vice versa tn,
other is cOroding dry rot to its opposite
: However, society is an organism. 1t Il
like the animal body. 1t renews itself
. from the past successes. Radicalisn
is the energy OF 1.-THE social body, 1t
life-rcnewing power. We realize to
day the ideals Of yesterday, and q
must be the future. We must ne
member we are walking unaided; ",
have passed the stage Of patriarch
who walked with Gods help. David
a national hero bears no comparisol
to Lincoln Of the nineteenth century
, We have In our being the virtues Q
our ancestors. Human destiny Is no
chance. II is plan divine, with n
. mistakes. On the ashes Of false hope
/ we build anew and learn that Trutl
will make no free at last.
The 500 Art CO. will make you /