The Irish standard., 1898-10-08

titude OF Mr. Chamberlain on the one
hand, and of Michael Davitt on the other.
From the high-fying Unionist stand
point nothing can be more mischievous
than this talk of alliance with the United
States. While from the Irish point Of
view, nothing can be more fatlous than
to oppose an alliance in which the re-
public. based ON the principle of home
rule, and largely Influenced by the Irish
vote, would be the predominating part
ner. But such is the perversity of hui
man. and especially Of Irish, affairs, that
each Of these able and resolute men is
contending strenuously for the cause to
which he is passionately opposed.
Mr.. Chamberlain told Mr.. Morley in
the house of commons that the Irish vote
counted for little in American politics.
When Mr. Chamberlain can find single
notable American politician who has
never expressed his sympathy with home
rule for ireland. he may expect us to be-
lieye him. The Irish vote counts in
every election in every state in the
Union. The English vote counts for
nothing in any American election any
where. Mr.. Chamberlain will hardly
deny that Mr.. Croker, born in County
Cork. counts for something in New York.
There arc smaller Mr.. Crokers in every
great city in the states. They and the
Irish from whom they spring are. alike
81, mi
like salt in the mortar OF the temple of
the English speaking race. They are,
and will he as long as we persist in an
attitude OF uncompromising antagonism,
an indispensable obstacle to any realiza-
ton OF the dream Of a reunited people.
Itis noi without some significance that
at the very moment when MY Chamber
lain talks OF close fighting alliance
will, the United States. the president
who is waging war by sea and land to
secure the liberation Of IN oppressed
island should be Il Mckinley Of Antrim,
one OF whose family was hanged by the
British sodiery in this very rebellion of
1898 TIL" grave of Francis Mckinley, of
Conagl1rr. may still be seen at the de-
serted burial ground of Derry Kejshan,
CouTly Antrim. with an inscription set
ting forth how lie died for the cause of
Ireland That man who was hanged in
Colcrainr market place after brief trial
at drum-hcad court martial was the I'M
Gle of William Mckinley, now president
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any Mckin!cys of Conaghor in ireland.
They have all crossed the Atlantic for
the states.
Turn where you please in the United
States. and you will find the strain Of
Irish blood. Even Admiral Schley is
Irish on his mothers side. In the army,
in the navy. and, above all, in every de-
partmcrl OF the political world tho Irish
SWARM,
How arc we going to have firm. close,
friendly relations with these people if We
do not hc; the Irish fcuh, and how can
we heal the Irish feud when we persist
in picking the Irish pocket?
Behind the natural and necessary in
crease of Irish influence that must result
from any drawing together OF the empire
and the republic, it is necessary also to
remember that. if the two English speak
ing nations should be not friends, but
foes. the Irish grievance might afford a
hostile government at Washington with
exactly that preteXt for intervention that
would most commend itself to the moral
sense of the American people. We are
now face to face with n new Amcrica-an
America flushed with victory, and exut
ant at having received the benedictiOn of
Providence on its libcrating mission in
Cuba. The appetite grows while eating.
The crusading genius which delivered
the West Indies from Spain, once reused,
is not likely to go to sleep.
For many years past the American
politician confined his participation in
the affairs of other nations to passing
resolutions in congress and in the yari-
Gus state legislatures in favor of tho
oppressed cubans AMI the oppressed
Irish. Al Madrid and in London. men
laughed aud said that these resolutions
were mere waste paper. But a time
came when Uncle Sam got tired of pass
ing resolutions about Cuba; he took
down his sword and shoul,lcred his rifle.
With one blow the Spanish fleet disap-
Feared from the Philippines. with an
other the navy of Spain vanished from
American waters. a time may come
when he may get tired Of passing rcsO-
lutions about the wrongs of Ireland.
And then?
'rhc habit of succOring oppressed and
DISCONTINUED islanders who are chatting
against a foreign yoke began in Cuba. 1t
spread at once to the Philippines. 1t
MAY find a more congenial island for it's
manifestation nearer home.
Tho American eagle is no longer con-
fined to ITS grading continent. A new
naval power has been born into the
world. and one which from its birth is
disposed to- regard its mission seriously
as an avcnser Of the oppressed and Il
minister of he vengeance OF Heaven.
Remember. If you please, that al
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