The Irish standard., 1900-09-01
AHEAD OF BELFAST IN EVERY WAY
It Compares Favorably with Any
Continental City.
FINEST ELECTRIC rRAMwAY SYSTEM
Absence Of the Awful Inebriety
Noted in Glasgow.

Notwithstanding the exaggerated
claims advanced in behalf of Belfast,
Dublin is not only the chief city of
Leinster, but it is the metropolis of
all Ireland. And this, too, in spite Of
the fact that the northern city is the
recipient of many advantages which
are denied the city on the Liffey, writes
Rev. T. II. Malone in the Colorado
Catholic.
Whenever opportunity affords the
British government seems quite will
ing to aid the capital of Ulster, while,
on the contrary, parliamentary legis
lation seldom or never takes an advan-
tageous form for Dublin.
I he census never gives an adequate
idea of the Importance of this city.
Hathmines, which is as much a part
of the city of Dublin as Harlem is Of
New York, does not figure in the CEN
sus. A parliamentary committee which
closed it's sittings the other day, denied
the petition of the Dublin corporation
for the annexation of Rathmines, thus
making a concession to a few wealthy
people in the township, and disregard
ing those Of the citizens Of Dublin,
whose property is chiefly instrumental
in giving value to that situated in
Rathmines. 1t is worthy of note that
on this committee, composed of an
equal number of the members of the
house Of commons and the house Of
lords, there was not single Irish
member.
There is no doubt that in matter
affecting the city Of Belfast, Irish
Unionist members would be consulted
But Notwithstanding this manifest
prejudice on the part Of the govern
ment toward the Catholic city of Dub.
lin, it is the first city of Ireland, and
it's size, commerce, beauty of situation,
elegant streets, public buildings, not
merely entitle it to this position, but
place it in the front rank of Europes
most important and beautiful towns.
OF the part that Dublin has played
in its country's history need not
speak here. Suffice it to say it has al
ways taken prominent part.
OF the foundation of Dublin, it is
said that no man can speak with Ger.
tainty, but it is certain there was a
settlement on the spot during the first
days Of the Christian era. 1t will be
recalled as early as the second century
Ptolemy refers to Dublin as a grand
city. Later on, Of course, st. Patrick
visited the city and established relig-
ious institutions. Its history from that
day to the present time is too we'll
known to be recounted here. 1t is
enough to say that for centuries Dub
lin has been the center of authority
and seat of power for the whole coun-
try.
Considering Dublin from whatever
point Of view we may, it compares ia.
vorably with any European city. 1t is
famous as a state of learning today,
as Ireland was centuries ago. 1t pos.
sesses institutions Of every character
for the benefits of it's Inhabitants,
which place upon it indelibly the stamp
of moral, intellectual and spiritual
progress.
In passing, may remark that Dub
lin is the one city of Europe that pos
sesses a thoroughly first-class, up-to
date electric tramway system. 1t is
not too much to say that in this respect
no American city is superior to the
Irish capital. The electric system Of
tramways extends to all parts Of the
city and suburbs. The enterprise has
proved highly successful and the SER
vice is excellent.
Of the people of Dublin I must say
that found them considerate, courte-
GUS and kind. There is noticeable
absence here of that awful inebriety
which seems to be the distinguishing
mark Of Glasgow.
The visitor to ireland will find a
marked difference in the treatment he
receives at the hands Of shopkeepers
and hotel managers from that to which
he is accustomed in France, for in.
stance, or among the keen Scotch. In
Ireland, there is a fixed price, the
same for the visitor as for the native,
and from this there is no deviation.
Illustrative Of this point the Daily