The Irish standard., 1901-07-13
THE DUKE OF CoNNAuGHr.

Notwithstanding the fact that Ire
land is taxed for the South African
campaign and has furnished more than
its share Of tile best generals and SOL
diers to deprive the Beers of their lib
erty, the selfish policy of England has
withheld from Ireland any benefits ac-
cruing from the war in the way of
business. Not only is Ireland discrim-
mated against in the purchase of sup
plies for the army abroad, but the sup
plies for the army of occupation in
Ireland. under the Duke of Connaught,
are imported from England. To the
credit of King Edwards brother, who
is commander of the British forces in
Ireland. it is said he complained to the
war office for boycotting Irish commo-
dities. The Dublin Freeman's Journal
refers to his protest as follows:
1t is we'll that it should be clearly
understood that English government in
Ireland is exactly what it always was.
1t is still a government of Ireland by
England for England's advantage. The
spirit which dictated the open boycott
OF Irish manufactures by statute is
still alive and active, though it is no
longer so brutally frank in it's manifes-
tation. There are more ways, the prov
verb runs, of killing a dog than by
hanging him. 1t is no longer needed
TO pass an act Of parliament openly
and avowedly for the suppression of
Irish manufacture. But when Irish
trade or manufacture comes into COM
petition with English the favoritism of
| the government is as manifest as ever.
This time 1t is a royal duke that has
called attention to an Irish grievance.
AS commander of the forces in Ireland,
his royal highness the Duke of Con-
l"ught has had experience of the strict
lfo:cott of Ireland and things Irish
which is observed at the war office.
The simplest articles required in the
barrack stores in Ireland, such as lad
ders, brooms and brushes, have to be
brought all the way from Woolwich at
greatly increased cost to the tax
payer. When it is question of pay
ing for these articles the privilege Of
the Irish taxpayer is freely allowed.
No British jealousy is displayed. Ire
land is permitted to contribute from
forty to fifty per cent more than her
share to the maintenance of the British
empire on which the sun never sets.
But i'll securing all the profit of this
expenditure British monopoly is strict
~ maintained. Irish agricultural pro-
duce from meat to provender has been
deliberately boycotted in army con-
tracts in favor of British or for
elgn, to the detrlment not less of the
soldier than Of the Irish producer, IT.
ish beer and porter, unrivalled in the
world. is slut out of military canteens
in Ireland.
When questions are asked on the
subject by Irish members like Mr..
Nannetti and Mr.. John Murphy, the
responsible spokesman of the govern
nent are fertile in excuse and evasion,
but mere is never a hint of redress.
The voice Of n royal duke, usually so
potent is powerless when it pleads for
the redress of a manifest grievance for
ireland. Protest is met-by idle talk of
the option exercised by local authori-
ties or the difficulty of securing the
necessary supplies in this country.
His royal highness is the local au-
thorlty as commander of the forces in
Ireland. 1t is plain from the evidence
that he anticipated no difficulty in OBJ
tanning the necessary supplies in Ire
klnd at cheaper rate than they could
De imported from England. 1t is not
less plain that as the local authority.
nonlnally the supreme local authority
he was pow rless TO interfere with the
system. This is no isolated Illustration
OF the methods and motives of the
,f'ch and generous predominant part
her'' who from pure philanthropy in
s'sts on maintaining the partnership.
Inc climax Is reached when we have
the Duke of Connaught in an official
capacity, where he had the fullest on
rortunity of judging entering his pro-
test against the system. Here surely.
as Mr.. John Murphy suggests, is an
opportunity for the Intervention of our
sympathetic chief secretary" who pro-
fesses himself so eager for the material
advancement of Ireland and the on
enlargement of Irish industries and
manufactures. When the Duke of Con-
nanght leads the way it might be fairly
expected that Mr.. Wyndham would be
neither ashamed nor afraid to follow
But when questions are asked in the
House of Commons, as Mr.. Murphy
points out, the chief secretary is dis
creetly absent from his seat in the
house. He will not stir a finger to
aid the Irish party in their efforts for