The Irish standard., 1902-09-27

|
We're new works, an average of Il
strange book every fortnight, There
We're 13S,O0O copies Of ''Simple Lesso rs
in Irish" printed, and $4,000 of other
books, such us first and second read
ers, collections of Gaelic poems. stories,
proverbs, sheet music and similar
works. Valuable pamphlets of a pro-
pagandist nature made up another 4O.-
600, and all these large numbers do
not include the two periodicals issued
under the auspices of the league, can
Claidheamh Soluis' and "Irisleabhar
na Gaedhilge." both Of which have
large circulation. OF the 213,OOO books
and pamphlets placed upon the market
more than 100000 have been sold.
The stimulus given to original Irish
literary effort by the league during
the past year is sufficient excuse for
its existence if there We're no other.
Much has been done towards the Gre
alton of modern literature in Irish.
For the first time in history it has
made the way clear for Irish writer's
and speakers to devote themselves to
literary work in Irish as regular pro-
fession. Moreover, it has placed in
the hands Of an ever-increasing num-
Der of readers Of Irish a body Of pop
ular reading matter Of the most varied
and up-to-date types. Many Of the
books are illustrated handsomely, be-
ing the first high-class illustrated
books that have ever appeared in
Irish.
Some Of the significant facts in re-
lation to these publications are printed
on Irishmade paper, and that all the
incidental processes. such as the max
ing of brass and zinc blocks for COW
ers and title pages, zinc and copper
plates for illustrations, drawing Of
original pictures, heading. etc, are car
ried out in Ireland by Irish hands. 1t
has been commented on that since tle
publication COMMITTEES commenced
work a little over two years ago, the
printing and allied trades in Dublin
have received noticeable stimulus.
For some time past the committee
has, as a matter of course given suit
able remuneration for all literary
work done for it, whether original or
editorial. 1t is encouraging to find,
thanks to its operations. more than
one Irishman who might otherwise
have found his way to the London
market, is enabled not merely to sub
stantially add to his income. but to
support himself solely by literary
work in Irish. Dublin is now prob
ably onn of the most active literary
centers in Europe. All this activity,
moreover, lis in the national language.
"The output Of literary work of merit
the secretary Of the publication COM
mittee in his report. "has probably ex-
cacded the output Of really valuabl.
and permanent work in English pro-
duccd during the same period by the
| whole English speaking world"
| The work of the LEAGUE is now ex-
tending rapidly in all directions.
Wherever the Irish race exists its in
| fluence is being felt. In Australia and
| New Zealand classes are being estab-
lished for the study of the ancient
tongue of the Gual, while in South
Africa, in spite Of the disturbed condi-
tion of the country, several branches
of the league have been established
and are meeting with success. Eng
land is a most fruitful field for the
labors Of the society. In London alone
there are several branches which are
doing magnificent work, and active,
hard working branches also exist in
Manchester, Liverpool and other great
centers Of Great Britain. So enthus-
lastic are the efforts Of these branches
in England that it looks as though not
only the Decentralization of Ire
land" to use the phrase coined by
DR.. Hyde, will be effected, but the
Decentralization of England" in the
bargain. It Is an Irish invasion of the
ellemy's capital that will be productive
Of more good to the Irish race than
any ever contemplated by the insti-
gators Of the Amanda or the French
! expeditions.
| In America the work has also made
wonderful progress For years an en-
thusiastic few, such as Messrs. Ward,
McCrystal, McGee, Norris and others
of New York, Grey Of Brooklyn, DAILY
of Boston, Raleih of Chicago, Jcre-
miah Deasy Of San Francisco, kept up
the work with unremitting efforts in
the face of the most chilling apathy.
They sowed good seed. however. for
not only did their heroic example do
wonders in giving encouragement to
the movement in ireland, put the cause
here was fostered by them until their
efforts bore fruit in newer and broad
er appreciation by the thinkers Of the
race of their ancient literature and the
grand old language in which it was
created.
Today we can find classes under the
auspices Of THE Gaelic League in
more than thirty cities Of the United
States and Canada. Several papers are
publishing contributions in Gaelic
weekly, and there is M excellent