The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1902-08-23

only for the dclivcrancc of their coun-
try, rush madly aud blindly into the
vortex of insanity?
What is the one desire of the Irish
race? 1t is to see ireland nation,
independent and holding among the
nations Of the world that proud prom
inencc which is hers by right. by cen-
turics of sacrifices made by her chill
drrn in the cause of freedom, by the
blood of her absent SONS shed upon
every battlefield where freedoms BAN
ncr has been kissed by tile breeze of
victory.
With a common purpose in view we
come to n discussion as to what are
tho best means to obtain it. And. right
here. wc must advance the axiom that
the foundation upon which must rest
the success of the Irish cause is care
fnl preparation for the final strug-
gle. No prudent general has a right
to presume a victory except as the re-
suit of superior force. skill or STRAIT
cgy, all of which depend upon un-
ccasing cnd'aavor to reach perfection
in the method of action.
The great problem of Ireland's de-
livcrnnce has been the life study Of
many men. men Of deep thought.
sturdy patriotism and uncompromising
courage Men equally ardent. as
positive and honest in conviction, and
fearless and daring in action, have diff
fcrcd in matters of procedure.
There always have been. there al
ways will he differences Of opinion
among some men upon any vital ques-
ton.
We may not always agree with each
other: VIC have Il right to our own
opinion: but we should respect the hon
cst opinions OF others We must not
be ovcr-SonSitivc to honest criticism; II
rightly needed it enables us to correct
our mistakes. or emphasizes the fall
lacy of our critics. in either event
strengthening our position.
We must he tolerant towards each
other: lot us Yield in small things that
we may learn to unite in greater ones.
Let us enter into discussion not with
a view to humiliatc our opponent. but
in an cndeavor to win by argument.
or to cOncade to superior force Of
logic until we meet upon Il common
platform.
Let us not become discouraged be-
cause now and then we meet with
those who are not open to argument:
there is neither q spirit of game. q
feeling of satisfaction, nor an eXhibi-
tion of common sense in cunning for
mosquitoes.
We have the enthusiast who sees an
Irish parliament every time he hears
'"rhe Wearing of the Green" and
the cynic who looks upon every at
tempt to better the condition of Ire
land as Il pr2monitory symptom Of
insanity; but the great body of thu
Irish people everywhere are right upon
This and every question affecting Irish
interests: they stand together and will
answer when they recognize the voice
of Ireland.
Golden opportunities are often
passed by in our eager 'endeavor for
something of greater magnitude. The
man who does not take advantage Of
small things in his favor will never
be in line to accomplish greater ones.
1t is fatal mistake to despise favor
able opportunities because greater ones
do not present themselves.
What logic could defend the course
of the man who would refuse present
assistance to the people of Ireland be-
cause the situation did not call for an
immediate declaration of war against
England?
laudable ambition to advance the
cause of Ireland should be encouraged.
but what would you think if. stand
ing on the beach. you saw two lite
boats going to the assistance of q
drowning woman. and when within
reach of her they fell into a violent
discussion as to which crew should be