The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1902-11-29
IRELAND'S TRUE NEED.

AL the present time we notice dis
position on the part Of some Irishmen
and Irish newspapers to become some
what strained towards each other on
account of differences of opinion in
relation to Ireland and Irish ques-
tons. This is most reprehensible
course. 1t opens the way to more
serious division of effort and to that
final dissension and disruption which
has always been the bane of Ireland.
From every page Of Irish history can
be read bitter lessons of want of CO.
hesion in our movements, says the Ma
tional Hibernian of Washington, D. G..
From the days of the Danes to
those of Parnell this has been the
cause of disaster and defeat to Irish
men, and it is now about time that
the practice should be stopped. 1t
ought to be plain to all honest Irish
men that they will never gain any
thing by quarrcling amongst them
selves. no matter what the cause or
how right OF just their opinions may
appear. The fact that one has right
on his side, or thinks he has, does not
justify him in denouncing his neigh
Dor who differs from him. In the
end he may not be right, as time
makes many changes not thought Of
in mems philosophy.
Irish quarrels generally start on a
question of policy, in which both par
ties may be right in certain respects
and in which IL compromise could
easily be effected by GOODNESS and
common sense. Instead, however,
each party to our disputes, led on by
men infamed by their own passion,
forget their real duties and pursue Il
course calculated to ruin the dearest
objects of their hearts, and only re-
turn to reason when it is too late.
Our people cannot be too careful
in watching out for the selfish dema-
gogue. When slight differences arise
his opportunity. AS there is no
chance for him while honest men
agree and retain possession Of their
ordinary senses, he works might and
main not only to create Il quarrel, but
to keep it alive and magnify it to un-
due proportions. Then, in the heat
of passion, when mems minds are out
of plumb, he pushes himself to the
front, works only for his own adj
vantage, stoops to the lowest devices
ignores Ireland and her interests, and
finally destroys the movement for a
time.
federation and GOODNESS should be
our watchwords. Those who work
honestly for Ireland should agree to
differ as to methods. a mans mind
is his kingdom. He should be al
lowed to follow it in his own way
without fear of abuse or molestation
always provided he is honest and
sincere.
We have the honor to represent
the strongest body of organized Irish
men in the world, but, strong as we
are, we do not forget that we are
only small part of the great Irish
race scattered in millions throughout
the world. While we do not agree
with many in their methods Of pro-
cedure, we are broad enough, thank
God, to tolerate them all and allow
them to pursue the even tenor of their
way.
Union above all things is the need
of Ireland-union in heart and soul
and mind as far as the great end is
concerned. Minor differences or
methods do not count. Men differing
from us to-day will agree with us
tomorrow. Let the various parties
honestly work out their own salvation.
Long before the goal is reached they
will arrive on common ground and
then nothing can prevent that COM
plete union which is necessary to our
country's happiness and independ-
! ence.