The Irish standard., 1904-04-23

terests. At the census of 1901 the
foreign born population of the country
had increased by nearly 10000 in the
decennial period. If this double pro-
cess of emigration and plantation be
allowed to continue, it is obvious that
the native Irish will soon be supplant-
ed in their own land by people Of other
races.
1.-The Irish in America have a great
responsibility in this crisis in the fate
of ireland. 1t is estimated that the
passages of more than half the emil
grants are prepaid by relatives in the
United States. 1t, therefore, rests with
the Irish in America to decide whether
emigration shall continue at the pres
ent abnormal rate.
ireland at the present time cannot
afford to lose a single one of her chill
dren. Apart from the economic loss to
the country, the emigration of every
adult means the withdrawal Of fight
er from the nations ranks while the
battle for racial existence is proceed
ing.
I'VE appeal to the Irish-American
and Catholic press to educate public
opinion on this vital question; we ap-
peal to the Irish-American bishops and
clergy to ask their people not to assist
emigration from Ireland; and, finally,
we appeal to the Irish organizations
and societies in America to throw their
united strength into the effort to hold
Ireland as the cradle land of the race"
This movement is real earnest
propaganda against the abnormal emil
grafton which has already drained Ire
land OF its best blood. 1t is based upon
sentimental as we'll as economical rea-
sons. Now that the industrial and
political freedom of Ireland seems near
at hand, it would indeed be sad stu
alton We're there no Irish nation to en-
joy the results of centuries of struggle,
What will be the use of all this long
struggle ask patriotic Irishmen if when
the fight for Irish nationality has been
won there is no cradle land left for
the race? Are foreigners to reap the
benefit of the struggle? But it is not
alone on sentimental grounds that the
appeal is made. 1t is urged, and with
much truth, that people are coming to
the country under misunderstanding
| Irish in this country are charged with
writing rOseate letters about the conui-
tons in this country. AS a matter of
fact, Ireland presents to-day better op-
portunities for the average Irish labor
| er than do the large American cities.
For one Irish emiglant who makes a
success in this country there are one
hundred who fail. The Irish who sue
coed in this country are the native
born, not the immigrant. There is no
doubt that under fair laws Ireland
could support four or five times it's pres
ent population. Conditions in Ireland
have changed and will change more
and more for the better. In this cOun-
| try the opportunities which existed
twenty years ago are no longer present
The desirable portion of the public do
| main has been taken up. 1t is no long
er possible to get desirable land for
nothing. About the only thing for the
| Irish cmigrant now is the crowded city
with it's tenelnents and unhealthfnl
surroundings. There has come to our
notice within the past few months of
several cases of Irish immigrants who
have returned TO Ireland after having
spent various periods in this country
These We're immigrants of the better
| class, young men. we'll educated. who
were able to earn the money With
Which to buy their return passage. In
the last few years there has been a
wonderful re;lwakenin& in Ireland.
The struggle for Irish nationality MAIN
tanned through seven centuries had
become dulled by repeated failure. III
stead of remaining in Ireland to carry
on the fight. the fresh came to America
and there helped to fight the battle for
Ireland. These people have done good
service. But the time is now at hand
when there must be an Irish people
at home competent to seize the OPP
portunties there offered. otherwise
foreigners will take possession OF
what possible use will it be to get rid
of landlords and to have their places
taken by Industrial leaders from the
continent of Europe? Shelly O'Ryan
former secretary of the United Irish
League of America. says in reference
to the present conditions in Ireland:
THE most healthful sign pointing
toward a new Ireland is to be found in
the great Gaelic revival which has
taken possession of her people. The
old language. the old customs ana the
ODD traditions, are being brought again
into the life of the people. AS Il re.
suit Il love of country has been created
which is more exalted and more noble
than anything that could have its
origin in politics or in economies. The
land league aimed at the material bet
terment of the Irish people, and it has
won. Prosperity and contentment now
are within reach. The new movement
for race revival is intellectual and
| sf,,o1 tn {.,c 81, IL