The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1904-12-10
particularly in England.

comment, particularly in England.
''Most happily, the disturbances ris-
ing out of religious differences in Ire
land have become few and far be-
tween. 1t is true that in sections of
the north we still hear of occa-
the north we still hear of occasional
outbreaks mostly due to the ag-
gressive action of Orangemen. Still
it is good to know that such outbreaks
are year by year becoming less serious
and fewer in number.
"Now, this very matter of the re-
ligious differences Of the people is u
common argument against home rule,
it being urged that the Protestant mi
nority would suffer injustice at the
hands of government which would,
of course, be largely Catholic. To me,
however, and men like me, one Of the
greatest reasons for home rule is the
firm conviction which we have that
it is just native government which
is necessary to put an end once and
forever to that bitter feeling in refer
cnce to religious affairs which has
done so much harm in Ireland.
"A spirit of bitterness and ascend
ancy has been fostcred and encour-
aged under the present system Of gov
eminent. Dublin castle has taught the
rrotestants to regard themselves i'll Il
superior position. and to expect prefer
mcnt rs their right. Even to-day in Il
Catholic country like Ireland the Cath
olcs are largely shouldcrcd out of all
positions of responsibility and impor
lance in the government of the land
at is true some OF the best friends
of lite people have been Protcstants.
and some of the strongest opponents
Of their national rights have been
Catholics. Nevertheless, a system
which places the majority of the peo-
pie at Il disadvantage because of their
religion is vile system, and quite
enough to explain in itself much of
the trouble which has taken place in
Ireland. Under home rule all this
would be changed.
",rhere would be no injustice done
to the people of any creed. There
would be fair play and equal chances
for men of all religions, and the hate
full spirit of ascendancy, that spirit
which today makes it impossible for
q Catholic to be by law the head of
the Irish government, would disap-
pear, and Irishmen of all denomina-
lions would learn to live and work side
by side in perfect peace and brother
hood.
''This would be one of the greatest
and first achievements of elf-govern-
ment. And to this achievement I am
sure all patriotic men look eagerly
forward. Fifteen years Of home rule
would see, l am convinced, the demon
Of religious discord forever laid in Ire
land, for that that demon was and is
the direct outcome of the Dublin
castle system, no man with a knowl-
edge Of history can reasonably doubt.
"To sum up my forecast Of the effect
Of a thorough concession Of the ma
tional demand of ireland, 1 may say
1 am convinced it would have the re-
suit in very few years Of convert
ing the land into place of peace and
contentment, with reviving industries
and absolute freedom for people Of all
persuasions.
at remains to be asked why, after
so many futile applications Of coercion,
England does not see the wisdom of
trying new system of government in
Ireland. Why, in a word, does she not
consent to allow the Irish people to
govern themselves? Under the pres.
ent system there has been nothing but
disaster for Ireland, and there has
been Mt the same time no real benefit
for England. The present system can
never reconcile Irishmen to the loss
of their freedom.
"Under full, fair and genuine
scheme of home rule I know of nc
reason why there should not be a feel
ing of friendliness and peace and good
will between the masses of the inhabi
tants of the two islands, Home rule
is. in the opinion Of thoughtful men
not alone calculated to bring blessings
to Ireland, but blessings also to al
the English-spealsing portions Of the
world"