The sun., 1904-12-30
Why NOT LET IRELAND GO?
An Irishman Contends That Freedom Has
Been Prevent ed by siischievous Agitators.

Been Prevent ed by Mischieyous Agitstors.
To THE EpfroR OF THE SuS-sfr: Your editorial
on free Ireland will undoubtedly be hailed with
delight by Irish Americans who still believe In the
traditions OF my yeam ago but venture to say
that thoughtful Ihshuen to-day would not 80
readily welcome an independent country.
To many OF us the realization has grown In the
past generation that Irtshmen have done SO great
q part In building up the British Empire that we
ought to have some share In the heritage. We feel
that We are junior partners In great enterprise we
know that SONS Of the greatest British admlnistra-
tors have been Inshmen. and that Irish blood has
been shed In winning the battles that have built up
the empire.
Now we do not feel that our predominant partner
has treated us well. but practical men arc asking
themselves II we cannot foster our national spirit
vet keen In the Union. We also see that our worst
enemies In the past next TO dyed In the wool Tories
have been our own professional agltstors and poll
t,ciaps who have rcaped o rch harvest. especially
from Irish. Americans. BY the effect OF their
speeches on the more credulous and Ignorant
crimes have been incted which have shocked real
Irish patriots and have given the Tories an excuse
for curtailing our liberty and looking or US as
lawless and dangerous race. II the IRISH members
had carried on q logical agitation and urged tenn
perately the reform that we need. to-day we
should at least be enjoying the semi Independence
OF Canada or Australia.
When landlord has inherited property which his
forefathers acquired by conquest several centuries
has no right to the holdings By shooting him or his
agents, by moonlghtng, or refusing 10 pay rent.
Our clear course In the past was to nsnt Tor our
rights when we were strong cnough-not to accept
long recognized conditions, as cravens. But
Cromwells times arc not the present day, and,
alas, when we could come with dignity and through
our elected representatives demand our rights be-
fore Parliament our aspirations were shattered by
the unlawful acts OF few Of our own people burning
under the wrongs and oppression of earlier gen
erat,ons aud with passion dangerously iphamed
by agltators.
Since calmer councils have prevailed and we have
shown that we could cooperate without religious
distinction. that had past o. dear and beautiful
tradition that we are industrious and law abiding.
what an enormous advantage has been wrought
prominent English Statesmen once said that
few more Redmonds, a few Justin Mccarthys and
T. p. o'Connors and few less Davitts and other
equally patriotic but overzealous nrcbrands would
have obtained Home Rule ten years ago.
IL was useless for us 10 demand Free ireland
as lrrevocabe and think we could force the hand OF
mighty England with tsunts. disorder and murder,
and not for one moment can II be said that these
things were approved by the whole Irish people.
To day our folklore and our plays and poets arc
read In every cultured home In England. Tho land
purchase act with all Its faults Is enormous step.
and shown how differently the Irish question Is
viewed under Redmond's diplomatic policy. And
n we follow the drift as believe we shall. In spite
OF frcnzled agitators who see their power menaccd
the time Will soon como when we shall be freed
from all the CALLING control Of the past We must
remember that there is something to be said on
the British side. and compromise Is surely better
than abortive opposition. But this foolish eniigra
ton must cease al once. t. II. ROCHE
SrAPLKros. Staten Island. Dec. 2s