The Washington herald., 1907-02-24

President William F. Downey, of the
local branch of the United Irish League
of America. has issued a letter to the
public, which is, in part, as follows
ITO my fellow-citizens of Washington
One of the lgrandest and noblest traits
Of a mans character Is the spirit OF pa
triotism, and it is especially true of an
1rishman that no other citizen of the
world loves his native country with more
devoted or disinterested affection. No
matter what the undertaking a man en-
cages in, there IS nothing that wins more
for him the appreciation Of his fellow
man than sincerity and earnestness. This
is especially true in regard to Irish pa
triotism. and the more so when the char
acteristics are displayed in the exile OF
Erin
The promises made by the Liberal gov
eminent (of1cialiy declared IN the recent
speech from the throne) are too vague to
justify US in resting complacently to
await developments We know from sad
experience that British promises are
often deluding. and the promises which
have been wrung from a reluctant gov
eminent can only be secured by persist
entity reminding the minority of Its obli-
cations and proving TO that same govern
ment that nothing short Of a satisfac-
tory solution of the Irish question VIII be
acceptable.
Present United Front.
The Irish people must present a united
and solid front TO enforce their demands,
and they must be backed up by the support
and encouragement Of exiled Irishmen
the world over Canadian Irishmen have
done their duty msnfully and cheerfully.
The Irishmen of Australia are enthusiastic
in their cooperation. and all through the
United States the Irish and Irish-Ameri-
cans and their friends Of every nationality
are rallying to the support OF a parlia-
mentary party. and. if only sustained.
morally and financially. will compel a
most acceptable solution of the Irish
question in the present session.
let the Irishmen of Washington re-
member that they, too. owe a duty 10 their
country ana its representatives. Unfor-
tunately. some misguided souls are
preaching antagOnistic doctrines, but il is
scarcely necessary to remind the intelli-
gent Irish citizen of the District Of Co
lumbia that the practical. commOn-sense
solution of the Irish question at the pres
ent day is through the United Irish
League. Men who preach more extreme
measures than those employed by the
United Irish League should consider the
impracticability of their doctrines at pres
emit and also that the Irish people at
home are the best judges Of what benefits
them most.
"AH who can possibly afford it should
contribute whatever they can conveniently
spare 10 insure the pledge given by the
Irishmen of this city that the ITish-Amer-
leans of Washington would bear their pro-
portionate share Of the financial support
the people Of America have assured the
Irish party.
. f'The freshman that Withhoids his moral
and financial aid at this critical period
is simply aiding and strengthening the
hand of the enemy. The United Irish
League has accomplished more practical
good for Ireland and her people in the
last four or FIVE years than has been at
tanned before in that many centuries.
The agitation, carried on by mass
meetings in all the cities and towns OF
this and other countries, which were pre-
sided over by Senators. governors, may
Ors, &c, has nodded public opinion to
such an extent that, even in England
At the last election, the Tory government
was ANONYMOUSLY hurled from power,
not by bullets. but by ballots.
An appeal has been made TO the eXiled
children Of Erin by their brethren al
home TO sustain the Irish parliamentary
party and the recognized organization of
the Irish people, the United Irish League.
This appeal has met with a noble re-
sp0nse but as Il is a case where every
T-s- p
10 have mis- name enrolled as a soldier
in the final battle for assured victory,
il is but fair the Irish residents of the
city OF Washington should be afforded
chance to show their patriotism and en-
thusiasm, that were never yet found
wanting IN 4 worthy cause"
What Has Been Accomplished.
In "a recent speech Mr.. Thomas NJ. Ket-
ntentary party, referred to the accom-
plisRments of the United Irish League, as
follows:
d" Twenty-Five years ago, under Tenant
Rights" the holder of land had no legal
rights, and his property could be wrested
from him on the slightest provocation.
To-day. two-fifths of the %, 100000 acres in
Ireland are under sole ownership and
control Of tenant farmers. OF the So =
900. occupiers OF land, 10000 are own
ers.' And, continuing at this rate. in a
very short time, 1t is hoped, the whole Of
the Irish land will be in the hands Of the
Irish people.
For the least important Of our politi-
cal battles in this country, slnews Of
war are necessary. It must not be
imagined the great battle for Irish ma
tiOnality can be waged without suita bic
ammunition, The Irish n. P's. unlike
American Representatives, receive no sal
airy or pecuniary compensation for their
services. This being the case, we should
all strive 20 assist this worthy movement.
which has the Endorsement of every intel
ligent Irishman all over the world, and
We should contribute in accordance with
our means To insure the fund pledged
from the citizens Of Washington"
Contributions will be received and CRATE
fully acknowledged by the committee
consisting of William F. Downey. L.
Mangan, Sabina Davitt, and P. J. Walsh:
headquarters, 1922 L street northwest