Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-24
WORK OF IRISH PARTY
National Question and Its Prac-
teal Solution.
VIEWS OF VIM. F. DOWNEY
Sincerity and Earnestness of Those in
the Undertaking.
PROMISES ARE TOO VAGUE
People Must Present a United and
Solid Front to Enforce
Their Demands.
PROMISES ARE TOO VAGUE

Speaking of the Irish question and its
practical solution in conversation with a
Star reporter. MIR. William F. Downey,
president of Michael Davitt Branch. United
Irish League of America, remarked that
one of the grandest and noblest traits or
a mans character is the spirit of patriot
ism, and it is especially true of an Irish
man that no other citizen Of the world loves
his native country with more devoted or
dsinterested affection.
THE sufferings Of this Mater Dolorosa
of nations-poor Ireland-has but solidihed
and strengthened the attachment of her
children to their beloved motherland," Mr..
Downey added. This genuine spirit OF
patriotism which sparkles in the breast OF
Irishmen all the world over Is the one solid
rock on which Irish nationality has been
built, and the one great secret, that de-
spite hundreds of years Of persecution and
oppression, has preserved the national
identity of our people. This Is surely
creditable; and we should one and all feel
an honest pride in belonging to such no.
Bile and heroic race.
Sincerity and Earnestness.
"No matter what the undertaking man
engages in, there is nothing wins more for
him the appreciation of his fellow man than
cially true in regard to Irish patriotism
and the more so when the characteristics
are displayed in the exile of Erin. We are
5000 miles away from that dear old land
the Island of Saints and Scholars-the
birthplace of our dear parents, and, per-
haps, of ourselves-and surely our hearts
should throb exultantly as We hear that an
gelic message that the day OF lreiands re-
generation is at hani-that her sun is dawn
ing, and that before long the sunburst OF
happiness and prosperity will shine from
the land of Tyrconnel to the Cove of CORK,
and from the wilds of Connemara to the
Golden Vale.
But Irishmen must remember that be-
fore this great and long-expected day
arrives" there Is something to be DONE
The promises made by the liberal govern
ment Officially declared In the recent
speech from the throne) are too vague to
Justify us in resting complacently to await
We know from sad expert
ence that British promises are often de-
luding, and the promises which have been
wrung from a reluctant government can
only be secured by persistently reminding
the minority of its obligations and proving
to that same government that nothing
short of satisfactory solution of the Irish
question will be acceptable. The Irish
people must present a united and solid
front to enforce their demands, and they
must be backed up blythe support and
encouragement of exiled Irishmen the world
over. Canadian Irishmen have done their
duty manfully and cheerfully. The Irish
men of Australia are enthusiastic In their
Corporation, and all through the United
States the Irish and Irish-American and
their friends of every nationality are rally
ing to- the support of a parliamentary
party, and, II only sustained. morally and
financially; will compel a most acceptable
solution Of the Irish question in the present
session. .. ----.