The Washington herald., 1907-03-12
lsneciallY Contabnted. }

Especially Cont1buted
A careful study of the Irish question
embraces many considerations overlooked
by the average citizen. Thomas Davis
whose name is beloved by every student
Of Irish history in whose veins flows the
Celtic blood, says in his verses on THE
Grave"
Be mv epiiapl writ on my cOuntry's mind
He served lis country and loved his sind
OH twere merry unto the graVe 10 20,
II one were sure 10 be buried
With a humility less only than his
genius a young man of Richard Halle
toms age penned these lines from which
can be gathered an inspiration that solves
the Irish problem.
He served his country and loved his
kindr' What a noble mottol
The aspiration Of the Celtic race for
the emancipation OF their country from
the super-inhuman oppression under
which she has so long and too patiently
Travelled" appeals to lovers OF liberty the
world over No rational or fair-minded
man would attempt TO deny that the con-
tentions OF the Irish people are based on
solid and substantial grounds. but I feel
inclined to believe the subject is not
properly approached by those who desire
to see that race obtain the just demands
they make for equality and justice II d
man suffers from bodily disease be gem
orally consults a physician, lays before
him all the conditions which affect his
case and that physician, Irrespective OF
personal consideration, prescribes in ac-
cordance with the demands Of the occa-
sion. II we wish for the healing Of Irish
wounds. If we sincerely desire the infalli-
bic remedy, we must be honest with our-
selves. probe the wound % the bottom,
diagnose the case, and, regardless Of the
bitterness Of the dose, apply the proper
cure.
United we stand; divided We fall IS an
axiom admittedly true and logically con-
vincing. Since MacMurrOugh was ban
ished for eloping with Dearbhorgil (when
Strongbow, with "A handful OF soldiers.
taking advantage Of the standardization
OF the irish people, made himself master
Of the province OF LelnsteT) the one great
curse Of the Irish people has been dis
union. Il is unnecessary 90 dwell on It's
evil effects. Irish history teaches us that
the long Itany of Irish misfortUnes has
been all. more or less. due 90 jisunIon
and faction. Il has been at the root of
ala our country's misery. suffering, and
degradation
What is the cause Of this disunion
misunderstanding but selhshness, IL is
not my purpose to mOralize 10 any great
nit the occasion 10 pass by without ex-
posing what I have long since recognized
as the source Of all Irish factiOnism- "a
spirit Of selfshness. 7 once read an ar
ticle entitled THE Anatomy Of Selfish
ness which so impressed me that ] never
lost sight OF its significance in il was
asked the question What il a gentle
man2' The answer is worthy Of quota
ton "Au unselfsh mantle man who
thinks least Of himself. does most by act
and word for every one else; the peace
maker. the merriful. the self-supressi
the kindly judging. is the gentleman be-
cause he is the Christian. There IS nos
any real difference between the two
In every walk Of life a man IS entitled
10 the free exercise Of bis conscientious
convictions For instance, at tho recent
United Irish League meeting in Good Sa-
maritan Hail. his honor Judge DE Lacey
was perfectly justified in expressing bis
sentiments on the revival Of the Iush
language. although there was no, lads
or gentleman in the auiienca and tnCrf
is not a corporal s-guard Of Irish people iu
the District Of Columbia, who agree with
him on the subject. Yes. a man is entitled
t. the free exercise and expression Of his
convictions. but this circumstance grants
HIN no license 60 compel others 10 cs
pOuse his ideas. This is the point where
most troubles occur among lTishWen
Carried away by the current OF their own
conclusions, they pttempt 20 force theiT
ideas on their fellOw-man and the object
Of their solicitation often suffers CrOll the
perslstency Of their efforts 20 gain 4 point
not Tor The good of their country. but
purely and simply 10 satisfy their own
selfish pride.
The essence Of patriotism Is Unseifsh-
ness. Our own personality must be made
/ subservient 10 the cause We are commit
ted 20. and we must glory IN the truth OF
the maxim that every act of unselfshugss SIS
sows the seed of a rich harvest for our
own enjoyment. widens our intellect, i'm
creases our seIf-respeCt. foTtides our best
and bravest faculties, and makes us live
more like God than man. It is absolutely
necessary for the Irish people 20 realize