The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-03-06
BUYING IRELAND
FROM ENGLAND
A Novel Proposition From
Irish-American Syndicate
to Birrell.
Chief Secretary in Answer
Says the Plan is Quite
1mpracticable.

ooIue tIlue ago I'LL SOIlSIeSS, H. AuSW
Bede, Of Duluth, who is recognized as
a humorist more than a statesman,
offered suggestion that the United
States take Ireland in exchange for
the Philippines. Then exclaimed
Adam, we could raise our own police =
men instead of importing them as we
do now Mr. Bede was not aware that
Irishmen do not recognize England
right to sell or barter their country
in any way.
Now comes an Irish Ameriran syn
dictate in Alaska who make a proposal
to liberate Ireland from British con-
troll by buying it from the British gov
eminent. without any consultation with
the accredited representatives of the
Emerald Isle in parliament or outside
OF it. We publish the correspondence
between the Irish American Syrdi-
cate and Chief Secretary Brrell for
what it is worth:
Tho Proposition.
Fairbanks City, Tanana, Alaska,
Right. Hon. Augustine Birrell,
-. Chief Secretary for Ireland.
Dear Sir: J. am authorized by a
party of United States and Alaskan
Territory mining millionaires
is here at present, and composed of
Irishmen, Irish-Americans, Americans
and an Englishman-to ascertain
through some official channel il Eng
land would feel disposed to sell Ire
land. and at what price.
The party represent consider that
England's title to Ireland, the shock
ing manner in which Ireland has been
so long prosecuted and overtaxed, her
consequent sufferings and the present
method of holding her down
should be taken into consideration Ivy
your side in calculating a moderate
price.
1t is stated by some members of this
party that Canadians claim they wouli
hot. ditoN EhSidliu W sell AdHdud. III
permit her annexation to the United
states without their consent, while
other members of the party maintain
that as you govern Ireland without
her consent, you may dispose of her
as YOU desire, without consulting her
wishes.
My friends, after reading recent
cahled messages relating to Home
Rule, are confirmed in their opinions;
that England has neither the honest
desire nor the ability to grant Ireland
her just rights, and believe that in
order to avert further sufferings tucm
and cruel government in
Ireland, and certain trouble with Eng
land. or other complications which
might arise the easier and more peace
able way-although not the proper or
most honorable way-to arrange mat
tors, is to purchase Ireland and allow
her to enter on the career If prosper
ity and contentment intended for Ler
by nature and God Almighty.
They are forced to make their gem
erous proposition as they believe that
diplomacy and promises have Eecr
too long and too often used-have got
too old. in fact, and that some swift
remedy should now be applied.
All over the world the Irish race
and other races besides, had a kind Of
hope that the Prime Minister'S prom
ises OF Home Rule would be fulfilled,
but they We're disappointed to see pro-
savages even would reject with sc,rn.
For several years past it has hcer
almost uncomfortable to some men If
Irish blood on the American continent
men who acquired immense wealth
and influence--to have the taunt funs
in their faces that. although they vera
rich and took lively interest in Ire-
lands affairs, they tried no remedy 10
right. her unheard of and prolonged
HSSt loultS Stluttlld(Su tllS
Of these wealthy men, set
item thinking, and they hit on their
proposed scheme OF purchase in the
event Of Home Rule being refused.
l may state that my friends desire
It to be distinctly understood that in
their purchase scheme no gain Is cor
templated--not on their side at Last.
The purchase money will be advance
by them as loan to the Irish pep
pie. who will be expected to pay it back
as it suits their convenience. ami
they will not in any manner interfere
With the management If the Irish ma
tor by the Irish people.
Englishmen who know about the
world and study conditions. as they
are, make friends with the Irishman
md are fond of calling him Brother"
md say they would be delighted to see
Justice done to Ireland. There are
many of this class of Englishmen in
his camp today. who. from their dis