The Irish standard., 1909-11-20


factory force had been reduced to 49,
900.
But Ireland is entering into her own
again. Reform legislation and humane
statesmen have done their work.
Through the land bills enabling peas
ants to own their own farms, and
masses of the people have been en-
couraged, and prosperity seems to have
begun again for Ireland. Those who
&C back to the old country for their
vacation in 1910 will have the oppor.
tunity to see for themselves what en-
couragement can do and doubtless they
Will do much themselves.
Il am absolutely convinced that there
are vast opportunities for the profitable
investment of American capital in
many parts of Ireland. The practical
possibilities which may be realized
from such q home going movement of
the Irish is the principal motive. There
are in America many thousands of
prosperous Irish Americans with money
to invest in commercial enterprises.
LAS the country supported over eight
millions of people in 1S45, there is no
reason why it cannot support 4,4ss,775
now with practically the same produc-
ing power. We frequently hear that the
population of Ireland in 1S45 was larger
than the country could sustain, but
when one turns to Belgium, about one
third the size of Ireland and with soil
Of apparently no greater productivity,
and having population Of over seven
millions, certainly Ireland should DO
able to support eight or ten millions.
ireland does not want philanthropic
help. She asks no charitable propa-
ganda to come to her shores next year.
She just wants a little assistance for
which there will be ample pecuniary
return. I had a conversation with e.
j. Riordan, hon. secretary of the In
dustrial association Of Ireland, and he
told me that today everything was ia
vorable for the starting of enterprises
in Ireland, but that lack Of experience
and trained men to carry on Industries
is one of the drawbacks to Ireland's
progress. The few moneyed men of
Erin would cheerfully subscribe to
starting enterprises if it were not for
this fact.
Zone of the numerous enterprises
that could be profitably operated in
Ireland is the boot and shoe Industry.
Ireland imports boots and shoes an
nually to the extent of ss,ooo,O0o. Just
think Of the amount OF employment it
would give to the youth Of Ireland in
this one industry alone. The Right Rev.
Robert Brown, Lord Bishop of Cloyne,
said that practical Irish American BUSH
ness men who have made such wonder
full success abroad ought to be en-
couraged to come over to Ireland and
see the advantages that are today
within reach around Queenstown and
Cork, and, in fact, all over Ireland. Tho
coming of this class of men is solicited,
because with their energy, scientific
training and business methods Irish
enterprises would flourish; and, as a
result, emigration would be arrested. 1t
is to be deplored that the youth at
Ireland has to leave his native shore,
where there are resources which, If
properly developed, would keep him in
the country of his nativity.
Comparatively few of the twenty
eight millions of people Of Irish an
cestry in America are acquainted with
the beauty of Ireland, the pleasure of a
visit there, the genuine hospitality of
it's people, and it's accessibility from
the great ports Of America. If these
points can be forcibly brought to their
attention, have no doubt that they
will respond enthusiastically to the
Call of 1910"