The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-03-06
BUYING IRELAND
FROM ENGLAND
3ss''S
A Novel Proposition From
lrish-American Syndicate
to Birrell.
Chief Secretary in Answer
Says the Plan is Quite
Impracticable.

Some time ago In Congress, j. Adam
.Bede, Of Duluth, who is recognized as
a humorist more than statesman,
offered suggestion that the United
States take Ireland in exchange for
the Philippines. Then" exclaimed
Adam, I'VE could raise our own pol ce-
men instead of importing them as we
do now" Mr.. Bede was not aware that
.Irishmen do not recognize England's
right to sell or barter their country
in any way.
Now comes an Irish-American 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 1t. We publish the correspondence
between the Irish-American Syrdi-
cate and Chief-Secretary Birrell for
what it is worth:
Tho Proposition. -.
e Fairbanks City. Tanana, Alaski
Right. Hon. Augustine Birrell, -.
e.. Chief Secretary for Ireland.
Dear Sir: 1 am authorized by a
party of United States and Alaskan
Territory mining millionaires-which
is here. at present, and composed Of
Irishmen, Irish-Americans, Americans
and an Englishman-to ascertain
through some official channel if Eng
land would feel disposed to sell Ire
land. and at what price.
The party I represent consider that
EnEland's title to Ireland, the shock-
ing. manner in which Ireland has been
SO long prosecuted and overtaxed. her
consequent sufferings and the present
expensive method of holding her down
should be taken into consideration by
your side in calculating a moderate
price. ..
1t is stated by some members of this
party that Canadians claim they would
not allow England to sell Canada. or
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
cabled 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 lucm
disgraceful and cruel government in
Ireland, and certain trouble with ling
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 of prosper
ity and contentment intended for ler
by nature and God Almighty. -.
They are forced to make their gen.
erous proposition as they believe that
diplomacy and promises have been
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 kind of
hope that the Prime Minister'S prom
Uses of Home Rule would be fulfille1i,
but they were disappointed, to see pro-
posed. in it's stead Bill which semi
savages even would reject with sc.rn.
For several years past it has teer
almost uncomfortable to some men If
Irish blood on the American continent
men who acquired immense wealth
and influence--to have the taunt flung
in their faces that, although they v'ero
rich, and took a. lively interest in Ire-
lands affairs, they tried no remedy 10
right. her unheard. of and prolonged
wrongs. These taunts stimulated the
patriotism Of these wealthy men, set
tkem thinking,- and they hit on their
scheme of purchase in the
event of Home Rule being refused.
I. may state that my friends desire
1t to be distinctly understood that in
their purchase scheme no gain is COR
templated-noto on their side at Least.
The purchase money will be advance
by them as loan to the Irish pep
Pile who will be expected to pay it back
rs it suits their convenience, AMI
they will not in any manner interfere
with the management Of the Irish ma
tior by the Irish people.
Englishmen who know about the
world and study conditions, as they
are, make friends with the Irishman
and are fond of calling him Brother"
and say they would be delighted to see
justice done to Ireland. There are
many of this class of Englishmen in
this camp today. who, from their dis.
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