The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1910-01-01
JOHN DILLON IN THE
Town OF DUkGARVAN

For Attacking the Members
of the Irish Party in the
British Parliament.
p, visited Dungarvan, County Water
ford, where he received a great ova-
ton. In replying to addresses he said:
During the session while we were
absent from Ireland, fighting the battle
of our country claim, according to the
measures of our ability, we were sub
jected to storm of criticism not only
by enemies-I make no complaint of
that-but by men who ought to have
been our friends (hear. hear), the like
of which l think was never levelled at
any political party since history began.
1 took the trouble some time ago to
make note of some of the criticisms
which were made upon us when, as
l say, we were absent in a foreign
legislature holding up the banner Of
Ireland, according to the measure of
our ability and, as I claim-and mean
to claim on the hustings of Ireland
honestly holding it up (hear, hear) We
were charged with selling our coun-
try's cause, we were charged with
standing idly by and being parties to
Of 80
upon Ireland, for which it was said we
had obtained no. recompense. no quid
pro quo whatever. We were charged
with acquiescing in the crushing Of the
industries OF our country and the piling
on Of such an amount Of taxation upon
the lands and farms of bur people that
all the benefits of twenty five years Of
sacrifices were robbed from them by
the present Budget. We were charged
again with lowering the flag of the
national cause, of tying our party to
the tail of the Liberal party in Eng
land without obtaining any pledges
from them, and Offering the vote of our
people in England to the Liberal party.
We were charged with betraying the
interests Of our religion and handing
over the schools of our people in Eng
land, because have never called them
English schools, as they are Irish
schools (applause)-handing over the
schools of our people in England to
the mercy of their enemies. 1t was
frequently asserted that we had been
guilty of this base treachery without
even taking any trouble to obtain any
price or consideration for the betrayal.
We were charged over and over again
with being guilty of all these crimes
and treacheries, and for what? For
the smiles of an English minister and
glass of champagne at the National
Liberal club 0aughter). Gentlemen,
surely we have reached Degenerate
days. In the good old days, when an
Irish member Of Parliament made up
his mind to sell his country he stood
man Oaughter). He insisted on get
ting judgeship or colonial governor
ship, or some fat ONCE; but now, we
the members Of the Irish party, are
prepared, according to these critics, tc
self our country and our religion for q
glass of champagne or smile of ar
English minister. Well, say that II
these charges were true, and if thu
men who made them believe them tt
be true, then 1t would be the sacred
duty of Ireland-may go further, ant
:. say that il one tenth of what they urg,
against us is true, it would be the duty
of the people of Ireland to drive ever.
one of US from the representation O
=. the country. CA voice-"Don't mint
them.")
Mr.. Dillon-Well, do mind them.
will tell you the reason why we d.
mind them, because we are determined
I Mr.. Redmond and the whole part.
i. are determined-to bring this matte
to an issue, and to face these gentle
men Ooud applause) who are so boil,
in their criticisms, while we are alb
, sent in London. We are determined t,
face them here in Ireland before ou
own people. Let them repeat thos
I criticisms where we can answer then
and deal with them. Personally, dom
care three straws. They don't hurt m
r in the slightest degree. I'm too old
politician and too seasoned q cam
paigner to mind such charges as these
j but they very deeply and incalculabl
v injure the Irish cause in England an
Il abroad, because every blacksuar,
charge of this character is publishe
b.
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