Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1912-04-13
RELAND's STRUGGLE.

Ireland's struggle for home rule
has now entered almost the last
stage. and with brighter prospects
than ever before. The great gather
ing of Irish Nationalist in Dublin
afforded an unmistakable proof OF
the real solidity and unity of the
masses of the people of the country
In their demand for home rule and
their confidence in the Irish party.
Such an object lesson, says the Dun
dalk Democrat, was urgently called
for. For some considerable time
past there has been an apparent
slackening in the outward express
sions of the country's political faith.
Beyond an occasional provincial
demonstration here and there the
Nationalists had few OF the great
gatherings that, from O'Connelrs
time onward, have been used to
demonstrate the political faith of the
people. True, the adherence OF the
masses of the people to the national
organization has been amply proved
in other ways. The war chest has
been filled during the past three
years to a point not reached since
Parnell's time, and where the
political opinions of the people were
tested in the polling booths II was
proved over and over again that
their faith in home rule and their con-
fidence in the Irish party have not
abated jot. Home rule has In fact
become a settled conviction with the
vast majority of Irishmen, and there
was no need for demonstrations
either to arouse their enthusiasm or
to inculcate sound political principle.
The members of Parliament, too,
have been busily engaged in English
constituencies for a long time past
educating John Bull as to the true
meaning and effect Of what Ireland
means when she says she wants
home rule, and in Strengthening the
hands OF the English friends OF that
policy.
While Premier Asquith and his
party are sincere In their advocacy
OF home rule, 1t win be, no doubt,
bitter and obstinate struggle The
enemies Of home rule have been
concentrating their forces and per-
fecting their plans for many a
month. One OF their favorite devices
In the skirmishing that has been
carried on since home rule became a
matter OF practical politics has been
to represent ireland as a country
contented and apathetic, satisfied
with possession of the land, anxious
to remain under the shelter OF West
minister, fearful that under a home
government its financial burden
might become intolerable. In sup
port Of these contentious all the
artillery of Ulster has been brought
into play, while every crank and
hireling and notoriety-hunter has
been encouraged to discharge his
little pop-gun in the hope of annoy
ing, II not impeding, the Nationalist
advance. II Nationalist Ireland has
been calm and self-restrained since
home rule came into the sphere OF
practical politics II Is because she
has been confident of victory-confi-
dent in her own strength, in the
Justice of her cause. and confident
In the men whom she has sent 10
Westminster to fight her battles.
The Dublin meeting most eff
fectively answered the challenge OF
The enemies OF home rule and proved
hat the national sentiment as re-
CARDS self-government is as strong
md active as ever. and not as its
enemies contend. confined TO an in
crested group OF politicians and
qffafora