The Irish standard., 1913-11-15
GAELIC REVIVAL
IN IRELAND
CONTINUED from page ~

MAUI oAO 10 uOI NY NATURE dudpCoU 10
Its character. It has ever served as
the most effectual instrument of con-
quest and the surest means of en-
slavement. Hence the wisdom of con-
quertng nations in imposing their own
language on the conquered races to
the exclusion of the native tongue.
But the weaker nations have become
wise to the policy, and while physical
ly conquered they remain morally and
mentally free, by resisting the imposi.
ton. "For," as Thomas Moore, so
happily remarks, tbs mind alone
worth, steel and stone, that keeps man
free forever" sFt7,
Success Of Gaelic League. u.
The Gaelic League is in existence
now for a score Of years. What sue
cess has It attained in that period?
Its success has been phenomenal, ex-
ceeding the widest expectation of its
most enthusiastic early advocates. It's
greatest achievement has been what
we term its psychological results. 1t
has reformed the attitude Of the Irish
tpeop1e towards things Irish, Most az
them now respect the language, and
when formerly. its mention or use
would provoke ridicule or invite q
sheer, at present 1t elicits an express
sion; of regret that the speaker is
unfortunately ignorant Of 1t OF. knows
but very little. And we'll might we
admire, and desire to; know, the
Gaelic language. Is it not the most
ancient Of the spoken languages ;of
Europe? It's youths compeers are all
dead, while DER their graves have
grown up those modern; Languages
whose years are but Of yesterday
when compared with Gaelic. Besides
the Gaelic language rejoices in an
abundant literature most of which, to
the disgrace of civilization, awaits
publication. While in the Judgment Of
scholars Of highest authority, as lam
guage study none other affords bet
ter, mental discipline or ranks higher
from the view point of philology. To
quote but two authorities, and these
German professors of Gaelic: DR.. H.
thinner, who was professor in the
Berlin University: Il know of no
other modern language which, regard
ed purely as language, possesses a
higher educational value than modern
Irish for boy who knows English.
For thorough education and schooling
Of the mind, Irish stands at the very
least, on level with French or Ger
man; it Is in many respects superior
to them because 1t Is more character
istic and consequently gives more
matter for thought" Professor Kuno
Meyer, Of Liverpool University,
states: Irish literature is marvel
GUS manifestation of the human spirit
and In its form and genius, In prose
and poetry, is true and unique liter
ature, remarkable alike for the raci-
ness and wealth Of its vocabulary and
for its idiomatic construction. It af-
fords, therefore, an excellent means
of linguistic training" This truth is
becoming better recognized every
year by modern educationalists, and
hence we are not surprised to find
chairs of Celtic studies established in
the leading universities of Europe and
America. 1t may not be too much to
expect that in the higher educational
institutions Of the future Celtic cul.
ture will hold the place that has been
hitherto occupied by Greek and Latin
culture, -
But the Gaelic League has not only
aroused interest in and created re-
'specta for, the native language Of, Ire.
land but 1t has also, and as q natural
consequence, made the people proud
of everything Irish. It has awakened
spirit of national pride and self-re-
spect, an essential Of true greatness
and dignified freedom. and an indi-
spensable condition of spiritual eleva-
tion and even material advancement.
Hence side by side with, the language
revival and as direct result thereof
Ireland has revival of her literature
and historical studies Of her ancient
customs and games and pastimes, Of
her native songs and dances and
music, Of her Celtic costumes Of sur
passing grace and modesty, and last,
though not least, Of her many-sided
industries, arts and crafts and manu-.
features. In . word, the ,Gaelic
League has infused q new soul into
the nation, which Is manifesting itself
in a thousand different ways, and
each way racy Of the soil and help.
ing to rehabiliate the nations life. ana
to restore the thousand glories Of .
magnificent and heroic past.
+ Present Position OF the Language. d,
At present irish is spoken BY some
Is per cent p almost three'fourths