The Irish standard., 1913-04-05

less, slothful and drunken people, who
lack those elements of character es-
sential to national self-government
These are. indeed, serious charges.
But we must remember that they pro-
coed from prejudice, and that preju-
dice is ever notoriously prone to the
logical fallacy which gives us the gen.
eral for the particular; the fallacy
which gives the rule when truth would
expect the exception. The Irish lack
perslstency of purpose. How, then.
explain the fact that against mighty
ANTAGONISTS they have persistcntly re-
jccted compromise and strenuously
fought for their national Heritage?
How explain the tenacity with which
they have chung to their faith in the
doleful days OF persecution? Pane
gyrfc Is not at present our purpose.
We only give expression to, public
sentiment-yea, even to British pub
lie sentimert-when we aver that the
mental and moral caliber of the Irish
people rivals that Of the most en-
ligftensd and progressive Of nations.
In every department of public life,
ecclesiastical, military and civil,
Irisfmen have in every period of his
tory played a conspicuous and honor
able, even a brilliant role. True, we
have our exceptions. But have not
other nations their exceptions like
wise? Have the Scotch and English
no bibacious unfortunates? Are the
Germans, French and Scandinavians
all eminent for scbriety? Have not
these nations their full percentage OF
Bacchic devotees?
Compare the liquor bill Of Ireland
with that Of Scotland and England
and draw your own conclusions. You
will find that the difference is not one
OF abstinence, but consists in this
that the Irish topper is less methodical
than his neizhbors. The man of the
Rose or Thistle usually begins with a
Square meal" before he plies his
glass-the man Of the shamrock gen.
orally despises. though unwiscly, such
astronomical precautions.
But the Irish as a people are un-
progressive; Yes, the Irish in ireland
have been in the past somewhat I'M
progressive: but VIC fail to sec how a
people in chains could have been 9TH
erwise. Here in great hearted, Amer
lea, and in other countries where the
flag of freedom waves in the sunlight,
the Irish are at least as industrious,
and progressive as the peoples of 9TH
or nationalitics. There is no reason
why tho Irish people under a national
government should not attain great
ness in their native land. The geo.
graphical position of ireland is most
favorable to commerce. 1t possesses
excellent harbors, great fertility Of
soil. limitless water power and extern
sive mineral wealth. The land alone
is capable Of supporting 100000
people.
With all these signal advantages
ireland should, under a free govern
ment, attain not merely prosperity,
but greatness. For her intellectual
assets are certainly not less than her
physical resources. Her average in
telligence stands high, while 1.-The
fame OF her more gifted sons has q
recognition co-extensive with civiliza-
tion." What country can surpass in
oratory and wit, the celebrities who
sat In the Irish Parliament more than
a century ago? There was the GAL
liant Harry Flood Of whom It was said:
"like Hercules, he failed with the dis
taft, but with the thunderbolt he has
the arm OF a Jupiter" There was
Henry Grattan, who was, perhaps, the
greatest orator Of any age OF orators
There, too, was Curran, the exhaust
less wit, tho dauntless and defiant ad-
vocate, who was as true to Ireland
as he was to the saddest client who
sought the shelter and defence of his
blazing shield"
In later days, when the Irish Par
Lament had already passed from Col
lege Green to Westminster, q still
more lustrous star arose in the Irish
f1rmament-thc champion Of Catholic
Emancipation - tho immortal Daniel
O'Connell. % t''&
It would, indeed, be ungcncrous to
close without a tribute to the dear
memory of Charles Stewart Parnell
1reland's cause has found no moro
powerful champion than this remark
able man.
Nothing can cover his high fame but
heaven.
No pyramids set or his memories
But the eternal substance of his