The Irish standard., 1915-11-13
AN OLD AILMENT IN A new :. :. % ?

men of contracted understanding, de.
fective education and uneasy sus-
picions. They are filled with fore
bodings, and only bold when confront
ing some inanimate shape constructed
from the Pigments of their own phan-
tasms. They are not to be feared, be-
cause they are timid from the effect
of their own ignorance. They are
prone to be affrighted at their own
delusions, because they habitually
ascribe to other men discreditable
motives which exist only in their own
prejudices.
When assembled in large bodies
they are easily seduced by the false
alarms Of crafty leaders and manipu-
lated with cold and selfish schemes of
unprincipled politicians.
Such associations would be the butt
of public ridicule did they confine
their bigotry to the dark recesses of
their secret meetings. But when they
expose the ugly face of their intrigues
in the free daylight of this republic
they excite the contempt of those who
love justice and who are ready to de-
fend the principles of the constitution
This mean species of political war
fare cannot flourish under free insti-
tutions. Wherever such slanderous
associations temporarily succeed there
liberty is destroyed and an odious oil
garchy blights all happines with its
sinister rule. Wherever such associa-
tions fail the victory is vindication
of our representative system of gov
ernment, and a tribute to the honest
manhood of the community. Those
communities which accept the preju-
dices of these dark associations are
degenerate in intelligence and step
back to the dark ages.
All fair minded men hoped that lib
efty of conscience would never again
be challenged. It was not thought
possible that any open and organized
attempt would ever again be made in
this country to impose upon Catho-
lies those restraints which were
thrown of after centuries of military
revolt and civil turmoil. 1t is dis.
heartening and astonishing that any
attempt should be made in this age to
revive the spirit of intolerance when
its-perverse and, frantic power had
been broken into fragments by the
forces of freedom and knowledge.
These anti Catholic associations re-
semble those plotters who in other
days sought to strangle the rights of
Catholics. The combination of plot.
ters into lodges. the uttering of Ger.
tain gibberish and the performance OF
certain mummeries in their limitations
were invariably but the preludes to in
ternal discord. Strange and fantastic
stories were once told of "Popish
plots" and these outlandish tales OF
false witnesses not only caused fer
ment among the credulous population
of those ages, but in Ireland, especial
ly, sent terrible professions of con
demned Catholics to the cell and the
scaffold.
The dissemination of such vicious
tales in these days has the deplorable
effect of destroying confidence anG
breaking that friendly harmony which
should exist among all men striving
for livelihood and for an equal enjoy
ment of all the blessings of America
Yet, while the bigots and plotter
combine for attack, the justice-lovin,
!, ;, citizens unite for defense. It is F,
glorious fact that in all our histor,
a threat such as this has never faile
. to cause fair-minded men to draw tc
gether and to form in close ARA
) around our institutions.
The present attempt to impeach tn
loyalty of Catholics and to questio
y their right to public Office has faile
= miserably. 1t failed because bigotr
is repugnant to reason. 1t failed ais
- because there exists, and has existe
AOA NOASuAlOos Oil OA6oAAAAIAOA 7
which the basic purpose is tn
'. guardianship of patriotism and d.
~ fence of the Catholic faith. This O
ganization is the Ancient Order of H
10 bernians. We have met other enemie
y, :, in other generations. We have MI
- them in Ireland and Great Britain, an
;" we have met them here, and we ha,
- never been dismayed by their threa
y nor retreated from their violence.
'e One of the chief virtues of our ord
~ is our adaptability as defensive Q
- ganization. Our system of governmel
ie is simple and direct. Our membe
are intelligent and alert. The Owe
'e whelming majority of them are train'
10 in the rules and customs of represent
~ tive government, and are prepared
~ take an aggressive part in all publ
~ affairs at days notice. We are al
'n mated by every feeling that can mo
~ men to great exertions, and we knt
81 that every element of righteousness
~ fighting on our side.
ae A prominent Protestant said rece
"o ly that the "Stone Mems Club.
ln anti Catholic organization in Penns