The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-03-27

In an editorial article in the Cath
olic Messenger" Davenport, Iowa, at
tacking my attitude on the recruit
ing policy" statements are made that
can only arise from false information.
and from a false conception of the
duty of an editor of an Irish-American
Catholic newspaper. 1t Is true that
during my tours throughout the West
and South protested vehemently
against the policy which called young
1rishmen to the blood-stained "colors"
of the traditional enemy of Ireland.
Who does not see the ghastly hollow
ness of men of this generation rang
ing themselves on the side Of the en-
emy which all generations Of Irish
men for thousand years have fought
on field and forum? For centuries
Mr.. Sharon's ancestors and mine have
opposed this merciless foe with all
their strength. Suddenly few de-
sert to this enemy. In moment these
few proclaim all who refuse to follow
them traitors to Ireland.
The editorial states that "appar-
emily gauged my remarks according to
the sentiments of the local member
ship" The sentiment against the re-
cruiting policy is not local. as any
body with eyes to see may realize. The
sentiment is generals vigilant and
vigorous-and Is shared by more than
ninety per cent of the membership Of
the A. o. H. in America. 1t is not
alone who repudiate "the once-trust-
ed leadership" That leadership has
resigned its position and become the
brass band of an alien government.
"The Messenger" also states: "If
Mr.. Mclaughlin entertained the senti-
ments that he now expresses prior to
his election, he obtained that Office un.
der false pretenses." Such q sentence
is built upon ignorance. Few, indeed,
who attended the Norfolk Convention
doubted that entertained such sen
timents as now express. Few, indeed
might also add, were unaware Of thu
fact that the candidate who opposed
me, Mr.. Donnelly. held Views similar
to mine Did anybody suggest that q
recruiting policy" was about to be
adopted when the delegates passed res
olutions commencing the Parliament
ary party?
No resolutions endorsing the ere
cruiting policy" would have been Of
fered at Norfolk had it been thought
that within a few months the green
banner would be torn down and the
red flag of England unfurled in Its
| stead. AS Nationalist my support
was accorded to the Irish party when
these resolutions were passed at Nor.
folk. When that group of parliament
tarians became 1mperialist l still re-
mained, and now remain, q National
ist
In giving public expression to the
opinions which "rhe Messenger" crit
j
unanimous conviction of the order
which has honored me with its leader.
ship. My judgment arises from the
experience of lifetime of service to
the cause of the country of my birth
Calling me professional" does me
but simple JUSTICE. Amateurs in pa
| ,,t ~ 70 fO
| more experienced than themselves
and as a member of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians, since boyhood, it would
be strange, indeed, did / not gauge
with some precision the sentiment on
the most potent issue which has pre-
sented itself for decision in many dec
AIDES.
The work of Ireland cannot be done
by shedding Irish blood under the
British flag, in cause which does not
concern either the honor or the safety
of Ireland or her people, either at
home or abroad. The position of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians as the
| IIlOoL pOWCIluA VI 6duIAdIAOh VI LhC oSS
and faith in the world was fixed before
either Mr.. Sharon or was born. The
time may come-but it will only come
with the fulfillment of its ideals-when
the Order can abdicate with honor the
trust which it has borne for so many
years. But it will never come because
a few men, stampeded by the example
of a well-advertised leader, wave the
British flag and beat the British drum
The kings shilling may glitter in the
eyes of editors who do not know Ire
land. and be pocketed by deluded boys
but it has not yet been accepted by the
Ancient Order of Hibernians or itt
national president.
am not in the business Of barter
ing patriotism for gain. have never
believed in shifting my position ovel
night at orders from the front. Ny
name is not unknown among those
who have borne the heat and burder
Of the day, and whether at the middle
or the close of the day, I have Away
done my own thinking. I do not pledg'
the great s0ciety If which I am th,