The Irish standard., 1915-09-11
GROWTH OF HIeERNIANisM.

GROWTH OF HleERNIANIsM.
The increased zeal and activity of
the Ancient Order of Hibernians has
shown itself in marked degree
throughout the world within the past
year. Not only is this plainly shown
In the work of the Ancient Order of
Hibernians in the United States,
where it is plain to all members of
the Order and to those outside who
are interested in Its work, but every
where there is added evidence that
the spirit of Hibernianism throughout
the world is increasing and it's influ.
ence growing. In the British Isles it
has shown a remarkable increase. In
round numbers the membership is
close to a million. In the distant
provinces of Australia, New Zealand,
and South Africa. the membership is
steadily and rapidly increasing. FL
nancially and numerically Hibernian.
ism was never more prosperous. Wise
investments, able leadership and sim
certify of purpose have marked the his
tory of Hibernianism in the United
States. The close bond of sympathy
that exists between the Ancient Order
OF Hibernians and every activity con-
nected with the prosperity and happi-
ness of Ireland, the magnificent spirit
of devotion to Irish ideals, and the
amount of aid given to furthering the
interest of all that concerns the de-
velopment of Ireland has erected for
Hibernianism a monument unsur-
passed In usefulness. That the spirit
of national independence lies deep
and firm in the foundations of the
Order in America is evidenced day
by day in the part that 1rishmen in
America have taken to secure an ad.
vantage for Ireland out of the con.
f1ict and turmoil which has command.
ed the entire attention of the coun
tries of Europe for the past twelve
months. OF all of the geographical
divisions of the world there is but
one country that could profit in any
way and show any happy result of the
great struggle in Europe on account
of the war that is now being waged,
That country is Ireland. Her coasts
have not been raided. No enemy, save
her ancient one across the channel.
has disturbed her coast in thousand
years. The other countries of con.
tinental Europe at the close of the
war will find their domains ravished
and financial standing ruined, II they
are not completely bankrupt, while
Ireland lying peacefully in the ocean,
separated as nature intended her to be
from the rest Of the world, might date
new era Of her existence from the
beginning of the war.
This was the expressed hope of the
Hibernians in the United States,-the
desire of all true Hibernians every
where, and the only possibility that
would be a boon to humanity that
could come without bloodshed, had
the advantage been taken, had the op-
portunity been grasped and the de.
sire on the part of political leaders
been directed toward an independent
nation rather than a west British
province. 1t was these possibilities
the value of the opportunity that pre-
scented itself that quickened the spirit
Of Hibernianism throughout the world
and put the Order in this country on
record in favor of using energy, in
fluence. enthusiasm, and zeal in q
direction where lasting results might
be obtained and the dream of centu.
ries realized. The members Of the
Order realize that there is more to
do In these later days than they had
ever supposed, that they are more
necessary to the existence Of ireland
than their passing thoughts lead them
to suspect. These are the considera-
lions which have auicksned the i'm
pulses and pfompt ted the growth Of
Hibernianism y such . marked d.
ne within liz past ysar.