The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1916-03-11

power, dictates. It has never had force
behind it. There is not and never
has been an international policeman
to enforce its DEGREES. Its academic
rules have been formulated generally
by and in the interest of the strong
and powerful nations, and whenever 1t
has suited their purpose they have
violated or disregarded them with i'm
punity. Force and fear are correlative
terms, and, excepting the splendid ex-
amples set by our country, all history
shows that whenever it was to the in
terest of the strong nation to perpe-
trate wrong upon the weak one, in
ternational law was ignored.
1t is true that an American citizen
in pursuit of legitimate purposes, is
entitled to and should have the pro.
lection of our government, abroad as
we'll as at home, on sea as we'll as on
land, but it is also true that the inter-
ests of the State must take precedence
over those of the individual, and
where the safety of the one and the
liberty of the other conflict, the former
must prevail.
Thus, when in an epidemic of dan.
ger and destruction an American citi.
zen, for purposes of profit or pleasure,
wantonly exposes himself, it is not
law, it is not justice, that his reckless
ness should involve a whole nation in
the horrors of war.
EngIand's Defeat the Supreme
Interest.
Confidently do we appeal to those
entrusted with power that the great
trust. reposed in them will not be i'm.
perilled by any Quixotic pursuit of a
shadow, that conventions be not made,
or presidents established, which, in
time of need, might prevent or ham,
per us from utilizing to the full our
skill and ingenuity for the protection
of our country. Should such an emer.
gency arise. and the honor and safety
of our country demand preservation,
with us there cannot be choice or di.
vided allegiance But one path leads
to duty and loyalty, and that path we
will follow with whole-hearted en-
thusiasm.
While politically Indifferent, we are
morally sympathetic with the suffer
ings Of all afflicted humanity. We
commiserate with every people whose
country has been ravaged by the fu-
ries of war, and were it in our power
to ameliorate their condition, we would
gladly do so.
In the outcome of the great struggle
now raging, and as between the COM
batants now engaged, we have one SUI
preme interest. and one only, and that
is to see England, the tyrant and op-
pressor of Ireland and her people, the
evil genius of France and of every ma
tion blighted by her alliance, defeated.
1t has been indelibly marked on the
pages Of history, written by her own
sons, that England never accorded to
Ireland the slightest installment of
Justice except through fear. In that
she does not stand alone. 1t is char.
acteristic of the attitude of the con.
queror to the conquered. Amid the
flames of Sadowa Austria saw the light
which revealed to her the necessity of
justice to Hungary. Because of that
disaster she was forced to accede to
Hungary's demand for the restoration
Of her national language, life and laws,
and today, at time of greatest need,
she has by her side proven friendship
and loyalty, instead Of secret or open
hostility.
Only through such an ordeal can
England's eyes be ever opened to the
truth, that, even for her own welfare,
it would be preferable to have at her
door . friendly neighbor rather than
. watchful enemy.