The Irish standard., 1916-02-26

Will IuS T0tOAusAoAdiy spirit, IOr Do-
fore his graduation from Trinity we
read that he delivered speech before
the Debating society at the College in
which he gave expression to his views
and feelings in favor of protesting
against the government then existing
in Ireland. This speech of his preci-
plated an inquisitorial examination of
the political views of the students by
Lord Glare, chancellor of the univer-
sity. Holding steadfast to his views
on the political questions, Emmett re-
moved his name from the books of
the university as protest against the
action of the college authorities, and
therefore left without taking a degree.
Thus cut of from entering the learned
profession, of his brother, his mind
turned to political intrigue and he was
by this time to some extent in the
secrets of the United 1rishmen.
Seemingly the English authorities
were we'll posted on the progress of
the revolutionary feeling, because they
soon knew of Emmet's connection
with the United Irishmen and his ex-
ecution was ordered, but the warrant
was never served. Emmett escaped
from Ireland and now an exile he trav.
eled through Holland, Spain, Switzer-
land and France, and in Paris he be-
came the confidant of a circle of ex-
lies who were both Irish patriots and
French Republicans, desiring the lib.
Grafton of Ireland and the overthrow
of the then existing French kingdom
and the establishment of a republic.
He returned to Ireland, and learn
ing of new rebellion on foot he re-
turned to Paris and interviewed Ma
poleon Bonaparte regarding aid which
was expected from France to assist
the Irish cause. He was convinced
that the French would attack England
in the summer of the following year
and spurred on by this hope and by a
legacy of $500 left him by his father,
he returned to Ireland and began prep
arations for an uprising to take place
simultaneously with the French in
vasion.
OF this uprising little need be said.
1t is enough to know that the French
did not make the expected attack and
Emmet's uprising was put down with
out any trouble. But even at this time
we are given a glimpse of the noble
character of Emmett 1t is said that
Lord Kilwarden, governmental off,
cial, and his nephew and daughter,
were attacked in their carriage by the
rabble which followed after Emmet's
band and Lord Kilwarden and his
nephew were killed. Hearing of the
outrage, Emmett left the head of his
band and himself bore the lady to an
adjoining house for safety.
This act gives clear idea of the
mans chivalry and virtuous motives.
The failure of his plans disheartened
Emmett and he fled to the Wicklow
mountains. He remained in hiding
but short time and soon found q
place of refuge which was close to
the house of Sara, Curran, to whom he
had been secretly attached. He car.
ried on long correspondence with
her and it is understood that after his
arrest these letters were taken from
Miss Curran by the English author.
tiles. In them Emmett tried to per.
suade Miss Curran to fly to America
with him, but without success.
His friends had tried their best to
aid his escape from Ireland, but he
refused to go without first seeing and
bidding goodbye to Miss Curran. This