The Irish standard., 1918-05-04

gether' and decide on a Home Rule
measure for Ireland. This gathering
was called an Irish Convention, but
you will readily see that it was not
representative of the Irish for they
had nothing to do with selecting the
delegates. At no time did the British
prime minister say that the majority
would rule in this convention, he evil
IDENTIFY expected the members of this
body to be of one mind, which was
an utter impossibility. This Conven-
tion remained in session until about
two weeks ago when it completed
it's work and rendered it's report to
Mr.. Lloyd George. Despite the fact
that the majority had reported in
Rule, the prime minister did not al
low the report to come before the
House of Commons, and when asked
as to it's fate, he stated that it was
tabled. In the sane breath he an
nounced that conscription would be
Immediately extended to Ireland re-
gardless of the fact that he knew it
would be resisted under these circum.
stances.
When our beloved America entered
the world war, our President, Mr. Will
son, stated that it was for the pur-
pose of making the world safe for
democracy. In all of his public state
ments since that event, he has de-
clared in broadcast terms that all peo.
pie must have the right to determine
how they shall be governed. He has
stated again and again that before a
lasting peace can be obtained, Ger
many must give up Belgium, Alace
and Lorraine, Poland, etc. Is it fair
to Mr.. Wilson to presume that be-
cause Ireland "a small nation whose
fight for freedom is centuries older
than that of any of the small nations,
whose cause our boys have gone to
vindicate) is held in bondage by our
most powerful co-belligerent, that he
does not mean that she too should be
admitted to that charmed circle?
Americans of Irish blood have
given every proof of their loyalty to
the Stars and Stripes. We can proud
ly claim at least fifty per cent Of the
Army and Navy. The fact that from
this day forth, every American victory
will be also an English victory, is not
deterring us in the least from helping
to keep America the greatest nation
on earth.
An inspired propaganda is going on
all over the land, it is trying to prove
that Ireland has made no contribution
to the present struggle. The press
of America is almost unit in advis-
ing Ireland to do her share when the
real facts are, she has already done
more than her share. Because of this
propaganda, the idea has taken hold
of some of our people that if it was
alright to draft our American boys
why should the Irish boys be exempt.
Those who know nothing about the
real state of affairs in ireland, only
what they read in the average Amer
ican newspaper, cannot be blamed for
holding such views.
Another false view held by some of
our people is, that if we start any
agitation in favor of Ireland we will
offend our powerful co-belligerent-
England, and so weaken Americas
cause. Over-zealous American patri-
OTIS of Irish blood have stated that
Americans of Irish blood who even
sympathize with their kin in Ireland
in their struggle for freedom are trail
tors to America. Dear Sister, l am
sure it is not necessary for me to
point out to you the weakness of these
views.
England, because of her attitude
towardv Ireland, is now endangering
the cause for which we have sent
and are sending our boys "over
there" and England should be told to
set her own house in order. Who is
going to tell her to do this? Who is
in the best position to tell her? Why
AMERICA of course! Our President
has repeatedly stated that America
wants nothing out of this dreadful
conflict but the freedom of the down.
trodden races of the earth. 1t is very
true that at no time has Mr.. Wilson
mentioned Ireland in his public utter
ances, but, have WE tried to make
it known to him that WE are. to any
great extent, interested in the fate
of poor Ireland?
The Ladies' Auxiliary to the An
cient Order Of Hibernians with its
splendid membership having as it's
aim at all times, AMERICA FIRST,
is the only organization of American
women of Irish blood having a ma
tional standing. About seventy-five
per cent of our members have sons
already in France or waiting to go
there In addition to this. our men,
bers in their several localities are
among the very best working units
in every patriotic endeavor. We are
not only helping to care for the spir-
itual welfare of our boys (having con-
tributed over $1,000 to the Chaplains'
Outfit Fund), but our members are
working for the Red Cross, the Lib
erty Loan, and many other patriotic
Among our best workers