The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1919-07-26
THE IRISH PEOPLE SPLENDID LEAvEN.


1t was Henry Ward Beecher who made the re-
mark ''The Irish splendid leaven.' The truth
of this epigram is manifested in striking degree in
this important epoch of American life and history,
the President of the Irish Republic, De Valera is
making a triumphal progress throughout the courl-
try. His coming is concident with the public dis
cussion OF proposed departure from traditional
policies involving an ENHANCEMENT in European
affairs against which the Fathers of the Republic
have strongly admonished us as nation. That
question has assumed definite and positive form
and calls for almost immediate decision and judy
ment-to be or not to be joined in the League OF
Nations.
Whatever may be the outcome of our decision
this great issue it cannot be denied that the ad
vent of the Irish President has been a beneficial
influence to us III exercising right of choice in
the matter. He has revived in the spirit of '76
and the narrowing days of Valley Forge. He has
brought back wildly the recollection of the heroes
of Revolution, and the heart-rending trials
of the patriots of that glorious epoch He has made
us to hear again the voices of Adams, of Patrick
Henry, OF Franklin, and the rest of the brilliant
galaxy of statesmen who pledged their lives upon
the foundation of the American Republic. He has
made to resound again the historic shot Concord
that heard round the world and the Gathering
lot the hoof-beats of the horse of Paul Revere he
rode down from Boston to warn the countryside
Iagainst the approach of the British sodery. We
have heard sung again in their original and I'M
expurgated form the glorious stanzas of the "Star
Spangled Banner written by Francis Scott Key
in expression of his wrath over the ruthessness of
the British in setting fire to the National Capitol at
Washington, and we rejoice with him that their
blood has washed their foul footsteps pollution
President De Vaera's arrival has served to in
tensify and stimulate what may be properly called
the good, old-fashioned Amercansm, as contrasted
with the Tory Americansm which still persists in
many quarters - the Anglo-Saxon Amercansm
which still regards "the States as essentially part
of the British dominions and subservient to them
Andrew Carnegie has frankly expressed his senti-
ment upon the subject, and there are a-plenty Of
his type who share his views, but have the hard-
hood of the Scotch millionaire to declare themselves
in writing. In strong contrast to these discordant
notes comes the voice of Irelands chief which is
attuned to the original keynote of American liberty
and democracy. At Boston, at Chicago and at San
Francisco, from border to border of the country he
has been received with the same magnificent ac-
claim-the heartfelt response of the people of
Amerca to the aspirations of the Irish people, It
wholesome and refreshing proof of the perennial
quality of the American heart and mind that such
generous sympathy and enthusiasm has been evoked
at the touch Of the personality of De Valera Like
the quality Of mercy t blesseth him that gives and
him that takes" It is eavening influence that will
rebound to our national good in the future in all
that appertains to our welfare and policies. Yes,
the Irish people are powerful and wholesome
eaven in America, especially at this crucial period
our destiny.
I1A1c@Nyc r@Arrnrnrrrro>, ,r< ,rr-r, ---c,,