The Washington herald., 1919-04-03
BANK ON WILSON,
IRISH ARE.URGED
Jerome Connor, Sculptor,
Now Living Here, Has
Faith in President.

The support given President Wilson
by Edmund De Valera, president OF
the Sim FNein, in urging his followers
to confidence that at the proper time
the President will present and press
Ireland's claim to nationhood. Is ap-
proved and indorsed by influential
leaders and prominent American citi-
zens Of Irish blood and sympathies
now In Washington.
The following letter OF commenda-
ton has been sent to De Valera by
Jerome Connor. the Irish sculptor,
row living in Washington:
Dear Friend and Countryman:
Your faith in President Wilson is
the brightest news I have had from
Ireland for many a day. I am writing
to assure you that / share your ex-
pressed confidence in the President.
Having had the privilege and the
pleasure OF grasping the Presidents S
hand and of looking deep into his eyes
as he talked of Ireland, I feel confl-
dent that while he is engaged with
others over plans for the reconstruc-
ton of a demoralized Europe he will
hear and heed the voice Of Ireland.
President Wilson's exalted ideals
for exact and equal justice for all
nations and all peoples. which defines
correctly the sentiment Of the Ameri-
can people, have challenged the atten-
ton and respect Of civilized govern
ments. Presentation and considera-
ton Of these ideals will force world
leaders to consider the plight Of Ire
land and her plea. The broaded, fairer
and better craftsmanship Of England
will Yield to the demand for this exact
and equal justice for ireland, voiced
from within and outside Great
Britain. When that day comes I want
to be with you in my native land TO
add my voice to that Of the millions
of others who will speak against
tyranny in the world-the kind OF tyr
amy that has suppressed the soul as
pirations of a noble race, employing
every agency to retard economic, So
cial and political development.
"Saddest OF all perhaps, this tyranny
has blanketed the artistic spirit-light
of our people. Her artists have been
forced to seek in other countries op-
portunities denied them in their ma
tive land. During my stay and strug-
giles here / have met many men and
women from ireland who are or were
masters in various professions. Pre-
eminent among them I recall Angus
tus St Gaudens. Had he continued
to live in a city misruled by an alien
army garrison and had he been forced
to accept in political bondage mental,
moral and spiritual suppression and
qualification, he might have been a
news dealer in Dublin or a sailor in his
najesty's service. America gave him
freedom and st. Gaudens became the
greatest sculptor OF the Western Hem
isphere.
President Wilson attended the un-
yelling of my statue of Emnet in the
National Museum In Washington. A
replica Of the statue Is in the White
House accepted by the President in
soulful words of keenest. deepest un-
derstanding of Emmet's aspirations
and sacrifice. He knows that the soul
of ireland has been sorely tried In the
ccnturies-old struggle TO keep alive the
embers OF a nations culture. Deeply
sensible OF and sympathetic with Ire
lands aspirations and determination,
President Wilson and the peace con-
ferees will not ignore. am certain,
Ireland's claims and leave her an out
cast nation. with the Irish people an
outlaw race"