The Irish standard., 1919-05-24

THE IRl
the chariot of the British monarchy? say, ques-
ton of supreme importance, because no other sub.
ect more distinctly related to human welfare than
the subject of liberty ireland the question
in the spirit of Patrick Henry's impassioned utter
anee: Give me liberty or give me death"
AS America responded to the gallant Virginian
orator and statesman the America of today, II
still imbued with the inspiring ideas which domi:
mated the revolution, dictated the Declaration OF
independence and triumphed at Yorktown, will echo
the aspirations OF the Irish people and will second
their efforts. However, the important question to
which have referred is not merely an Irish ques-
ton, it is not merely American question; it is
question addressing itself with thundrous and com
pelling emphasis to all mankind. 1t is question
tar transcendlng the interests of the British govern
ment those of any other particular government
1t must be solved by the united force of public opn
ion among all races and in all the regions of the
earth. firmly believe that if Ireland were free to-
day, and it were proposed to place her under the
domination OF Great Britain, the conscience of all
mankind would revolt at the proposal.
For more than seven centuries, the British con-
queror has maintained his sway in the Isle of Erin
and claims the right to continue that sway forever
regardless of the will of the Irish people and in bold
defiance of the principle that the right of self-deter
mlnation is inherent in every national group This
principle has been expressly set forth and defined by
the utterances of the president of the United States
with the approval of practically all his countrymen.
IL is a principle winch must be applied under any
rule which prescrbes the duty of safeguarding the
rights of all nations little nations as we'll as great
nations" It has been applied to Poland, Czecho-
Slava and to Jugo-Slava and there is no logical
son why it should not be applied to Ireland
What can make more imposing appeal to judg-
nient and sympathy than the demand of anintelli-
gent and highly civilized people for the grant Of
self-government? Surely, America cannot ignore
the appeal
Standing with proud defiance before the world,
hold %hn IS t..
mighty paw, the British lion growls at every move
ment which seeks the rescue Of his victim. British
statesmen, highly placed declare that, while self
determination may be accorded to the long suffering
peoples of the continent of Europe and they may be
created blazing stars in the sky of political prog
ress Ireland must be left as satete-a pale moon
revolving about the throne on which is seated the
grandson of Prince Albert of Saxe-Cobourg- Gotha
America has already answered this claim through
overwhelming vote of the federal house of repre-
sentatives in favor of Irish independence and
through the voice of many state legislatures we'll
as through the expression of countless public
bes The day has come when, in the name of hui
manity and in high regard for the welfare of the
world, Woodrow Wilson and his compatriots acting
in accordance with the spirit of that historic pronun
ciamento-the Declaration of Independence in
accord with the devotion to liberty which inspired
Washington, should assist in elevating Ireland to
place among the free nations of the earth Then let
the president of the United States of America turn
to the tablets of fame immortal and write thereon
the epitaph of Robert Emmett!