The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1919-06-28

July 2, of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
July 3, Thursday-st 1renacus::
July 4, Friday-Independence Of America.
WELCOME! PRESIDENT DE VALERA.
From the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Lakes
to Gulf this great Republic has been thrilled, during
the past week by the announcement of the arrival
upon its shores of Cannon de Valera, president of
Ireland He would be indeed a spineless American
who would fail to acclaim with Joy the advent of
leader of the Valera type, matter where he came
from what his creed race, or color might be.
Whether he hailed from the jungles of Africa. the
deserts OF Asia the widernesses of Australia and
whether he was of Caucasian, Monaghan, Ethiopian
or other stock, who had put up such gall
liant, courageous and sacrificing fight in behalf of
his dowrl-trodden felow-countrymen would be well
coined most cordially in tthe land of the free and
the home of the brave American hearts have ever
in history gone out TO those who have attempted
to gain for themselves the blessings of liberty and
independence which have the privilege to enjoy,
whether it be a Kossuth, a Toussant l. Ouvertare
a Parnell Paderewski.
God pity nation and individuals if we
should ever become so sordid, selfish or SNUG in
our possessions or spirit as to withhold our SYM
pathy and help from those who are making the same
struggle for freedom that made us nation. Far
be that day in national life when we shall cease
to encourage and strengthen the hands of those who
are seeking emancipation from the tyranny and
usurpation of alien domination. LEST we forget"
let always keep fresh in memories the records
of our glorious fight against foreign thralldom,
and let the recollection of it ever make us the guild
ing star of the nations in the march for freedom
President De Valera of the Irish Republic now
brings the challenge of Ireland before the forum Of
the word-truly worthy champion of great and
noble cause. He stands before the bar of American
public opinion in behalf of people who stand
unitedy behind him in his plea for friendly recog-
milton and support. OF American birth himself and
imbued with the American ideals of truth, justice
and humanity, he is peculiarly fitted to present the
cause of Ireland to the American people. OF pure
life, stainless character and noble spirit and engag
ing personality his appeal cannot fail to engage the
consideration of all Americans who cherish the ira
ditions and policies of this great Republic of the
West, and who free from the obsessions Of Brit
ish propaganda. A new Parnell has come to plead
are far more promising and inspiring than those
listing in the decade of the visit of the great Home
Rule Leaders and he is asking not merely for colonial
or dominion government of Ireland, but for absolute
and complete independence, and in this stand he is
sustained by the registered will of more than three
fourths of his fellow countrymen. He seeks recog-
milton of government that is unquestionably Of
right subjected to the tests of democracy and
Americanism.
Surely the fates are becoming benignant to Erin
in the production of such magnificent young leader
at this crcis in her destiny. 1t is our confident pre-
diction that President De Valera will be received
with boundless enthusiasm in every section of
America, and that his visit to this country will be
marked with the same cordiaty and sympathy that
marked the historic visit of Lafayette in the early
days Of the Republic. Although he has been con-
fined in British prison for more than year with
out any cause whatsoever, and the pallor Of that
confinement is still seen his countenance, he has
not uttered bitter word of resentment or anger
against the government that is responsible for that
inhuman treatment Such is his devotion to the
great cause which lies deep in his heart that he has
exercised almost superhuman selfcontrol in check
ing any expression of emotion that might tend to
ats injury or embarrassment. On escaping from cap
tivity he at once jumped back into the fray, and
Z turned his wonderful energies to the advancement
Of the work in hand.
Thus has he earned the love and loyalty of the
people Of Ireland. and the American people will not
N be slow to discern and admire in him those same
elemental human qualities Of character and heroism
To honor him will be to honor ourselves IDEALS
our traditions and our heritage Should we fail to
h accord to him sympathetic greetings and moral
cooperation we would pro tanto fail in the true
American spirit Caed Mile Failthe, President De
Valera
POPE BENEDIcTs JUDGMENT
aS .sss VINDIcATED
vindication of the attitude of neutrality main