The Irish standard., 1919-05-24

the assistance of Ireland. Yet Eng
land maintained an army of larger pro-
portion than they had in France. A
fleet in constant patrol of Irish coast.
Ireland under the heel of the censor
could not get their message out. They
could not make their voices heard.
They owned no newspapers here. They
owned no cables. They had no way of ;.
telling the world. Last December they
showed the world just how contented
Ireland was. The election last Decem-
ber resulted in an overwhelming vote
by the people of Ireland for self rule
Why Ireland was fighting for her free
dom before Columbus discovered
America. The rebellion of Easter
week was an example of 1reland's con-
tentment under the rule of the op-
pressor, when their young manhood
AYE yes and young womanhood gave
up their lives in the cause of freedom
for their nation. They knew the odds
were against them, they had no am
munition, no weapons for defense.
Some tell us it was foolish thing to
do, but how foolish we all are. 1t
was foolish for Christ to think that he
could die for the world and think he
could save it! Why Ireland is heap
of gunpowder, only awaiting the
spark.
Catholics and Protestants Equally
l. Patriotic. -
They tell us it is not the combined
Irish people who are seeking their
independence. l tell you this is not
so. Ireland's grand Patriots have been
Catholic and Protestant. My own an
cestor, one of Ireland's Patriots was
a. Protestant Robert Emmet was
Protestant, Lord Edward Fitzgerald,
Harvey, Sheares, O'Brien, Mitchell
and Parnell, and hosts of others were
all Protestants. Why the Litany of
the Protestant Saints in Ireland is
long one. So that puts an end to the
lie that it is religious issue, and not
the combined Catholic and Protestant
Ireland who are asking for their Free
dom. Let me tell you, if we had our
choice, we would indeed prefer to be
ruled by Catholic Ireland than by I'M
perial England. 1t is not at all
question of Religion. Protestant and
Catholic Patriots have long since CIV
en- up their lives for this same cause
of Freedom for Ireland. ~.
The torch of protest has been
lighted again, and if it is not needed,
we will be doing an injustice to the
men who fought and who are now
many of them in soldiers graves.
They did not fight to free Serbia and
Montenegro, Belgium, Poland, Slova-
kia, and leave Ireland unconsidered.
They fought for the right of Self Gov
ernment of all Nations, Great and
Small.
irishmen in American History.
They have told us the Irish were
incapable of governing themselves
yet how we'll we are governed by them
over here in our United States, thru
out her different Cities and States. The
Governor of North Dakota, Grand
son of an Irish Patriot, Mayor Nit
chell of New York, a Grandson of one
of Ireland's martyred leaders-An-
other answer to this propaganda of
England's as to the Irish not being
capable of self-government. Why
Ireland's History is a glorious one,
Her Culture, Her Refinement, Her
Schools and Colleges, Her Statesmen,
Her poets. Why Ireland's cause should
receive first consideration at the hands
of America. Let me tell you nine of
George Washington's Aide-de Campes
were Irishmen. The Revolutionary
Army was so per cent Irish Nine of
the Signers of the Declaration of In
dependence were Irish. Why an Irish
man wrote the first copy of the Dec
rlaratiOn of independence, an Irishman,
John Nixon, whose father was from
County Wexford, Ireland, was the first
to read the Declaration of Indepen-
dence to the citizens of Philadelphia
Thirteen of Washingtons Generals
were Irish. Robert Francis Paine
was O'Neill sixth in descent from that
O'Neill who led the revolt against
Elizabeth. Eight other signers of the
Declaration of independence were of
Irish blood.
It was Barry of Wexford who first
took the new American Flag to sea.
A Sullivan fired the first shot and cap
Etured Fort William and Mary. An
Irishman ferried Washington across
the Delaware. It was on the farm Of
an Irish Carroll that the White House
was erected.
In 1872, Commodore Stewart, Grand
father Of Parnell won his Naval hon
ors against the British fleet, and And