The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1919-04-26
San Francisco Takes
Inspiring Lead in
Propaganda Fund

De0LS Win the AI1S0 0eaItS across
the sea.
America entered the war, not hop
ing for territorial extensions or the
subjugation of races, not for gain and
not for any of the things for which
men strive. She entered the war that
men might indeed be free to work out
their own destinies:
Now In asking that smaller nations
be granted self-determination we are
asking that all the smaller nations
yea, and old Erin-be free after 700
years during which wonderful peo-
pie have fought and died for their
national idealism.
Out from tho American heart goes
a peculiar something to all nations
downtrodden. In the 700 years of
Ireland's thraldom you will find 80
much that touches the heart, so much
suffering that we in this land of plen-
ty should be first to succor and to
help.
The splendid manhood and woman
hood Of Ireland have given much to
American idealism. They have given
SO much that it is our solemn duty
to strive that she may have and en-
Joy the fullness of self-control.
America asks that Ireland be free.
Let the word go out ot. this met
ing and similar ones to those in whose
hands rest the destinies of nations
that they will realize and acknowl-
edge the justice of the Irish cause,
and bring about the reality of the
dream for centuries of all the Irish
people.
AT the close of his talk Archbishop
Hanna announced that the, priests Of
the diocese had deposited an even
$4,000 in the Hibernia Savings and
Loan Society during the day for the
Irish Freedom Fund. s.
/ Senator James D. Phelan spoke in
part as follows: s5s'.
The most enduring force in the
world is the love of justice. and the
most irrepressible sentiment is the
love of country. Ireland has behind
it both these ideas, and the only
thing that stands in. the way Of Eng
lands acceptance of the inevitable,
is the proximity Of ireland to the
English coast. Shesfeels, it is stated,
that a country with whom she is at
war might there establish base, but
there are two things that should al
lay her fears: first, her commanding
fleet, and, secondly, the proposed
League Of Nations. The League of
Nations would be able to prevent one
state arming against another, or, as
it is planned, effect q general gradual
disarmament. The League of Peace,
II properly organized, should not only
give independence to the small ma
tions, but be their protector against
aggression.
ireland does not seek independence
in the spirit Of vengeance against
England for \ past and present
wrongs; she seeks independence in
order to establish orderly govern.
|ment and insure the happiness Of her
people. Order Is impossible unless
there is conviction on the part Of the
people Of the legitimacy and regu-
Il I,..ax.. - &J,ol~ vovorn,,,o ont an ordor1v
j government is impossible under Eng.
lands domination. That has been
demonstrated, and England would be
better of with orderly government
in Ireland than dfsorderly and re-
bellious government imposed upon
Ireland by force. which has been the
condition for 700 years down to the
present day.
Politics. divides, commerce unites.
! so England's objection to what Ire.
land might4d sis mo- argument against
Irelands independence, even in q
practical and workaday world. But
There we have the situation where
England's representatives have &C
cepted the fourteen points proposed
by President Wilson a the basis for
settlement Of the war.
The principal point 10 TO grant self.
determination to the smaller nations.
IIt does not change the matter in prin.
Iciple because England is holding Ire
Hand BY force and the other smaller
nations. who are about to be- given the
bool. Sv1srSs 7 isld BY Germany against
theft conSsut and ~ fofcs. When
| England ac6eD ted the fourteen points
lshs was eucolraSins Anerica to night
j (Ccafinnsd q Rags -