Arizona republican., 1919-02-24
GIBBONS PLEADS. FUR FREE IRISH THROUGH WILSON
Aged Prelate Offers Stirring Resolution-Too Old, He Says, to Deliver Speech With Trembling Voice Calls On Congress and President for Independ- ence

PHILADELPHIA. Fob. 2S.--A reso- lutiou presented by Cardinal Gibbons urging the peace congress 70 apply to Ireland the doctrine of national sell determination. and declaration of prIu inies demanding that if any league ut nations hc created all features which may infringe on the traditional American policy. including tho Monroe doctrine. shall be eliminated. were adopted unanimously today at the clos Ing session of Che convention of the Irish race in America.
 The declaration says state Of war eNists between England and Ireland, which in the interests of peace of the world, tho peace conference cannot ignore"
 In support Of the movemen, Co bring freedom To Ireland. the convention pledged Co raise within six months one million dollars. but before Justice Dan tel F. COhalan Of the New York su- urcme court chairman. completed the roll call more than sl.ejo 900 had been pledged.
 Delegates from many states crowded tho Academy of Music when Cardinal Gibbons arose at the afternoon ses- sion. and in a few words presented tho resolution calling for the right ot Ireland tO select its form of govern mcnt.
 The enthusiasm aroused by the pre- lato continued, as numerous speakers seconded tho resolutions.
 Tho convention rose to it's feet and chcered several minutes when Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf of Philadelphia said that President Wilson's declaration that small nations shall have the right of self government" will not die down and not even President Wilson him self can recall it."
 Cardinal is Greeted
 The resolution calling on President Wilson and congress to urge the peace conference Co grant Ireland the right 70 national self determination was of tered by Cardinal Gibbons for adoption at the convention Of the Irish race in America here today.
 The cardinal. who recently cele- bratcd his golden jubilee commemorat- ing the fiftieth anniversary of his entrance into the priesthood of the Roman Catholic church. presented the document without formal speech. as scrtinC that his advanced years and consequent infirmittes rendered him incapable of making such an effort.
 'T hold in my hands" said the car dinal, "a resolution in behalf of Ire land which should appeal 10 every lover of liberty and justice.
 My friends. there is liberty in the mir. The nations Of the earth are clam bring for liberty. And why should not freedom loving Ireland join in the gen. oral cry? Yes. Ireland wants freedom To breathe the air of heaven. She wants freedom to stretch her brawny and slnewy arms. She wants freedom Co develop her resources. She wants freedom 10 develop the riches Of her soul. she wants freedom tO carve out her own destiny
 And we are here today to plead the cause of Ireland's sons and daughters. that they may stand erect. redeemed. regenerated and disenthralled on their own sacred soil"
 The Gibbons Resolutions
 The text of the resolution follows:
 We. the delegates to the congress of tho Irish race in America, assembled in Philadelphia. the city in which the immortal declaration Of American lih- crty was given Co the world. and speak Q inE for many millions of American cit izcns. call upon the president and con Q rrcss Of the United States Of Amer lea 10 urge tho peace conference. now in session at Paris, to apply 10 Ireland inc doctrine Of national self-deter- imitation. and Co recognize the right Of tho people of Ireland to select for themselves without interference from
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