The Irish standard., 1919-07-05

81.
July II, Friday-Pius l.
AMERICA ON THE SIDE OF FREE
INSTITUTIONS.
President De Valera of the Irish Republic has
reached these shores at a time when the minds and
hearts of all Americans should be heartily recep-
tive to his message and appeal. The anniversary
OF our immortal Declaration of independence
brings to mind the struggles and sacrifices of the
Revolution and the patriotic heroes who were con-
fronted with situation in which, as it tersely
phrased, they obliged to hang together in or
der not to hang separately. Upon the issue of that
conflict Washington, Patrick Henry, Franklin,
Adams, Hancock, Carroll and the rest of the inn
mortal galaxy of leaders pledged their lives, their
fortunes, and their sacred honor at time when the
odds were strongly the side of the forfeiture of
these pledges and forever in American hearts will
be cherished ondy the story of their great achieves
ment under the favor of Divine Providence.
1t is but natural therefore that Americans should
view with sympathy the efforts of another new
nation to lift itself into the sunlight of freedom and
the pure atmosphere of democracy The leaders of
the struggle in Ireland today attacking the
forms of tyranny and alensm in the reign of George
V as Americans struck down in that of George III :;
and because of their proximity to the enemy they
are stalking their all against greater odds than did
the Revolutionary fathers. The voice and influence
of this Republic has always been the side of the
down-trodden and oppressed wherever and when
ever the national conscience aroused to the
point OF expression action. Speaking of the part
America should take at the time the Greeks were
engaged in fighting for their liberty in 1923 the
ing the Senate:
. "What part it becomes this country to take on
question of this Sort far it is called upon to
take any part, be. doubtful Our side of the
question is settled for us even without our own
yolltion. Our history, situation character,
necessarily decide our position and course be-
tore we have even time to ask whether we have an
option. Our place is on the side of free institu-
TONS"
If Webster's declaration of the American policy
made nearly a century ago was sound at that stage
OF democratic progress in the history of mankind
how much more clear and definite is that principle
in the light of the world situation of today Within
that period almost every country in South America
has gained it's independence, as also have Greece
Belgium, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Roumania
Montenegro Italy, Norway and Cuba To these
the world war has added Poland, Czecho-Slavia
Jugo-Slavia, Finland and dozen or more smaller
nationaties
But Ireland, as President De Valera says ''the
one remaining white nation in the slavery of alien
rule shall she be abandoned to the merces of her
despoilers while the rest of the Civilized world is
marching forward on the lines of democracy and
selt-deermination of sovereignty? Such situation
is incongruous as we'll as dangerous to the peace
and progress of all mankind solution of the
Irish question is absolutely necessary for the sta
bization of the post-belum world. 1t is, as. was
said in the Parnel Times case, ga dark cloud that
has long rested noble race, and d1nmed the
Z SAoAJ
cloud both the immediate parties to the controversy
and the world at large will be tremendously bene
fitted The path of the progress of civilization and
democracy will be cleared of obstruction that has
persisted for centuries in retardaon of information
al comfy and good will. 1t will signaize to the
world the good faith and sincerity of the Allied
Powers in their acceptance OF the proclamatons and
declarations of President Wilson in behalf of Amer
lea prior to and during the war
Furthermore, it will be on the part of America
fulfllment of the pledge of Benjamin Franklin on
the occasion Of his visit to Ireland during the Revo
lutionary war that when the time came the weight
B Of American influence would be thrown into the
scales on the side Of Erin The psychological hour
q arrived One of Americas in the person
Of the earnest and brilliant De Valera is making
most cogent and powerful plea for our good offices
z and benefcent intervention in behalf Of the new
i Republic Of Ireland. Shall that plea be ignored.
4 that supplication be disregarded? Certainly not.
fAmerica has not failed to cherish the spirit of 76
Nowas ever we should be con the side of free inst
tutions.
BOUGHT AND PAID FOR"
AT election times in many of the states candidates
s. r f