Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1920-03-13
BRANN's IcoNocLAsT.

ireland Tor the purpose or dtScredtt-
ing George Washington. That was
depth of infamy to which he could
not sink. In trying to escape the
odium OF black disgrace inseparable
from treason, he may have visited
the Emerald Isle, but he was too
much OF a man TO urge public au-
dience to support the claims Of
George III. against the rights of the
American people. He could have
made as good a case for that tyrant
as these traitors made in behalf OF
George v. to continue TO govern IRE
land against the expressed will of
her people. OF course his conten-
lions. like theirs, would have been
based upon silly sophistrieS and
damnahie principles, but Benedict
Arnold while making his shameful
plea would not have been compelled
to face the mangled ghosts Of seven
bleeding centuries.
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus
Christ, but instead OF trying 10 de-
fend himself or his infamous deed,
he went out and hanged himself.
Had Judas taken the platform to de-
fend his treason. his reason, logic
and arguments would have been on
q par with the contentious of the
orators from Ulster. Judas could
betray Christ, but he SO despiSed
himself for the deed that he refused
to continue TO llye--never thought
OF trying to justify his treason /;
These traitors to ireland lack the
sense OF shame that drove Judas to
commit suicide.
Il is hard for men to do their
best in a bad cause, but these
Ulstermen certainly went the limit.
They earned the gratitude OF Ire
lands oppreSSors and the everlast
ing contempt of her patriots. Had
they possessed the courage of Gaze
sar, the wit and genius OF Shakes
pease and the eloquence OF Burke,
their efforts in behalf of the cause
they represent would have made
them ridiculous. There Is nothing
In courage, wit. eloauence OF genius
that can conceal the monkeyistic
performance of mon who publicly
attack. either the multiplication
table or the right of lf-determina-
ton.
In this tragic hour. when the
blood of her myrtyred dead cries TO
God for justice-when Events with
trumpet tongues challenge the right
Of British domlnation-when eter-
nal principles demand vindication
and liberty for Ireland--when God
has given her De Valera--the man
OF the hour--to lead ireland out OF
the Wilderness of oppression to the
promised land of Independence
brazep band OF Irish traitors rush to
America to blast the hopes OF their.
own country, babble of British
beneficence." and blot from the gal
axy of new republics It's brightest
star. Made secure from Interrupt
tons and carefully guarded from
embarrassing questions, this band OF
Benedict Arnoids spnt upon the
gT-andest sentiments that ever
stirred human hearts or called men
to die for eternal glory. They mu-
tIlated history, ignored facts, dis
torted tradition, sneered at the
graves of Irish martyrs, laughed at
Erins tears. Knocked at her misery,
heaped Insults upon liberty and ma
ligned her heroes living and dead.
The presence of these men IN Amer
Tea Is due 20 just one thing-relig-
ious prejudice Nothing else could
make men betray their own race,
submit without protest 10 foreign
domination and glory in their
shame.
The dominating spirit behind their
mission TO America was unmasked
by Rev. Louis Crooks. who, accord
ing to the printed program. was to
discuss "Se1f Determination, or
What Is Wrong with Ireland" At
the last moment the subject was
changed TO "Self-Determinationp or
the Rule of the Hierarchy" He let
the cat out of the bag. Catholics
outnumber Professionals IN Ireland.
Under genuine democracy. self-de-
termination would make Catholics
dominant In the affairs OF govern
ment, and this must not be. Rro-
testants and non-Catholics are pre-
dominant In England and the United
States, because they are In the ma
iorlty. Are Catholics TO be denied
the right OF majority rule-a right
freely accorded to Protestants and
uon-Catholics? Would not that be
Justice? Can. democracy make this
damnable distinction? II so. damn
that kind OF justice. To hell with
such democracy! Reverse condi-
lions and these fisherman would be
glad TO see their country free and
Independent. II self-determination
meant Protestant ascendancy, they
would not only reject. but spit upon
every. argument they uttered from
the Medinah platform. The selfish
interests Of British exploiters inspir-
ed the capitalization OF religious
prejudice In Ulster. This Is the only
thing that now prevents the Irish
Republic from taking its place In
the slsterhood of nations.
All the twaddle OF these Ulster
traitors about Ireland having bet
ter representation In the British
Parliament than Scotland" and re-
ceiving back from the general tax
funds certain sums for old age
pensions" and housekeeping ex-
penses," even II true, does not an
swer a single argument for self-de-
termination nor would they be con-
sidered for a moment II Ulster wore
Catholic and the balance OF ireland
Protestant. Their claims as 70 Ire
lands recent wave OF prosperity. as
shown by increased bank desposits,
even II true. were not only sordtd
and vulgar. but utter rot when
weighed AGAINST Liberty and the
right OF government. The won
der and pity OF IL all was the fact
that great audience could be az
sembled in America--the land 'oi
washin gbon. Jefferson, Jackson
Lincoln and Liberty-to applaud
such cause. cheer for Irelands op-
preesors. and gsorify the most dam
nabie thing IN the world-religious
birotry. Pretendiug 10 be proud q
their race. the orators from TlNfel
wara moro I'm 0lieh than Irfah Th<