The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-10-26
Macs whey.

a tradition worthy of the respec
that has preserved 1t inviolutt
. through the ages. DEGREES that only
good may he spoken OF the dead.
So a cold and pitiless world viii
throw the mantle OF charity about
tho emaciated form of Terence Mac.
swiney, late lord mayor of Cork, as
he rests in long, last sleep from the
lshors and struggles and heartbresks
and disapnnintments too heavy for
the frail human form TO endure, but
out Of which dauntless spirit took
its fight,
Some will feel that If the cause
for which he died is worthy OF the
supreme sacrifice II might have been
better served by militancy than by
resignation.
II must be admitted that Mae
Swiney loved his Ireland with IA
strange and consuming passion, Some
of us win never comprehend the
overwhelming sentiment that pro-
voked him into choosing a death OF
slow torture, the voluntary separa-
tion from faithful wife, beauti-
full child, devoted brothers and sis
tiers, and thousands of admlring
friends, but perhaps 1t is because
II is given to few men to love their
country with such strange aftec-
ton.
Surely IL the cause of Irish free
dom IL worth dying for 1t must be
much more glorious to live for 1t,
10 not only share in its attainment
but TO rejoice In the experience OF
its accomplishment. 1t will be said
that, like the Savior, he died. to mSfse
men free; that he had his 0eth-
semane, his cross. his crueifixion and
even death, yet there are others who
will point to the fact that his sae-
rifice brought his country no nearer
the cherished goal and left the OBJ
iect OF his hearts desire no nearer
attainment, while his people are
desolate and ieadcrless.
Yet the powerful influence OF Mac
swiney's death must not be under
estimated He chose his own method
Of protest. The world has thought
Of its heroes Standing with barred
breast. flag In hand upon the para D
pets. defying the hayonets and bull
let's Of the enemy. 1t has visuaIized
Its heroes after the mold of men like
Nathan Hale, Patrick Henry and Sam
Davis, whose expressions will live I'M !
the memory of men 20 long as the
world shall stand; or like Alvin York,
who said nothing as he brought in a
battalion Of Germans, and blessed |
he his name, has had the good taste !
10 say nothing about 1t since the |
eventful episode that marked him
the superhero of the world war
But MacSwlney was different The
world has not adjusted Itself to this /
strange form of heroism. 1t has
confused fanatlcism, a customary de
scription of devotion ii does not un-
derstand, with this strange mani
festation Of patriotism. 1t has yet
TO take the measure Of the man with
the sweet face of youth and the heart
OF lion; poet and dreamer with
an uRshakable conviction and, rcso.
luton with the strength Of steel.
VIII his death add fuel to the
flaming passions and inspire deeds
OF greater violence, and provide the
wedge that will make complete the
cleavage Of men whose chief differ
ence Is based upon the Interpretation
Of the teachings of Jesus Christ. or
viii the thought OF his unoffending
protest, the absence OF rancor. the
Rack Of hatred and the spirit If for
giveness and compassion tor his
snemles, lead men to the exercise of
greater generosity one for another
md he done with luminosity and Bit
eruess?
Without taking thought OF himself .
dacswiney's purpose was to draw
he attention of the world TO the ,
blight Of Ireland. With the coop
ration Of the newspapers he was ,
bile to do SO. They are focused upon
hat unhappy country as never he
ore, Whether advantageously for
he cause he died for or not remains
o be seen.
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