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"making Spanish history.
-touch with actual Irish affairs.
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. Gvther people 5 motntons.
HE following thoughts have been suggested to my mind both
-by a speech recently made by‘ the Vicar of Plumpton at
‘ the formation of a ’98 Centenary Committee in Drury Lane
and by the decision of the Dublin Amnesty Association to
‘bring England’s treatment of the Irish Political Prisoners before the
European Courts.
"The Dublin Association (Amnesty) has, however, great difficulty
in‘ finding Irishmen to carry out their decision abroad.
Now, this should not be so, for it isiwell known that num-
bers of men of Irish descent are to be found in the various European‘
, countries, in the service of which many have distinguished them-
selves, viz.-Clarke, Due de Feltre, Napoleon‘s Minister for War,
was an Irishman; M‘Mahon, at one time President of France, was '
inn Irishman. Similarly, the Taaile family have distinguished them-
selves in Austria. The family of O’Donnell of Tetuan are? still
Irishmen have also served Prussia and
‘Italy. The chief of Police Department of Russia was at least lately
an Irishman. [Admirals O’Higgins and’ Lynch made Chili the
greatest naval power of the American Continent, and so on. Travel
where you will, you will find the Irishman, as the articles now being
published in the " Shan ” amply prove.
Many of these people have forgotten their motherland, owing to
the lack of a proper organisatiop, and have become simply citizens
.of the States in which they live. Besides, foreigners have until very
I recently obtained all their information about Ireland through the
-garbled and prejudiced accounts given by English newspapers. Miss
Maud Gonne has worked heroically to remove this difliculty, and
already there is a French journal, with a pretty wide circulation,
giving a detailed account of the true state of Ireland; but it is neces-
sarv to support her. It would not be so very difficult to print a copy
of a similar journal in every country where there is a colony of our
race.’ These would be supported by an International (?) Society or
,Organisation’ of Irishmen, having for their motto “Ireland a Na-
tion.” In addition, this society would bring before the Courts and
peoples of Europe the crimes committed by England in all coun-
tries, but especially in Ireland, in the name of civilisation. This
organisation would have its centre at Dublin, so as to be more in
The centre at Dublin could be
either elected by the Irislrpeople or from delegates sent by the
various associations from Pretoria eastwards to New York. The
centre would be able to educate, if desired, the democracy by
pamphlets. Each. society could have its own social meetings and
amusements, its own literature, etc., etc., the only condition for
ruembcrship being Irish descent, and the acceptance of the motto,
“Ireland a Nation!” .
Then to come to the important speech of the Rev. Mr. Kennedy.
“Our talented young men couldhe sent abroad to learn foreign
languages, and compete in commerce with Englishmen, thus touch-
ing them in theirimost sensitive part, the pocket. This, which now
‘seems so difficult a matter, would not be so when our organisation
had fbccn set in working order an<l,our societies were ready to
receive and assist them. There could also be a military college
in some of the various countries, where our sons who have hitherto
‘ gone into the service of the oppressor or of the foreigner, would
have the opportunity of qualifying themselves as 0fllCel'S to lead the
tribes of Africa or of India in‘ time of rebellion against English
tyranny. “ They could also offer their service to America or Europe
in case of war against England, thus carrying into effect Mr. F. II.
O’Donncl’s suggestion in “ United Ireland.” We would thus fulfil
more effectively the doctrinerofi“ England’s difhculty, Ireland's op-
portunity;” we would do more, because we would be able to injure
England without having to wait for the opportunity of her neces-
sity, just as littleitlics often ‘make it very nasty for even an elephant.
TM‘: “er
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THE SHAN ’VAN VOCHT.
lands.
--V.-s.
1.
' 201
‘Ne would cease to be looked upon by foreigners as Britons, and
in addition to having their sympathy, we would also be able to per-
form some of the functions of a national “ representation at foreign
courts." Now is about the best time for such a movement, when
every civilized nation is aglow with rage and hatred against English
piracy. That there is no lack of capacity in Irishmen is plain; the
land which has produced financiers, statesmen, and soldiers for every
country under the sun is surely able to provide them forherself-
even to-day. English ambassadors such as Lord Dufferin, English
generals like Lords Vvolseley and Roberts, and English admirals like
Lord Charles Beresford, are all Irish; in the same way the Civil
Service is full of Irishmen.
This policy would be a good one to have in working order at the
’98 Centenary, when we‘ will have the opportunity of meeting with
, Irishmen from all parts of the world, and thus secure their cow
operation. It would only be carrying out the policy of Tone, who
did not hesitate to secure foreign aid when his own country was
not strong enough of herself. While we shall always love France
and America for their.assistance in times of necessity, we shall
not forget that Italy, Austria, and Spain at one time also sent men,
money, and arms into Ireland, and that if their Governments were
properly approached, and the condition of our country made mani- ‘
fest to them, we should have their sincere sympathy and earnest
help. It would be a retaliation for England’s methods of vilifica-
tion and slander abroad, and our countrymen at home who now lie
down, broken-hearted, in their chains, would gather new strength
and vigour when they knew their numbers and power in foreign
“ WOLFE Toxe.”
:--.-e---:
A Practical Suggestion.
THE G.A.A. IN ULSTER.
gi CORRESPONDENT sends us the following :.-
I was more than pleased to see in the August issue of
the “ Shan Van‘Vocht ” a communication from that vete-
ran Gael, Mr. Michael Cusack, on his “ t’ Sean Bean Boct dilis”-the
Gaelic Athletic Association. It has been :1 cherished hope with me
to see the G.A.A. spread over Ulster as it has throughout the rest
of Ireland, and I feel assured that it only needs a little energy
on the part of its oflicers to elicit the support of all true Irishmen
in the North. I am satisfied thatywlren the Gael of Ulster is called
upon to rally to the standard of the Association heiwill not fail
to respond heartily.
The high aims conceived by the founder of the G.A.A. may not
have been rigidly adhered to, and their pure aspirations cherished ; ‘
but even as it is the G.A.A. is a bulwark of robust Nationality,
and an inestimable boon to the youth of Erin whose taste for manly
sport would, failing the establishment of the national organisation,
have driven them into the lVest British athletic camp, with ruinous
results to the racial character and patriotism,
Every project, every move made to draw our Gaelic youth from
the slough of political and social despond, everything tending to
unite them for the preservation’ and perpetuation of the National '
language, music, and games, deserves the warm support of all patrio-
tic Irishmen. Were the hopes of the founder of the G.A.A. realised,
the language, the music, and the customs of our forefathers would
have found new life, new hope, and new inspiration in the Gaelic
athletic ranks.
Ulster claims a place second to none in the history of our National
struggle. Let her not then be a sluggard and asleep when there is
work to do in combating West British influence. The G.A.A.
makcs brothers and good healthy Irishmcn, and makes excellent’
soltlicrs too. Long ago the “wieldcrs of the camain" showyl
amongst the “ Wild Geese” as the best wicldcrs of the sword. Tlic
ractice is commendable, and may, perhaps, prove useful still.
Flriggin thu? . ‘ ' .
PATRICK ]. Dorm, Secretary Celtic Il.C., Dublln.
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