\r.

•17

fhe Irish Convention

As Proposed By Premier David Lloyd George

The opinions of prominent Americans of Irish blood

Reprinted from

Wat fuming f0^! New York

FRIENDS OF IRISH FREEDOM 26 Cortlandt Street New York •It

v">^ iranaf©r >ie Ihlte House. FOREWORD

Capt. W. J. M. A. Maloney, a native of Ireland, who served for more than two years as a surgeon in the British Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote the first article in this pamphlet at the request of the Evening Post for the purpose of evoking discussion. Dr. Maloney saw service at the battle of the Marne and at the Gallipoli Peninsula, where he was wounded four times and invalided home.

The Evening Post (established in 1801) is by almost universal consent regarded as the ablest and most scholarly of American dailies. Throughout the war it has been intensely pro-Ally and many of its readers have felt that in the long struggle between England and Ireland the Post has been pronouncedly pro-English. This symposium has been initiated and conducted through- out by the Post itself as a means of sounding the opinion of Americans of Irish blood. —

(May 24, 1917) THE PROPOSED IRISH COIVEITTIOI

Opportunity, Desire, and Power to Compose the Troubles of Erin—Fate of the Effort Rests Ultimately with the Extremists—Where Do the Irish-Americans Stand?—Commission to Ireland Proposed By CAPT. W. J. M. A. MALONEY.

CERTAIN Irishmen are about to be named to compose a convention which will draft a measure for the government of Ireland within the British Empire. This draft will be endorsed by Mr. Lloyd George and his Cabinet and will then be submitted for approval or rejection to the British Parliament. The calling of this convention is a cause of rejoicing to all Irishmen, for it concedes not only the principle that Ireland is a nation, but also the corollary to this prin- ciple—namely, that the government of Ireland is primarily the concern of the people of Ireland. The calling of this convention seems to No matter what the decision of the con- many of us, moreover, a valuable indi- vention be, if the convention is so consti- cation of sincerity in the expressed desire tuted that all Irish parties are justly rep- of the existing regime in England to set- resented within it, then Irishmen the tle the Irish question in conformity with world over must agree to abide faithfully Irish wishes. Most Irishmen are prepar- by that decision. It Is therefore now in- ed, therefore, to regard this convention cumbent upon us to promote, so far as not with distrust—as if it were too good lies in our power, the just representation to be true—but with a deep sense of the of the various Irish parties in that con- responsibility which it places vipon the vention and to neglect no means by people of Ireland at this most critical mo- which harmony may be made to prevail ment in the world's affairs. there. No one pretends that a non-elected Mr. Redmond, whose present parlia- convention, held behind closed doors and mentary strength Is numerically three to under an alien chairman, is an ideal con- four times greater than that of the Ul- vention; but these are not ideal times for sterltes, has magnanimously proposed to a convention, and generous recognition of forego this advantage, to share numeri- the difficulties which attend England in cal equality with the Ulsterites at the this tentative effort at settlement In the convention. This spirit Is a good omen. midst of war is more In keeping with Since it has so far become manifest might Irish standards than is suspicion of Eng- it not materialize further? Fifty-seven land's good faith. We have the Pre- out of the 258 public bodies in Ireland mier's assurance of England's need and mainly elected of old by the Redmond desire for a settlement—and his offer of machine—recently sent delegates to Count this convention. Plunkett's Republican convention in Dub- Irreeoneilaliles Condemn Themselves. lin. Twenty to thirty others are alleged to have decided not to send delegates only Irreconcilable minorities, whether Re- — by the casting vote of the chairman. publican or Ulsterite, who without just From one-fifth to one-third of the public cause refuse to participate in this con- bodies are therefore actively vention of the people of Ireland merely In sympathy with some phase, social, condemn themselves and their catise be- economic, or po- fore the bar of the world's opinion. The litical, of the Republican programme. The task which the convention undertakes Is chivalrous quality which led Mr. Red- stupendously difficult if all the convened mond to waive his numerical superiority are pervaded by the spirit of compro- over his brethren in Ulster may now mise; it Is frankly hopeless if even a graciously lead him to make a similar minority of Irishmen refuse to cooperate renunciation on behalf of the Republi- for the welfare of Ireland. cans. More than equal representation at the Given Both Desire and Opportunity. convention neither tlie Ulster nor the Given the desire for settlement, and Republican minorities can expect or the power to settle, there is nothing in- seek. A convention composed of equal herently impossible of settlement in the numbers of Nationalist, Republican, and Irish situation. Conditions can be laid Ulster representatives would be consti- down by which every legitimate interest tuted as justly as is now possible without in Ireland will be adequately safeguarded. having recourse to an election. An But, even with these conditions assured, election is apparently neither sanctioned will a settlement be reached? The de- nor contemplated in Ireland at present. cision rests entirely with the extremists. If these, Republicans or Reactionaries, Restraining Influences ]Veeded. believe themselves assured of support But another factor complicates thla outside of Ireland, support from Ameri- question of representation. Most of the ca or from England, support greater than Republican leaders are in jail. The wisest their numbers or thetlr claims merit, of them all. Prof. John McNeill, the man they may remain obstructive and recalci- who, failing to prevent the Easter rising, trant, they may refuse all compromise, yet succeeded in restricting it to Dublin, they may frustrate every attempt at set- has just completed the first year of penal tlement. It iSj therefore, now of value to servitude to which he was condemned for canvass Irish opinion In America, to his political activities. His restraining place on record the attitude of Irish- influence was never more sorely needed Americans toward this convention. In or- in Ireland than at this moment. A party der that Irish aims here may be defined, deprived of its leadership in a convention lest extremists, deluding themselves with no matter how great its numerical fal.se hopes, plan to defeat its purpose. strength there, Is a party without real No elaborate inquiries are necessary. and effective representation. As Mr. Categorical answers to the following Redmond has stipulated and Mr. Lloyd three questions would give all the infor- George has promised that the convention mation needed: will be truly representative of all shades of Irish opinion, the adjustment of this (1.) Are yon In favor of a conven- difficulty is doubtless now under consid- tion of the Irish In Ireland de- termining the plan of the future eration by these statesmen. Government of Ireland? The Southern Unionists, the only re- (2.) If that convention he arranged maining Irish party, return two members on a ha»is as eqnltahle as is con- to Parliament. In so far as they are sistent T»-ith the present exigen- ITnionists. their sentiment coincides with cies of vrar Trill you abide by Its the Ulsterites, and they are in no need decisions. of special consideration. But in so far (3.) If the British Parliament legal- decisions, fvill loy- as they alone represent Episcopalian in- izes these you ally and whole-heartedly co-op- terests in Ireland, too great tenderness erate Tvith the Irish Government cannot be shown in their regard. Per- thus constituted? haps a separate committee of the con- Information Necessary for Convention. vention, a committee con.sisting of clerical the representatives of the Roman Catholic This information is necessary to primacy, of the Episcopalian hierarchy, of members of the convention. It is no the Presbyterian assembly, and of the less essential to the vast body of non- other governing bodies of non-conformity Irish opinion in America, for if Ireland in Ireland could, in these days when ceases from being a cockpit for English Christian unity is as vital an issue as na- politicians, there should be neither sup- tional, best compose their difficulties out- port nor tolerance here for mischievous side of a political convention. The cham- agitators seeking then to convert it Into bers of commerce and other industrial in- a cockpit for intransigent Irish factions. terests in Ireland, with their expert To show sympathy with the Russian knowledge, perhaps might also better ad- people and to give what aid they may just their special claims in the harmony seek in counsel, an American Commis- of a committee than in the chaos of an sion has been dispatched by President open debate. Wilson to Russia. The settlement of the Irish question now is scarcely less im- the Irish is Ireland have not now by portant to the successful prosecution of their side the leaders of Irish thought In the war than is the adjustment of dif- this country and in Canada. Mr. Michael ficulties in Russia. In Ireland, as in J. Ryan, of Philadelphia, the leader of Russia, men engrossed in the problems the Nationalist party here; Supreme among which they live are apt to loBe Court Justice Cohalan, the leader of the their perspective, are apt to exaggerate Young Ireland movement; Justice Keogh, Inconsequential differences, forgetting Mr. Victor Herbert, ex-Senator O'Gor- that the world is at war. The people man, Mr. Bainbridge Colby, and count- of Ireland in their existing confusion less other Irishmen of distinction are need advice and aid almost as urgently available in this crisis. The sending now as our Russian allies. A deputation of to Ireland of an American advisory eminent Irish-American Presbyterians is commission adequately representing Irish about to go to Ireland to place at the opinion in this country would be deemed disposal of their Ulster brethren their a gracious and a friendly act by the Irish wisdom in all matters upon which their people, would be of incalculable aid to counsel may be sought. This is an auspi- the success of the convention, and would cious beginning. In wishing these patri- be the means of bringing the Irish ques- otic and self-sacrificing gentlemen God- tion to a speedy and a permanent solu- speed, one cannot help regretting that tion.

(May 25, 1917) Irish-Americans toward this convention, in order that Irish aims here may be defined, lest extremists, deluding them- IRISH CONVENTION selves with false hopes, plan to defeat ita purpose." Capt. Maloney served with the Medical PLAN DISCUSSED Corps of the British army at Gallipoli, where he was severely wounded. He is now in this country recuperating from Those in Favor Say People his wounds. Among those who discussed his article were the Rev. Father John J. Should Settle Future Wynne, S.J., one of the scholars of the Roman Catholic Church in America; James A. O'Gorman, ex-United States Senator; Justice Daniel P. Cohalan, of DISTRUST OF ENGLAND VOICED the Supreme Court, and W. Bourke Cock- ran, lawyer, who was born in Ireland. Other opinions will be published to-mor- Suggestions of Captain Maloney in row. "By all means let representatives of the "Evening Post" Draw Comment the Irish people, by means of a conven- from Well-Wishers of Ireland Who tion, propose what mode of government the Irish people want," said Father See Fair Settle- Want to a and Just Wynne. "But the convention should rep- ment of Home Rule Problem. resent the whole people, and be at lib- erty to consider in the open the views and claims of every element of the popu- Several Irishmen and Americans who lation. are deeply interested in Ireland's welfare "It would not be fair to convene po- commented to-day for the Evening Post litical leaders, only. Nationalist, Republi- upon the suggestions set forth in this can, or Unionist. The mere fact that cer- newspaper yesterday by Capt. W. J. M. A. tain men have been party spokesmen in Maloney, who, in discussing the pro- the pact does not entitle them to express posed convention for the settlement of the actual sentiment of the people. the Home Rule question, said it would be Neither is this sentiment to be adequate- well "to place on record the attitude of ly learned from those who have been undergoing political martyrdom since convention actually representative of the Easter, 1916. Much less can tlie few people of Ireland, and if there were any who speak for the sixth part of the popu- honest intention on the part of England lation of the North presume to dictate to meet the viewpoint of the people when to the overwhelming majority. expressed by such a gathering. "The manner in which the question of Irlsli Alone ]Vot Intereflted. Home Rule has been treated, however, by "The Irish people and the British Gov- the rulers of England, since the summer ernment are not the only parties inter- of 1914, to go no further back than the ested in the proceedings of such a con- outbreak of the war, gives slight ground vention. America is profoundly interest- for believing Lloyd George's proposal to ed in it, and so is Prance, Russia is be anything but another English prom- on, Austria are looking and Germany and ise. And if we judge, as we must, in ad- not unobservant. The whole civilized vance of the meeting, by the words of world is looking to England for a square the authorized spokesman of the Govern- deal to Ireland. On that deal more than ment, rather than by the suggestions result of on any other factor hangs the of the doctor, the assemblage is to be a this war. conference, and not a convention. to "Why tell us we must send troops "It is to be made up of men principally France when even without the proposed selected by the Unionist and Redmondite convention, by the immediate application machines—^both of which rest upon a of the Home Rule measure now on her greatly restricted franchise, and are sadly statute books, she could withdraw and out of touch with the vital problems of service in France fully devote to active Irish life. It is not to be elected by 100,000 of her best troops, immense quan- the people. It is to be presided over by a recruit in short tities of ammunition, and chairman to be imposed upon it by the order from 300,000 to 400,000 of the best Government, and its deliberations are to fighting men in the world! be conducted in secret behind closed "Two years ago it would have been doors. easier to make such a convention thor- "To expect that those who seek inde- be oughly representative. It may not pendence for Ireland would agree to be the head too late to-day. The men at bound even by the demands of such a British Government do not inspire of the gathering—much less by the greatly at- their ability to deal with confidence in tenuated grant of powers that would be problem. Their treatment of the this left when Parliament finished with such Sinn Fein movement shows that they demands—would be to believe that the than to re- know better bow to provoke people of Ireland were only playing at press rebellion. liberty, and even the English Govern- "England's sense of her absolute need ment, after its recent experiences, does of America, and the challenge of France not longer deceive itself with that belief. for a square deal to Ireland may bring "That the majority of the people of Ire- about a happy solution of this vexatious land want independence—and not some problem. Irishmen generally are justi- mere reforms of foreign misrule—is be- fied in waiting for evidence of her sin- ing made more and more manifest as is cerity before committing themselves to the fact that they are determined to have whole-hearted promise of coopera- any it. Seek proof of this not alone in the tion in a proposal which, for the moment, recent rising, but in the late elections in seems devised so a.s to throw upon Ire- Roscommon, Longford, and Cork, and in land the responsibility which really be- the great convention held openly in Dub- longs to England." lin last month, with its declaration in Justice Cohalan Has Doubts. favor of total separation from England. reason for this hard to find. Justice Cohalan doubted the good faith Nor is the by the teachings and example of the people of England toward the Irish Animated the hope of liberty for all convention. He said: of America, peoples is in the air throughout the "There would be little difficulty in giv- there is any compensation ing the answers evidently desired to the world, and if war. It is in the adroit questions of Dr. Maloney if the in sight for this dreadful henceforth gathering to be called in Ireland were a world-wide conviction that democracy in one form or another must X^x-Senator O'Gorman'a View*. rule all the world. Ex-Senator 0'Gk)rman, wnen inter- "The frightful sacrifices made on all viewed at his office, 37 Wall Stret, said: sides can be paid for in no other way. "I believe Ireland is entitled to that Lloyd George's confession that Ireland is measure of self-government which a ma- to-day as dissatisfied with English rule jority of her people demand, and I sin- as it was in the days of Cromwell, and cerely hope that the deliberations of the his knowledge of the very grave situa- proposed convention will accomplish that tion which confronts England, must be purpose. The Irish question must be set- taJken into account in deciding how much tled by the people of Ireland. weight should be given to his latest sug- "I have nothing to add to the views gestion for settling the problem of Ire- recently expressed by me in the New land. He realizes, as does now Mr. Bal- York World, in connection with the four, who is the real ruler of England, Home-Rule Symposium." how essential it is for them to satisfy The statement to which Mr. O'Gorman America of the sincerity of their position refers appeared in the New York World in this war. of May 2, and is as follows: "Worda Jiot Knongli, He Says. "Great Britain has held for centuries a place of leadership among the great na- "With Ireland, held as she has been tions of the earth, but its statesmanship and is, no real lover of liberty can be may well be reproached for its series of convinced of the sincerity of English dismal failures in attempting to solve claims that they are fighting for the the Irish question. Penal laws, political rights of the small nationalities. Hence and religious persecution, coercion, force, this latest and most cunningly devised confiscation of estates, destruction of in- proposal by which they seek to attain dustries, and banishment have all been their ends by appearing to be generous, tried in vain. Is it not time to approach when in fact they are not even just. the consideration of the subject, ani- Mere words, no matter how plausible, mated by a spirit of fairness, justice, will not satisfy America. She will judge and conciliation? England by acta—^not by professions. "Even recently rebels in the north of "If England wants to gain the confi- Ireland have been rewarded with seats in dence of the world, let there be caJled a the Cabinet, while rebels in the south real convention of the representatives of have suffered instant death, some of Ireland. Let its members be elected by them without trial. an honest plebiscite of the adult popula- "While no generation can place bounds tion of Ireland—not chosen by the pres- upon the aspirations of a race, Ameri- ent Parliamentary electors, with their re- cans believe that if Ireland enjoyed the stricted franchise and plural voting—but same rights of self-government that have by the people at large. Let the conven- been granted to Canada and Australia, tion choose its own chairman, even if he racial animosities would be obliterated be Professor McNeill or one of the other and the distrust and hostility now sep- intellectuals now imprisoned or interned arating the two countries would disap- by England. Let it conduct its delib- pear and would be succeeded by a new erations publicly and decide fairly and relation based upon confidence, friend- fully what the future form of Govern- ship, good-will, and imperial solidarity. ment in Ireland is to be, and not alone "What is now England's weakness will the people of Ireland cheerfully abide would contribute to her strength and by the result, but all lovers of Ireland power. The wrongs and oppressions of and of liberty throughout the world the past may be forgiven, but not until should be satisfied with it. England's sense of justice induces her "In that direction lie not alcr.e freedom to live up to her own confessions regard- and contentment for Ireland, and equal- ing the rights of small nations. ity and fair play for all religions and "An adjustment of the Irish problem parties therein, but conviction on the on conditions demanded by the majority part of America of the sincerity of Eng- of the people of Ireland should not be a conviction land, and with that an added difficult task for statesmen capable of security and safety for England." directing the destinies of the powerful srovernment with which we are now in Street, expressed himself as being in fa- alliance in an effort to make liberty and vor of a convention, if it were really rep- justice supreme througrhout the world. resentative of the Irish in Ireland, and partition To Ireland is to destroy the last if its decisions were ratified by all of hope of self-g-overnment to Iflie Irish the Irish at the polls. The convention, nation. The opinion of the average however chosen, might be competent to American regarding this question is submit propositions to the Irish people, clearly reflected in the memorable war he said, but no convention chosen by the message of President Wilson, when he English Government could bind the Irish. declared that he would tight "for the He added: rights of nations, great and small, and "As to abiding by its decisions, if the the privilege of men everywhere to convention be arranged on a basis as choose their way of life and of obedi- equitable as is consistent with the pres- ence.' ent exigencies of war, that depends upon "Great Britain must grant self-govern- how consistent with equity the consti- ment to Ireland some day. Why not tution of the convention may be. If the now? Such an act of reparation will be exigencies of war render the constitu- tardy justice, but it will bring happiness tion of the convention inequitable, I to the Irish people and strength to the should not be for abiding by its decisions. British Empire." If the acts of the convention are sub- W. Bonrke Cockran's Vlevvs. mitted to the people and approved by W. Bourke Cockran, of 31 Nassau them, of course I'll support it.'

(May 25, 1917) tion which would carry out the scheme outlined by the Government. REPRESENTATION IN "It is very important that the repre- sentation should be of a character which THE IRISH CONVENTION will command the confidence of the peo- ple of Ireland," he said. "It is not an easy matter to do so. There are a good PREMIER LLOYD GEORGE SAYS IT many considerations which have had to be taken into account, and a good many IS NOT EASY TO DEFINE. interests to consider, and it is very de- sirable that the convention, when sum- moned, should be of a character which Expected Statement in Parliament will make the people of Ireland feel that the Government has made a sincere ef- Postponed Until After Recess — fort to secure real representation of all Appeal to All Irish Sections. views and aspects of the question." The Premier said he had hoped to make a statement to-day, but that it would be a London, 25. presentation of May —On great mistake if, in order to make an an- a motion to-day for adjournment of the nouncement, the Government were to House of Commons for the Whitsuntide take unnecessary risks, and by that means alienate important bodies of opin- recess. Premier Lloyd George said he ion in Ireland. For that reason the Gov- was not in a position to give a definite ernment had come to the conclusion that reply as to the composition of the con- it would be better that no statement vention which is to attempt a settlement should be made as to negotiations which have not been completed. He continued: of the Irish question, but that it might be assumed the House and the Govern- "I sincerely trust, however, that there will be no prolonged delay. In fact, delay ment had lost no time in getting into would be fatal. It might not only create touch with the various parties, with a unnecessary suspicion and distrust, but view to procuring a basis of representa- give the impression that the Government Joes not mean business. I therefore ap- very important reasons to return to Ire- peal to all sections of Ireland to assist land. With regard to John Redmond, all the Government in coming to a speedy know that the reason why he was com- decision." pelled to go home was that, although his Mr. Lloyd George regretted that the health, happily, had been restored, he re- Irish leaders had been compelled for quired recuperation.

(May 26, 1917) en a basis as equitable as is consistent with the present exigencies of war, will ycu abide by its decisions? MAKE-UP OF THE "(3.) If the British Parliament legalizes these decisions, will you loyally and whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish IRISH CONVENTION Government thus constituted?

Justice John "W. Goff. on Lloyd "The Irish have their faults as well as More Comment their virtues," said Justice Goff. "One George^s Plan of their faults is to accept with gratitude any promise that is made to them and appraise it at its face value. The un- happy history of their country is fraught VIEWS OF AMERICAN CRITICS with instances of bitter disappointment. Even a trusting people cannot be de- ceived by the proposal of Lloyd George. Belief Expressed that Coining Con- It is too transparent. Were it in fact a proposal to the Irish people to elect rep- vention Is Doomed to Failure Un- resentatives to a convention for the pur- pose of drafting a constitution for the less Its Members Are Elected by the government of Ireland I would unhesi- People and Truly Represent All tatingly answer the first question of the Evening Post in the affirmative. Factions in the Country. "But it is not such a proposal. In- stead it is a proposal for a convocation of government appointees from certain iSeveral more well-wishers of Ireland classes to meet in secret session under defined their attitude to-day toward the the presidency of a government-appoint- proposed Irish Convention, commenting ed chairman, who would direct and con- on the suggestions made by Capt. W. J. trol its procedure. That is not M. A. Maloney in the Evening Post and a con- vention either in the American sense or answering his three questions, which are the true sense of the word. published below. Among those who ex- The enthusi- astic reception by Mr. pressed their opinions were two Justices Redmond of the proposal is not surprising. He is a loyal o! the Supreme Court—^John W. Goff and servant of the British Crown, and this Ekiward J. Gavegan; also George J. Gil- 1.3 not the first time that his exuberant lespie, a member of the State Charities laudation was doomed to humiliating dis- Commission; John Devoy, editor of the appointment." Gaelic American, and a committee of the national officers of the Friends of Irish Views o* Justice GaTegran. Freedom, consisting of Victor Herbert, Justice Gavegan's statement follows: Thomas Addis Emmet, and James K. "(1.) Generally speaking, I am in fa- MoGuire. vor of a convention of the Irish in Ire- Capt. MaJoney's questions follow: land determining the plan of the future "(1.) Are you in favor of a conven- government of Ireland, but I do not un- tion of the Irish in Ireland determining derstand from Mr. Lloyd George's pro- the plan of the future government of posal that the British Government in- Ireland? tends to give the Irish people any such "(2.) If that convention be arranged opportunity. "(2.) The convention should be ar- If it is ipadded, if it is not truly repre- ranged on a basis as equitable as is con- sentative, if the convention is not going sistent with the purposes of the war to give an opportunity to the most zeal- which are of primary importance rather ous and earnest advocates to present tham with the pretent exigencies of the their viewpoints, I am not in favor of it. war which are only a secondary consid- "As to the second question Mr. Mal- eration. oney asks, whether if the convention be "Those purposes being to destroy au- arranged on a basis as equitable as is tocracy, to establish the principle of gov- consistent with the present exigencies ernment based on the consent of the of war, I will abide by its decisions, it governed, and to secure the freedom and is almost impossible to answer that ques- independence of the small nations, and tion. The convention as it has already Ireland being one of those small nations, been outlined is to be held only to fixed the only 'equitable arrangement* for the prescriptions and fixed rules and meth- proposed convention would be on the ods of representation. These matters are basis of actual representation. If that not yet open to the public, and it is im- is done, if the convention is made up possible for me to give an affirmative oi delegates elected by the people and aiiswer until I know just what the situa- the principle of majority rule is applied tion is. I am conscious that existing to its proceedings, then all American war conditions must be taken into con- friends of Irish freedom will abide by sideration. Rules which are applicable its decisions. now might not have to be made in times "03.) If the British Parliament legalizes of peace, those djecisions the Irish question will be "But it should be said that many peo- solved. ple feel that the matter is not being "The familiar cry that 'the Irish can't taken up out of good-will by England, agree,' resorted to by those who do not but out of necessity, which makes it wish them to agree, is absurd on its difficult for many Irishmen throughout face, unless it is intended to mean that the world to give to her the credit that they cannot agree to remain subjugated. would be due her if she were acting in They cannot agree so long as there is good faith. Mr. Uoyd George spoke the withheld from them the only means truth when he said those words about whereby a people is ever enabled to any- the work of restitution and reparation. where agree, namely, by means of the But that duty has existed for so many application of the democratic principle years that it is painful to think of it. of the majority rule. "As for Mr. Maloney's third question: "Mr. Maloney's suggestion that an 'If the British Parliament legalizes these American advisory commission, adequate- decisions, will you loyally and whole- ly representing Irish opinion in this heartedy cooperate "wath the Irish Gov- country, be sent to Ireland now, is a ernment thus constituted?' there is no most excellent suggestion, and the gen- use in answering that question till more tlemen whom he names in that connec- light is shed on the other two. tion would be ideal representatives." "Assuming that England wants to do Georgre J. Gllleaplc. the right thing and will let the Irish people and I mean the people, not rep- George J. Gillespie said he was in fa- — resentatives of this or that clique, or vor of a convention, but questioned faction, or section settle, whether the proposed one would repre- — things for themselves, I think the proposal for a sent the various elements of Ireland. He convention a splendid forward move. For said he believed that the Irish were su- I one who believes that the Irish premely capaJble of governing their own am people are supremely capable of govern- country, and should have the opportu- ing their own country, and that it's their nity to demonstrate that a"bility. right to be given the opportunity to "I am in favor of an Irish convention," clemonstrate that ability." said Mr. Gillespie, "but it is a grave ques- tion whether the one proposed will be John Devoy'M Statement.

S-.I constituted that it will speak with in- John Devoy said in his statement: spiration, so that the various elements "1 recognize the good-will and zeal for c< the country will be fully represented. Ireland which prompt Mr. Maloney's 8 —

article, but I cannot agree with his prem- ing to help to perpetuate the connection ises. It requires absolute forgetfulness •with England, which they believe is re- o' Ireland's past and failure to recog- sponsible for all the ills of Ireland? nize the hard, indisputable facts of the "There are many admirable things in present situation to justify generous Mr. Maloney's article—his plea for con- recognition of the difficulties which at- ciliation of all Irish parties and elements tend England in the tentative effort at and for the release of John MacNeill, for settlement in the midst of war. The instance—^but the one question to be de- Premier's assurance of England's need cided is, whether a conference called on and desire for a settlement, viewed in Lloyd George's plan, dominated by the the light of his recent exhibitions of bad British Government and two political faith, and of the whole conduct of his machines, one of which has lost its grip colleagues since the worthless little Home on the people, and having no elective Rule act was placed on the Statute Book, feature, has any right to speak for the and then promptly suspended, is, to my people of Ireland. mind, utterly worthless. And if it were "And the equally important question worth all his words mean, is gives no follows: Why should the people of Ire- assurance as to what the British Par- land and the Irish abroad buy 'a pig in a liament will do with any recommendation bcig' by committing themselves before- the proposed conference, miscalled a con- hand to a programme of which they vention, may make. know nothing and with which the Brit- "Mr. Maloney's statement that 'no one ish Parliament will later do as it pleases, pretends that a non-elected convention, without any regard to its merits or the held behind closed doors, and under an wishes of the Irish people? If it were to alien chairman, is an ideal convention' is b2 a convention elected by the whole a conclusive reason for refusing to ac- adult population of Ireland, the case cept it, and nullifies his subsequent plea would be different. Such a convention in its favor. It also effectually refutes would be a constituent assembly; its de- his contention that 'irreconcilable minori- cisions would toe binding on the Irish ties, whether Republican or Ulsterite, who, people, would constitute their demand on without just cause, refuse to participate England, and would remain as their bill in this convention of the people of Ire- of rights until England granted it in full. land, merely condemn themselves and "These observations do not categorical- their cause before the bar of the world's ly answer Mr. Maloney's three questions, opinion.' That is a wholly untenable but they do so in substance. I am a sep- doctrine. He admits that the conven- aratist and a republican, but even if I tion, as outlined by Lloyd George, would believed this solution of the Irish ques- not represent the people of Ireland, and tion to be impossible under present cir- then insists that those who neither be- cumstances and were looking for 'the lieve in its object nor trust the men who next best thing,' I would be irrevoca- call it and who will undoubtedly con- — bly opposed to accepting the decisions of trol its deliberations deserve the world's — a body convened and dominated on the condemnation for remaining away. plan outlined by Lloyd George in the "The Irish Unionists are opposed to House of Commons last Monday. But I home rule in any form; why should they do not believe that solution to be impos- bd condemned for refusing to go into a sible. On the contrary, I am very hope- convention to draft a plan of home rule? ful, although in my seventy-fifth year, The British Government should be con- that I shall live to see the establishment for demned placing the wishes of the of an Irish republic." minority above those of the majority, but Friend* of Irlsli the minority have a right to their opin- Freedom. ions. Where they are wrong is in refus- The statement of the Committee of ing to ajbide by the decision of the ma- Friends of Irish Freedom follows: jority. "Excluding from consideration the in- "The other 'extremists,' the republi- tensive and highly colored statementa cans, demand complete national indepen- which have been cabled to the newspa- dence—total separation from England pers, manifestly designed to influence why should they be condemned for refus- public opinion In America; also excluding the fervid declarations of Members of "(3.) It in no sense can be a represen- Parliament, there is but one concrete tative body with a mandate from the peo- proposal made by the responsible Min- ple to speak for them, since its memtoers ister of the Crown that can form basis will be Government appointees, and con- for any intelligiible comment. sequently care will be taken that a ma- "This proposal reduced to simple terms, jority will represent the Government. "(4.) The inclusion of the miscalled is: (a) That, because of the failure of iSinn Feiners is a specious semblance of all attempts to arrive at a settlement on their bravest and proposals which emanated from a British generosity, since among im- Crovernment, the present Government in- most gifted are those condemned to prisonment, voice and influence vites Irishmen themselves to put for- whose v/ould be as useful and potential as were ward their proposals; (b) for that pur- the voice and influence of the warring pose, the Government proposes to sum- Boers were invited to council in mon a convention of Irishmen to submit who a constitution for the Government of Ire- iSouth Africa. "(5.) convention chairman appointed land within the Empire; (c) the conven- A by the Government would to all intents tion will be representative of the local purposes be governmental instru- governing bodies, the churches, the trade and a in liis the unions, the commercial and educational ment, having hands whole ma- chinery of the convention, the formula- interests, and Sinn Feiners; (d) the basis tion of rules and procedure, the use of of representation from the various bodies, arbitrary power without responsibility, and the method of selection of the repre- and by reason of the secrecy surrounding sentatives, are undetermined, but from the proceedings, the authority to suppress the context it is reasonably inferable that free discussion and bar public criticism, the Government is to appoint the dele- so essential to a constructive deliberative gates; (e) the convention is to be lield 'body. behind closed doors, and the chairman is "We therefore regard the proposal as to be appointed by the crown; (f) noth- an insidious pretence, impracticable in its ing but special war considerations would operation, and, becaiise of its lack of induce the Government to take up the democratic honesty, foredoomed' to fail- settlement of the Irish question at this ure. time. "As Americans we assert and believe "A fair and impartial analysis of the that in doing so we are in harmony with foregoing provisos will convince the un- sound public opinion in America; and piejudlced mind that the proposal to al- that, if England be sincere, in the words low a convention of Irishmen to adopt of Lloyd George, that she 'would not for- a constitution for the government of their get that restitution and reparation began country Is illusory and deceptive, for the an home,' she will concede to the Irish following reasons: people the right to elect their own repre- "(1.) It excludes all means and oppor- sentatives, that those representatives tunity for the adult population of Ireland shall have the right to elect their owm to give free and unrestricted expression chairman, and conduct their proceedings of feeling and opinion. in the light of day, frame the Govern- "(2.) It limits representation to certain ment the people of Ireland want, and public bodies, professions, interests, and that the constitution which they may classes, which in the majority of cases draft for the government of Ireland will are either under Government control or b=^ promptly accepted and enacted by the susceptible to its influence. Parliament of England."

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(May 28. 191H the present exigencies of war, will you abide by its decisions? "(3.) If the British Parliament legalizes IRISH CONVENTION these decisions, will you loyally and whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish Government thus constituted?" PLAN WINS Mr. O'Connell's response to Capt. Maloney follows: Believes British Are Sincere. Viewed by Lawyer as Real "This is the first time in the history of Ireland that the British Government Opportunity has given the people of Ireland an op- portunity of framing their own Consti- tution. The people ought to rise to the occasion, by which I mean people of all FAITH IN ENGLAND'S SINCERITY shades of political thought, all creeds, and of whatever lineage. It is no time to dwell on the persecutions of the past; it is eminently a time to look to the ris- Redmond's Method of Procedure Urg- ing sun of the future. I believe that the ed by One Who Opposes Partition of British Government is sincerely and hon- estly putting the reins in the hands of the Island—Irish-Americans Might the Irish people, so that they themselves may do their own driving. Help Draft Constitution, Says John "While the Irish people are sentimental J. O'Connell—Dr. Emmet's Views. and have long memories, still a future cannot be built up on the recollection of oppressions of the past. It is a time when Capt. W. J. M. A. Maloney's challenge all classes and sections of the Irish peo- to Irish-Americans and friends of Ireland ple should get together to adjust their that they assist in the settlement of Ire- own problems; and they should do it land's difficulties by putting themselves in a spirit of conciliation, in a spirit of on record in regard to the proposed con- sincere regard for one another s hopes vention for the settlement of the Home and, indeed, for one another's fears. It Rule problem, "in order that Irish alms is not a time for ultimatums or for lay- here may be defined, lest extremists, de- ing down lines of irreducible mlnimums. luding themselves with false hopes, plan There is now an opportunity, and they to defeat its purpose," drew mere com- ought to rise to it. ment to-day from readers of the Evening "Personally, It is my belief that there Post. is no need for a division or partition of One of those who gave their opinion the island, and that there should he none. was John J. O'Connell, a lawyer of 31 It is probably true that large numbers Nassau Street, and New York County of the Orangemen of Ulster—and I use chairman of the Progressive party. Mr. that term not in any invidious sense O'Connell contends that the Irl.sh people have honest fears that a parliament in should rise to the opportunity which has Dublin, legislating for the whole island, been offered to them, and maintains that might abridge or destroy their civil and the attitude of John Redmond, leader of religious rights, and might discriminate the Irish Nationalists, ia a correct one. against their particular industries or Capt. Maloney's questions, which were against particular localities. I am not published In the Evening Post of May 24, taking into account anybody who is ad- follow vancing those theories for thrt sake of "(.1.) Are you in favor of a convention political advantage, but take It for grant- of the Irish in Ireland determining the ed that there are many men who hold plan of the future government of Ire- such fears honestly. land? Against a State Chnreh. "(2.) If that convention be arranged on "The basic rule of democracy is gov- a basis as equitable as la consistent with ernment by a majority, but minorities

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must be protected in what we in America terests whose viewpoint would not square- call their inalienable rights. Minorities ly come within any of the three. must have religious freedom the same as "I believe, therefore, that the proposi- the majority, and, likewise they must have tion as outlined by Mr. Redmond in his industrial freedom and be protected from reply to Uoyd George's speech is the cor- class legislation or discriminating legis- rect one, and the one which would be the lation. America has shown that written most effectual in bringing things to a constitutions protect these rights abso- successful conclusion. lutely, and I cannot see why the Ulster "For my own part, I believe that the Orangemen cannot be perfectly protected island should not be divided; that the by constitutional provisions guaranteeing Dublin Parliament should be given broad for all time religious liberty, preventing powers to legislate for the entire island for all time the establishment of a state should have as much power, indeed, as is church, and preventing the passage of given to the Commonwealth of Australia laws which will discriminate for or against and to the Dominion of Canada, and that any particular persons, localities, or in- the rights of the minority should be pro- dustries. In this way, absolute equality tected in some such manner as that indi- to all can be assured, and a government cated above, and in such a way that a of the people can onfy exist where there majority cannot at any time take away is absolute equality. any of their rights. I do not think that "In a convention such as that proposed an American commission, ad\dsory or for a decision on those subjects, ordi- otherwise, ought to be sent to the conven- narily a set of elected delegates, based tion. This grave question is one for the on the franchise and on populativ:>n, would Irish in Ireland themselves. If, however, be the best method to decide those ques- the convention did decide that safeguards tiona That is the way in whiv'^h consti- should be written into the Constitution to tutional conventions are held in this protect the rights of the minority, then country. But we have had over a cen- those of Irish blood in this country who tury of that kind of government, where- are familiar with the Constitutions and as this is the first proposition of the the laws of the United States could ren- kind for Ireland. There are many cur- der considerable help by furnishing drafts rents and cross-currents there, born of of provisions which have been found ef- conditions that never existed in this coun- fective on this side of the watf-r. This try. There has been the contention on would not be taking part in the delibera- one side that particular section.'^ and par- tions, but, in a way, furnish what might ticular industries have been coSdled, and be called expert suggestions as to means that the descendants of the "planters" for reaching the desired result. have always been given vastly more than The fact that the sessions of the con- their share of "rights." There is now vention are to be in secret should not be the feeUng on their part, very naturally, disquieting. While it is true that all con- that some of those "rights" may be taken stitutional conventions here are usually away from them. in the open, still all committee meetings, "A purely elective system of selecting where the real work is done, are in secret. the delegates would not result in sending Very likely, the provisions for secret ses- to the convention these various shades sions is to prevent its dehberations from of thought. You would have, perhaps, being overriden by noisy galleries and three shades of thought represented, viz. to insure absolute freedom of discussion." the home-rule Nationalist thought, the Another who voiced his opinion was Sinn Fein thought, and the viewpoint of Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet, who will cele- the Carsonites. That would be a di- brate his ninetieth birthday to-morrow vision entirely on present-day political at his home, Madison Avenue and 29th grounds, and would not be fair, in my Street. opinion. There are large iiumbers of Dr. TbomaR Addis Kmmet. Protestant Irish who could hardly be "There is no hope for Ireland until she classed under any one of the three. There has become a separate country," Dr. Em- are large numbers of the Catholic clergy met said. who could not be classed under any of Despite his great age Dr. Emmet says the three. There are various agricul- that his mind is as keen as It was fifty tural, manufacturing, and financial in- years ago. He spends from three to five

12 nours every morning, workinu in bed, less for any other nation. Tlie shell or on the revision of his life work, 'Memoirs the clam would be no more suitable for of Thomas Addis and Robert Emmet with the oyster than would the oyster's shell their Ancestors and Immediate Family." for the clam, nor could either be expect- To this work he referred for his opinion ed to thrive under the protection of that on the Irish question. "I write as an meant for Jt,he lobster. American, not as an Irishman," he said, "At one time we owed legally such an "and I treat that subject as I should obligation to England but it was never criticise the French Revolution." The merited by the so-called 'Mother Coun- passages to which he referred appear in try'; she certainly neglected her Ameri- the historical introduction as follows: can colonies, leaving them to shift for "The author's earliest recollection of themselves until through their own effort any knowledge of Irish affairs is the ex- they had prospered suSiciently to be pression of his father's opinion that Ire- worth robbing, and the attempt then land could have no prospect of a bright made to fit us to England's shell caused future until she should have gained full our separation. A similar result must management of her own affairs, and that follow the attempt in Ireland. desideratum, he was confident, could only "For sixty years the writer was engaged be obtained after a total separation from in helping the Irish people financially England. Few realize the truth of Aubrey and yet his own convictions politically de Vere's statement that with a free were never in full accord with the ma- people—'A nation forms its institutions jority. Yet in no instance did he ever as a shell fish forms its shell, by a sort exercise any political influence, holding of slow exudation from within which that every individual should decide for gradually hardens as an external deposit, himself. The writer has had many warm and must therefore be fitted to the shape friends where we were only in accord of that which it invests and protects.' with love for Ireland as a whole—with EJngland's form of government is best the exception of the Orangemen with fitted for her people and would be worth- whom nothing could be held in common."

(May 29, 1917) question be put on record. "Given the desire for settlement and the power to settle," Captain Maloney contends, "there IRISH CONVENTION is nothing inherently impossible of set- tlement in the Irish situation." But the GAINS ADVOCATES success of the convention. Captain Ma- loney maintains, rests largely upon the acceptance by Irish-Americans of this Plans of Settlement Fa- opportunity for constructive cooperation. With the purpose of obtaining the opin- vored by Irish-Americans ions of Irishmen and Americans on the proposed convention. Captain Maloney suggested the following questions in the OPPOSE DIVISION OF COUNTRY Evening Post of May 24: "(1.) Are you in favor of a convention of the Irish in Ireland determining the William J. Cruard Gommeiits on the plan of the future government of Ire- Ulster Problem — Cites Relig^ious land? Questions in France and Italy — "(2.) If that convention be arranged on a basis as equitable as is consistent Martin Conboy Believes American with the present exigencies of war, will Opinion Will Have Weight. you abide by its decisions? "(3.) If the British Parliament legallzee Advocates of Irish self-government these decisions will you join loyally and continue to respond to the challenge of whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish Capt. W. J. M. A. Maloney that their at- Government thus constituted?" titude toward the proposed convention The shortest reply received to-day to for the settlement of the Home Rul» these queationa came from the Rer.

13 Father Signourey W. Fay, of the New- tion should be offered to Great Britain as man School at Hackensack, N. J. He advice from one partner to another. He answered "Yes," to each question. considers a settlement to be one of the paramount issues of the war. He spoke William J. Guard. of the many men of Irish birth who had gave his views was Another one who fought in the Civil War, and told of a publicity secretary of William J. Guard, regiment called the Irish Rifles, of which Company and the Metropolitan Opera his father was a member, which joined of Paris" and "The author of "The Soul the side of the North. Americans, he spoke as an Ameri- Spirit of Italy." He said, may have the opportunity to repay nativity. His can of Protestant Irish at the present time, by pressure of opin- Guard, who was father, the Rev. Thomas ion, the debt incurred in that struggle. minister of Balti- a prominent Methodist When asked his opinion of the pro- an advo- more and San Francisco, was posals for the convention, Mr. Conboy cate of Home Rule. said that as outlined they did not pro- division of Ireland," "I do not favor the vide for a representative convention. If Ulster from Mr. Guard said: "To cut off this convention was to draft a constitu- be like taking the rest of Ireland would tion without the consent of the whole of York State. New York city out New people, he feared strife would follow. He of the trouble is I believe that much was sure that if the American thirteen of Orangemen who due to the bigotry colonies felt the grievance so great that of Protestantism. represent the extreme they would fight on a tax issue, they that the Many of them imagine even now would certainly have opposed a Consti- Catholics will be first move of the Irish tution imposed upon them in the same there. Of course, I to bring the Pope manner. This, he believed, was the situa- both sides. That realize the bigotry of tion in Ireland. Mr. Conboy's statement the is why, as a Protestant, I condemn follows: great curses of Orangemen. One of the "The Irish question, at this particular ecclesiasticism; it is as big a Ireland is juncture in American affair.s. appeals to militarism whiskey, and curse as and all Americans, whether of Irish extrac- must go with them. tion or not, because of its bearing on permitted to elect "Ireland should be America's entrance into the war. That a constitutional convention delegates to there is a relation between the two things suffrage, including the men by universal cannot be que.stioned. First. becau.=;e it the rebels in jail. As in the trenches and is impossible to conceive of democracy In pos.sible all clerical influence far as the abstract if democracy in Ireland is should be prohibited. denied In the concrete. Second, and this Attitude of Ulster. Is a corollary to the first, because it is impossible to conceive of world-peace if "I see no reason why Ulster should Ireland is eren fear union with the south of Ireland. She not at peace, though the rest of the world is. short, world de- will always be able to profit in elections In mocracy minus Ireland is not • democracy, by the split in the majority vote. France and Italy are Catholic countries which and there can be no world-peace if Ire- land is have got rid of their clericalism, and why fighting for the vindication of shouldn't Ireland? I believe thoroughly her right to be a democracy. in the Home Rule principle." Americans Interested. Mr. Guard offered the above as his "And in the third place, with so many to the first question of Capt. answer millions of Irish birth and extraction in Maloney, but thought that the second the United States it becomes of great im- third questions should be reserved and portance to the success of America in for citizens of Ireland alone, since they the war that those millions .shall not be bearing on Americans. had no deprived of any of the incentives that Martin Conboy. inspire every other man to give his all, Martin Conboy. of 27 Pine Street, a and to do his utmost for the safety of de- law partner of former United States At- mocracy. torney-General John W. Griggs, believes "America is preparing to carry on this that American opinion on the Irish ques- war to a conclusion. She will contribute

14 the fortunes and the lives of her sons, its operation the land that next to this No mean part of that contribution will is dearest to millions of Americans. come from her sons of Irish birth and "I have at home a bronze medal ot extraction. They will respond as they honor. Its legend is that it was awarded have always done, and for the success by the Congress of the United States for of America in arms. Their response distinguished conduct at the battle of should not be chilled by the knowledge Williamsburgh, May 12, 1862. When my that the principle for which they are father earned it he was serving in a required to sacrifice themselves is denied regiment known as the Irish Rifles. It application to Ireland alone, that the in- is unnecessary to comment upon his loy- tegrity of small nations excludes Ireland, alty or upon the spirit of that regiment. that world democracy excludes Ireland, I wonder if he did not feel when fighting and that the world peace that is to follow to strike the shackles from the slave this war, and which will rest upon the that there was a singular appropriate- secure foundation of world democracy ness in the regimental title? will prevail everywhere except in Ire- "Can we Americans say this to Eng- land. land without offence? Undoubtedly. We "England lost this continent because are allies-partners in this war, and the she would not recognize the principle for Irish question, which is really the democ- which we have engaged In this war. It racy question, is as much an issue with was a great loss, but she may sustain which we are all concerned as are the a greater, for, if, while now professing rights of Belgium or Servia. More so; recognition of and devotion to that prin- for a man should put his house in that ciple, she refuses it application, her pro- order which be seeks to impose upon his fessions will be valued by her practice, neighbor before attempting to impose it and she cannot be accepted as a demo- upon his neighbor." cratic nation. But, more than this, it is The Evening Post is in communication neither fair nor right, nor shall it be that with a number of prominent Irish-Amer- she shall tie our hands in this war; for, icans, and will publish just as we could not exist as a nation their replies to the half bond and half free, neither can we Maloney questions as they are re- acclaim a democracy that excludes from ceived.

(May 31, 1917) it is apparent that conflicts are giving way to agreements, and the sincerity of CONVENTION each group, even those farthest apart, is appreciated by its opponents. Most of the factions agree that a representa- AND ITS DELEGATES tive convention is desirable. They differ regarding the degree of representation the proposed convention will assure. BasiIS of Representation Victor Herbert holds that an analysis Discussed of Lloyd George's proposal shows it to be undemocratic and raises a doubt as to England's sincerity in declaring that ILOYD GEORGE PLAN CRITICISED she is fighting for small nations. Dr. John G. Coyle believes the convention will soften antagonism and lead to Victor Herbert, Justice Peter A. a final settlement. Justice Peter A. Hen- Hendrick, and Dr. John G. Coyle drick, of the Supreme Court, believes the Give Their Views on Proposed value of the convention depends upon Method for Setting Irish Issue — the measure of freedom the delegates Question of England's Sincerity. are allowed; any attempt by England to dominate the meeting will, he says, As the symposium conducted by the not be acceptable in this country. Evening Post to determine the attitude Capt. W. J. M. A. Maloney, in sug- of well-wishers of Ireland toward the gesting the symposium in the Evening proposed Irish convention is developed. Post of May 24, proposed the follc-.v:"s

11 questions to Irish -Americans and friends not help England in this the heur of her of Irish self-government: greatest crisis. "(1.) Are you in favor of a convention "It is a question that England must of the Irish in Ireland determining the decide, but it is of the greatest impor- plan of the future government of Ire- tance to our country, now that we are land? engaged in this colossal war, that Eng- "(2.) If that convention be arranged on land should not add another to her long a basis as equitable as is consistent with record of failures to understand or defer the present exigencies of war, will you to American opinion." decisions? abide by its Dr. Jobn G. Coyle. "(3.) If the British Parliament legalizes Dr. John G. Coyle, of 226 East 31st these decisions, will you loyally and Street, an active official of the United whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish Irish League, gave his views as follows: Government thus constituted?" "I am heartily in favor of holding the Victor Herbert's "Views, Irish convention, and am one of the In answer Victor Herbert has written: many who believe that it can be and "It has been made so clear from the will be arranged for equitable represen- analyses of the proposed gathering al- tation of various groups, and will cheer- ready published, that it is not in any fully support the decision of the major- American sense to be either a convention ity of such a convention. or a body clothed by the Irish people "There are three well-marked opinions themselves with any delegated power, in Ireland. One is the Sinn Peiners, who that I shall not take any time to discuss desire complete independence and believe that phase of the question. that the present crisis is opportune in "In my opinion Lloyd George has erred making such a demand more likely of in this matter from over-shrewdness. He fulfilment. They are prepared to revolt, cannot appoint any group of men, no if need be, but think just now that Great matter how eminent they may be, who Britain might be compelled to cede Ire- can settle the Irish question. The Irish land complete independence. .settle the people themselves intend to "A second group is the Unionists, who Irish question and no settlement unsatis- wish close union with Great Britain, factory to the majority of them will be rule by the Imperial Parliament, and a real or permanent settlement. When profess the most intense loyalty and at- they make their decision I have no doubt tachment to Great Britain. But for the that it will be fair to all groups of Irish- determined attitude of these Unionists of be their re- men, no matter what may Ulster, home rule for all Ireland would ligion or their policies or their strain of have been in operation long ago. blood. "The third group is the Nationalists, "But that is not the importanr. question who wish independence, but believe that at this moment. Now the whole world, it is not possible just now, and are ready and America especially, is interested in to accept autonomy, or the largest mea- this matter as a war question. England sure of home rule obtainable which pro- has declared that she is fighting for the vides for an Irish Executive, an Irish small nations and for the rule of democ- Parliament, and control of Irish politics, racy, and some Americans appear to Irish industries, and administration. believe that claim. But the mass of the "The Unionists of Ulster are chiefly American people are looking for some Orangemen, whose opposition is largely concrete proof of the truth of that claim due to religious hatred, but also to a and their eyes are fixed on Ireland while genuine dislike of the mass of the Irish waiting for that proof. people. to Nationalists. "Is England in earnest? Her actions As will tell and America awaits her action. "The Nationalists embrace men of all If she gives freedom to Ireland she will creeds in Ireland. The Sinn Fein ele- give concrete evidence of sincerity. If ment is a growing body, whose compo- she fails to do so, no matter how in- nents are not stable or settled, but whose genious her excuse may be, the heart of sentiment has been greatly intensified by America will turn from her and that will the delay In home rule, the revolt of 16 1916, the arrests, imprisonments, depor- the great struggle of 1861-65; have ab- tations of rebels and sympathizers, the sorbed many races since, and have suc- brealcdown of the Asqulth Government, ceeded in keeping government stable. the operation of martial law, and the ac- Can Solve Problem. cession to power and high Cabinet posts "There is every of such men as Sir Edward Carson and hope that the Irish convention can and will Bonar Law, who were solemnly cove- solve the prob- lem of an Irish nanting but three years ago to shed their Government. Great Britain has at last blood against the operation of a sta- confessed what th« world has been tute of Parliament, and have gone not long able to see—that she cannot govern Ireland. only unpunished, but rewarded by place, honor, and power. "Ireland, despite the rancors of the groups, is a nation. "The proposed Irish Convention, If con- Geographically and ducted with deliberation, permitting ev- ethnically, the people are a true nation. They are ery element represented the fullest lati- one of the oldest in Europe. The tude of expression and freedom of speech, capacity of the Irish has been so often will bring together these opposing ele- shown, in nearly all of the great ments, with the gaze of the world upon avenues of achievement open to men, them. Heat and antagonisms will soften that the world may rely upon them to under full expression, discussions be- solve their own problem, if they are but tween sessions, the play of mind on given free hand to do so. That they can mind, the recognition of the sincerity of and will do so is the belief of every sym- the purposes of each group, the realiza- pathizer with Ireland." tion that Unionists and Nationalists are Justice Peter A. Hendrick's statement serving the Empire in unity on the bat- is published below in full: tlefield, and the thousand little factors Justice Peter A. Hendrick. which will permit reason and sense to "We Americans have a vital interest replace antagonism and opposition as in a just solution of the Irish question. men are thrown more and more in con- The American people do not approve, tact with each other. nor have they ever approved, of the man- "That the Irish problem is before them ner in which England has governed Ire- for solution, that they have the oppor- land. We believe that all governments tunity to solve it and begin a new career should be based on the consent of the for Ireland now, that Irishmen have people governed. succeeded in all parts of the world in "Ireland is a nation distinct from Eng- governmental and other tasks of mag- land as distinct as Hungary is from nitude, that settlement means speedier — Austria. It is a small nation. It has peace in Europe and a new era for Ire- been governed heretofore by force and land, will all contribute to influence the in defiance of the will of her people. mass of the convention after the first Americans naturally look with suspicion heats and flashes have been given full any proposition of the English Gov- play. on ernment in relation to Ireland, and there "Discordant elements in a convention will never be cordial relations between in South Africa finally came out of the the American people and the English convention with a constitution which Government until such time as England solidly united the various groups in manifests an honest purpose to grant to those colonies and in the former Orange the Irish people the right to govern BYee State and Transvaal Republic, so themselves. that in this great war, the vast majority of the former enemies of Great Britain Ensland's Sincerity. served her cause in the field and in the "If, however, the English Government administration nobly and well. is in earnest in its present proposition to "Discordant elements in our own Con- grant self-government to Ireland, and stitutional Convention of 1787, with if it is honest in its expressed desire to Rhode Island failing to take any part, leave the form of that government to be through jealous fears, finally united in a determined by the Irish people, and if It framework of government, which we allows the Irish people to convoke a con- proudly call our Constitution, and our vention which shall honestly represent people have remained united except in the will of the people, and if it will put

17 in force the scheme of government adopt- of small nations, which is so largely dis- ed by a convention so composed, then trusted in this country, will be regarded America will believe that at last Eng- as another instance of England's bad land la granting some measure of justice faith. Let us hope for the best—a free to Ireland. Whether or not the present convention and the enforcement by Eng- proposal Is honest, or whether it Is an- land of the free expression of the will of other subterfuge to deceive and to trifle the majority. with the people of Ireland and the world """- Rlgrht of a People to Rule. at large, remains to be seen. It is not "America has the deepest interest in strange that many doubts of the sin- the proper solution of this question. We cerity of the English Government are are now engaged in common with the openly expressed in this country. Allies, of which England is one, in a The Americau Idea.. war which, from our viewpoint, is a "The American thought would be that war for the perpetuation of democratic the delegates to the proposed convention government—of the right of the people should be elected by the people; that the to rule themselves, as distinguished from delegates so assembled should be free to the right of the Government to rule the choose their own oflicers and free to dis- people. There is our interest, and if any cuss the proposed form of government. ally, by its action, refuses to coincide Those delegates, according to the Ameri- with our ideals in that regard, but is can idea, should be elected by all the prosecuting the war for its own selfish communities of Ireland and a majority purposes, the American people will not be of the delegates should determine the slow to understand, and any cooperation form of government. If, however, it with such a nation will cease upon the should appear that the English Govern- accomplishment of the purposes for ment dominates or endeavors to pre- which America is now at war. scribe the character of the delegates, or "I have said that it is of the highest to dominate in any way the deliberations importance to America that the Irish of the convention, the results, whatever question be justly settled. Practically they may be, unless satisfactory to the one-fifth of our population is of Irish Irish people themselves, will not be ac- birth or extraction. The citizens com- cepted in this country as an evidence of posing that element have the respect and England's good faith. good-will of the whole mass of their fel- "Any action which would indicate that low citizens. It is to the mterest of the rights of the English Government is stajidlng be- America that a email na- hind a small minority of the people for tion which is so closely allied to us in the purpose of over-riding the will of uood-will and deeds should have justice, the great majority, will stamp the whole especially when our citizenship of Irish proposition as insincere and misleading. birth or descent has contributed so vast- If a free convention, the delegates to ly toward our freedom, and toward the which are elected by a free expression of foundation and the preservation of our the will of the Irish people, shall adopt Government, and has contributed so a form of government for Ireland, and largely to the development of our coun- the English Government will see that try. At this present moment every that form of government is put into op- American knows that every American eration in Ireland, then American opin- citizen of Irish birth or of Irish descent will satisfied. ion be If not, the talk of will unhesitatingly lay down his life for the solicitude of England for the rights the welfare of America."

18 (June 1, 1917) the present exigencies of war, will you abide by Its decisions? (3.) If the British Parliament legalizes IRISH CONVENTION these decisions, will you loyally and whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish Government thus constituted? MUST LOOK TO FUTURE Jobn D. Crimmins'ct Tlefrs.

To Capt. Maloney's questions, John D. Crimmins, of 624 Madison Avenue, made Has Nothing to Do with the following reply: First question—Yes. Past, Says J. D. Crimmins Second question—Yes. Third question—Most heartily, yes. "The impression," said Mr. Crimmin.s, "I have received from speaking on the DiSCUSSlON ADVISES SOBER Irish problem with many, many people, particularly conservative American-Irish who are sincere in their hopes and efforts Irish People Assured by Irish-Ameri- for Ireland's welfare, is this: We all hope that the proposed convention will can^ of Continued Interest and be held and that the exigencies of to-day Support in This Country—Fullesi; will be discussed conservatively. It is not with the past the convention will Possible Representation of All have to do, but with the future welfare Classes Is Favored. of Ireland and her people. We pray that there will be a happy and satisfac- tory conclusion to the work of the con- final settlement the Irish ques- That of vention, and that it wiU result in the tion depends upon the democratic selec- establishment of a Parliament in Dub- tion and complete freedom of action of lin. delegates to the proposed convention, is "The Irish people at home may be as- the consensus of opinion expressed by sured of the continued interest of those Irish-Americans in the Evening Post to- of the Irish race in this and other coun- day. The success of Lloyd George's plan tries. I think I carry the opinion of rests with Lloyd George, according to many who believe in the wisdom and one statement, "if the only matter at statesmanship of John Redmond and his issue is the adjustment of differences associates." which have arisen in Ireland under, and Stephen McFarland's VieTva. because of, alien rule." The convention should, it is said, ignore the past and Stephen McParland, president, New look only to the future. The service of York Municipal Council of the United Ulstermen is needed, it is held, in the Irish League, made the following state- rehabilitation of South Ireland. ment: These statements were made in answer "We who have always argued that Ire- to a challenge issued by Capt. W. J. M. land can only be governed properly when A. Maloney in the Evening Post of May she governs herself are naturally pleased 24 that American opinion on the Irish when it is proposed that Irishmen shall question be put on record in order to be asked to agree upon an Irish Constitu- clarify diverging views and hasten a final tion. If it were clear that this is to be settlement. He urged that answers to what the average newspaper reader as- the follow'ing questions would give the sumes it to be ; if the solution of the Irish desired information: problem were really being turned over to (1.) Are you In favor of a convention the Irish people, we would await develop- of the Irish in Ireland determining the ment with complete confidence in the out- plan of the future government of Ire- come. land? "With the information now at our dis- (2.) If that convention be arranged on posal, we are naturally anxious to leam a basis as eqmtable as is consistent with whether Ulster is willing to enter the con-

19 : :

vention. That anxiety proceeds not from Newman School, Hackensack, N. J., any eagerness to subject Ulster to any wrote rule that would be unwelcome to her "As to the first question, I should say people, but from quite the contrary mo- I cannot see how any one of Irish blood tive. The hope of Irish Nationalists has could refuse to answer it in the affirma- always been that when the time came for tive. Our whole contention for the past self-government the people of Ulster seven hundred years has been that if would bring to the service of the country the English would let us alone we could those business qualities which have settle our own difficulties. If it is ap- reached a high state of development parent that the chance of settling our among them when similar development difficulties is to be given to us I am has not been possible in the rest of Ire- whole-heartedly for taking" it. land. The prime objection to partition "To the next question I should desire is that these capable Irishmen would be also to answer in the affirmative, pro- shut off from participation in the work vided that the exigencies of war are not of rebuilding the Irish nation. themselves to destroy the autonomy of matter will Support Redmond. the convention. This never be settled until every section of Irish have always had, and "Those of us who opinion is allowed to express itself fully for still have, the highest regard Mr. Red- and freely in the presence of every other in his mond and the fullest confidence section of Irish opinion. In the past, are glad to patriotism and statesmanship, one set of Irishmen have been played look for good to note that he seems to off against another. convention. come of the proposed We "As to the third question I should say, been deceived before, realize that he has most assuredly, if the convention is truly that be de- and are apprehensive he may representative in every sense, and if when he is ready to ceived again, but what they agree upon is put in force Irish settle- risk an attempt to get an by the British Government every Irish- question are stead- ment of the Irish we man in Ireland should abide by that de- him. fastly behind cision, and every Irish-American should is that, under the "What we hope loyally cooperate for the new govern- England will hon- prompting of America, ment of Ireland as far as his duty to the military assistance orably recognize his own country, the United States of from 500,000 men of Irish she has had America, permits him to do so. blood in this war, and that since America "There are the strongest reasons for side the Allies, in has come in on the of believing that the English people are at democracy, England will the name of last convinced of the necessity of doing policy of disposing of Irish abandon her ju.stice to the people of Ireland, that the if Irish were only a difficulties as the matter, therefore, depends now upon Hottentots, and will little better than the ability and willingness of Irishmen really Irish, allow this convention to be to cooperate with one another, and any public well knowing, as English men section of the Irish people which holds experience, that Irishmen, know from out against the rest of the country to or abroad, are capable whether at home its own particular shibboleth will earn complex problems of handling the most for themselves the unenviable reputation of difficulties with fairness and disposing of having been the final destroyers of all the interests involved. and justice to their country." "We in this country are confident that if the appeal made to Ireland by Lloyd John D. Moore's Views. George fails, it will be because of other John D. Moore, of 26 Cortlandt Street, than Irish reasons, and that it will not a consulting engineer, for four years fail if the only matter at issue is the State Conservation Commissioner, who is adjustment of differences which have national secretary of the Friends of Irish arisen in Ireland under, and because of, Freedom, expressed the following opinion alien rule." "It is beginning to sink into the con- Father Fay Hopetul. sciousness of the American people that In answering Captain Maloney's ques- it is England, and not Ireland, which is of this convention. tions, the Rev. Father Sigourney W. Fay, on trial in the matter 20 The people of this country have declined land. In brief, they want England's the invitation to lose all patience with words translated into action. the Irish people and condemn them 'as "America has proved her sincerity in absolutely unreasonable' if the conven- this war, which she entered 'for the tion plan fails to accomplish the purposes rights of nations great and small, and which Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Red- for the privilege of men everywhere to mond have in mind. With us, not only choose their way of life and of obedience.' direct election of officials, but also their and 'to make the world safe for democ- direct nomination, is held everywhere racy.' She is giving of her men, her to be a fundamental of democracy, and money, and everything that men can our people are strongly inclined to sym- make and money can buy. A great many pathize with the rejection by the Irish of our citizens realize that countless men Republican element of the proposal to of Irish blood will be found in the armies submit their national fate to the dictum and in the fleets of the United States, hand-picked convention. of a and unless England permits the early "As the chief spokesman for the Allies, settlement of the Irish question, these England has been insistently preaching Irish soldiers and sailors will be fighting the cause of democracy. Yesterday in for democracy everywhere except in the Ottawa Mr. Balfour said that the British land from which they themselves have Empire had 'staked its last dollar on de- sprung. This is political mocracy.' The American people are look- a absurdity so patent to be repulsive to the ing to England and expecting her to ap- as Amer- ply the principles of democracy to Ire- ican idea of a square deal."

pointment of a chairman by the Govern- dune 2. 1917) ment, and the selection of representatives by the British Government. Universal IRISH QUESTION franchise for the election of delegates; open sessions, and the election of officers by the delegates are advocated. A WORLD AFFAIR The questions suggested by Capt. W. J. M. A. Maloney in his challenge to Irish sympathizers in America to put them- More Opinions from Men selves on record, appeared in the Eveninff Post May 24, and are as follows: Are Interested "(1.) Are you in favor of a convention Who of the Irish in Ireland determining the plan of the future government of Ire- land? BRlTiSH PROPOSALS CRITICISED "(2.) If that convention be arranged on a basis as equitable as is consistent with the present exigencies of war, will you Secret Proceedings of Proposed Con- abide by its decisions? "(3.) If the British Parliament legalizes vention, and Appointment of a these decisions, will you loyally and Chairman by Government Do Not whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish Government thus constituted?" with Approval Justice ISIin- Meet — JiMtlce James F. Mlntnrn. tnm, of New Jersey, Gives His James F. Minturn, of Hoboken, Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, Views- replied to the questions as follows: "(1.) As an American I can entertain In the comments made to-day for the but one view regarding an Irish conven- Eveninff Post regarding the forthcoming tion, and that is the view enunciated in Irish convention, three proposals of our Declaration of Independence, to the Lloyd George, the British Premier, are effect that all political power Is derived criticised—the secret proceedings, the ap- from the people, and that no country is

21 —

legally entitled to govern another without most heartily in favor of 'a convention of the consent of the governed. the Irish in Ireland determining the plan Ireland's Fate in Balance. of the future government of Ireland.' "President Wilson quite recently in his "According to American ideals, such a convention be of repre- message to the Powers has reiterated would composed sentatives chosen by the universal these truisms. It is to be assuned, there- franchise of the and of Ire- fore, that no peace terms will be con- men women land; it would be convened in open ses- summated in any conference of Powers sion; it would select its otlicers, and in which we shall participate, without own an insistence upon our part of these continuing its deliberations in the full fundamental humanitarian principles of light of the world's view—for, let it be borne in mind, that the Irish question American political philosophy, applicable a equally to Ireland, to Belgium, and to has become world question—it would accord principles Poland. The Irish right to independence with the best of de- cannot be controverted by any consistent mocracy, and its decisions would com- the respect American capable of understanding his mand and the abiding loyalty of Irishmen everywhere. own country's ideals. "But I see absolutely present "If the Irish people, however, upon a no pros- pect of such a in far free and open referendum, are willing to convention, so as the proposals accept less in view of the present exi- of Mr. Lloyd George are concerned. Rather, I see a palpable ef- gency—for instance, such a system of fort of present self-government as has been conceded to the British Ministry to placate Canada, Australia, and South Africa American public opinion, and to square with our declaration of that modicum of national right should be purpose in entering the war, accorded to them. England has found by ostensibly present- ing to the Irish people that treatment expedient, and to her ad- an opportunity to vantage in those instances, and that ex- settle their own affairs, the while making perfectly sure that request perience, aside from the inherent justice no forthcom- ing from the convention shall be unwel- of the compromise, should recommend it come from English to her in the case of Ireland. an viewpoint. "It would "(2.) The second inquiry requires only appear from his second inter- rogatory that Capt. the remark that, when the people of Ire- Maloney rather gen- erously land indicate their satisfaction in any bounds the equities of the pro- properly constituted convention, with jected convention by the present exi- gencies of war. the system of compromise that shall be "Most assuredly adopted, we Americans will have no neither the Irish at home nor the Irish abroad will abide cause to complain. Ireland's c?se is the by the so-called decisions of a •"onference case of America only because it is the to be held in secret case of humanity; and when the Irish session under the of people shall have settled their age-long chairmanship a Crown appointee, a conference to be very largely grievance in a manner satisfactory to composed of hand-picked themselves, the worries and troubles of men upon a basis of rep- resentation apparently carefully America as well as of humanity will be arranged between the British correspondingly lessened and solved. Prime Minister and certain alleged leaders "(3.) If to this consensus of Irish opin- who do not in fact represent Irish sentiment fairly. ion the Briti.sh Parliament will accord the "This statement may appear severe, but recognition that the voice of a people is even the most cursory examination of the entitled to receivp, and transmxite it into cabled dispatches will disclose law, the Irish problem, in my iudgment, that the Irish politicians with will be solved, and America, as well as whom Lloyd George is negotiating at this humanity, will rejoice." time have one and all lost the conception of Ireland a nation. Rlcliard F. Dalton's Opinion. They enter the conference with the major Richard F. Dalton, treasurer of the premise of Ireland's maintenance as an New York Architectural Terra-Cotta integral part of the British Empire fixed Company, of Long Island City, writes as as an axiom which admits of no discus- follows: sion. Separation may be broached, to be "Speaking as an Irishman by birth and sure, but any such suggestion must be as an American by training, I should be brushed aside. Meanwhile, the British

22 Premier himself admits that Ireland is to be absolute independence—an Irish Re- seething- with discontent, and the recent pubUc. elections strike home the fact that a ma- "Irishmen of every generation for four jority of the manhood of Ireland has gone hundred years have sacrificed their hves Sinn Fein—that the policy of Pearse and that Ireland might be free. Surely their his compatriots of Easter week stands claims cannot be bartered by a convention approved, and that the aspiration and the hmited by 'the present exigencies of war' purpose of the Irish in Ireland continues and other considerations."

(June 4, 1917) "(2.) If that convention be arranged on a basis as equitable as is consistent with the present exigencies of war, will you IRISH PEOPLE ASK abide by its decisions?

If (3.) the British Parliament legalizes these FOR SQUARE DEAL decisions, will you loyaUy and whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish Government thus constituted?" More Views of the Pro- Fire Chief John Kenlon. John posed Convention Kenlon's opinions follow: "We have been told that this is to be an Irish convention, and that the fitness of the Irish for self-government will be FIRE CHIEF KENLON'S OPINION judged by the manner in which they re- spond to the invitation from Great Brit- ain to frame a Constitution for them- Monsignor James W. Power, of All selves. Those of us who have a high Saints Catholic Church, opinion Roman and of the capacity of Irishmen wiU not object Robert E. Ford, Editor of the "Irish to be judged by the result of this test, provided that World," Also Tell They Be- what is reported How as an Irish convention is really that and lieve Question Should Be Settled. not something else. "This time last year Mr. Lloyd George presided Additional comment on the proposed over an abortive Irish confer- convention for the settlement of Ireland's ence. Later on it was shown that even difficulties comes to the Evening Post if the two main sections of Irish opinion had to-day in the form of letters from John agreed there were outside influences ready Kenlon, Chief of the New York Fire De- and apparently able to destroy the agreement. partment; Monsignor James W. Power, If that sort of thing is pres- ent rector of All- Saints' Roman Catholic at this time Irishmen are not ready to take the Church, Madison Avenue and 129th blame for failure if the con- vention Street, and Robert E. Ford, editor of the fails. If a real Irish convention formulates Irish World, and Prof. Robert Ellis a policy it is almost certain Thompson. to be one that the Irish people as a whole will The position of Irish-Americans and approve, and the more generous the safeguards other friends of Ireland is being clarified for minorities the more cer- by the response to Capt. W. J. M. A. tain it will be of acceptance. Maloney's invitation to put their views "Men and women of Irish blood consti- on record. The statements published be- tute the backbone of the democracy of low are in answer to Capt. Maloney's America. American democracy is the questions, which appeared in the Evening oldest and purest on earth. We went into Post on May 24 as follows: this world conflict "to save democracy "(1.) Are you in favor of a convention everywhere," but particularly to save the of the Irish in Ireland determining: the democracy of Great Britain. We believe plan of the future government of Ire- British democracy is fighting for the land? rights of small nations, but we also feel 23 partition was kill- that the British Tory is not animated by this political heresy of was any such noble purpose; he is still the ed and buried. 'E pluribus unum' around which the democracy ame old bird, the apparent change in his the motto plumage comes not through the blood, of free America rallied, and to that call response of 100,- but rather from external causes due to we have the unanimous happy in possession the refining chastisement of three years 000,000 free men, inalienable rights of 'life, liberty, of terrible war. of their pursuit of happiness.' Daniel "It has been said that 'Ireland paid the and the the nation to a spirit of price of Liberty without getting it.' If Webster woke enthusiasm when in his speech on this is an Irish convention it is likely high out the immortal to succeed, and we will all abide by the the Union, he rang forever, one and indi- decision of the Irish people; If it is con- words; 'Union trolled by influences which have decreed visible.' its failure in advance, as happened last "The Saviour of mankind never uttered year, we will not accept the blajne for a more profound truth than when He Ireland or for Irishmen. said, 'A kingdom divided against itself "We say to the democracy of Great must fall.' It was on this iproflound Britain, we are in no mood to be jobbed; truth our great Lincoln took his stand, it will be well if they see to it that their and held himself immovable until the Premier and his Cabinet are on the level nation was firmly planted on the rock in their dealings with Ireland." of unity, where, with the blessing of heaven, she stands impregnable and un- PoTver. statement by Monsigmor assailable against every foe from within Monsignor Power's statement follows: or without. This is the point: If great "Partition of Ireland is not to be America, with her broad dominions, thought of. The democracy of America is could not afford partition or division, and out with a pledge to save and redeem spent blood and treasure against every smaller and weaker nationalities. Only the attempt to effect it, how can a little na- other day in Arlington our President, Mr. tion like Ireland think of surviving the Wilson, came out with the proclamation, cruel blow that would inflict the open 'America is born to save mankind.' The wound of partition, from which her life spirit of American democracy sits brood- blood would ebb away against all at- ing over a warring world and the signs tempts to stanch the flow? are hopeful that when peace comes back, "Irishmen all the world over trust the all the nations, big and little, will enjoy fair spirit of American democracy against fullest measure of human liberty, their so great an outrage as the partition or 'inalienable right to life, liberty, and the division of the Irish nation, after her pursuit of happiness.' This is the glori- centuries of thrilling struggles to con- ous outlook, the spirit of American de- serve unbroken 'the spirit of the nation.' mocracy, widespread throughout the "Secondly, as to the convention and its world, holds out to all the people of the convocation, again Irishmen look to oppressed nations that have been robbed America for their partem and model for of their natural rights of liberty and imitation. Let it be representative, and human freedom. thoroughly so, after the manner of the •'Ireland looks to America for her sal- Lincoln ideal of a convention, 'by the vation and her liberty, and she hopes people, from the people, and for the peo- by the pressure of American public opin- ple.' A convention other than such as ion voiced by our President that she this would be a mockery to men or wo- will be saved from the disastrous measure men with the crudest notions of liberty of proposed partition. or the rights of free men. What would "America herself fought the great Civil the revolutionists in 1776 say to the sug- War, in the 'sixties, to save the nation gestion from an English Premier of a from the inevitable ruin and destruction convention such as Lloyd George sug- that the secession and partition of the gests to the Irish nation to consider, a Southern States would surely bring about. convention whose chairman King George, Her great state«nen and soldiers talk- with gracious condescension, would be ed, and fought on many a hard fought kind enough to send them, with Instruc- battlefield of the late Civil War, until tions as to ways and means, aims and 24 purposes of the convention and all its questions of religion and the rights of agenda and final decision and determin- the minority in that regard. This diffi- ation ? culty is imaginary more than it is real. "Such a suggestion was never offered, The question eliminates itself, and, again, and had it been the answer was before- in American fashion, by a constitutional hand in the defiant words of the fear- guarantee of Uberty of conscience offer- less Patrick Henry, when the rafters in ed and accepted as a condition before the old Court House of Virginia rang the convention lopens. This religious out the challenge that thrUls us yet, with question is the bugbear and bogey of the immortal words, 'As for me, give Ulster. Honest men, even Protestants me liberty or give me death.' The Irish who know the Irish people at home and nation has her Patrick Henrys, and to- here, know well there is no such thing day they are legion of that race and as intolerance in the Catholic mind or nation, who, rather than attend a con- heart towards their Protestant neighbors vention cramped, cribbed, and confined at home, and less so here. by 'exigencies,' would akaken the "My testimony, that a Catholic priest, echoes of that call for liberty and cry, is too much ex parte to be accepted, but 'Give us liberty or give us death.' The hear what James Stephens, the well- Irish question is not to be settled by a known author and man of letters, has to convention where exigencies of any na- say in his latest book, and on that very ture will hinder full, free discussion by topic, when he writes: 'There is no re- the freely and fairly elected and appoint- ligious intolerance in Ireland except that ed delegates of all grades and classes of which is political. I am not a member the nation, and where the rule of Ameri- of the Catholic Church and am not in- can democracy, of the majority to govern clined to be the advocate of a religious and decide all procedure and final issue, system which my mentality dislikes, but is not the accepted programme before I have never found real intolerance the convention opens. among my fellow countrymen of that re- "As to the third point, all free-thinking ligion. I have found it among Protestants. Irishmen look upon the proposed con- I will limit that statement, too. I have vention as nothing else than a pitfall, an found it among some Protestants, insidious scheme by which their last con- but outside of the north of Ireland there dition would be much worse than their is no religious question.' (P. 136, "The first. The historic oppressor of Ireland Insurrection in Dubhn.') is in a suppliant mood just now, and the "Three-fourths of the population of Ire- men who are responsible for the g\aidance land are Catholic and if intolerance pre- and high ideals of American democracy, vailed among them how is it that for in her mission of mercy to the oppressed over two hundred years all their national of the smaller nations of the world, can, leaders have been Protestant. Here they if true to American traditions, so direct are in succession: Lucas, Molyneaux, that the proposed convention will be a Swift, Flood, Curran, O'Connell, Butt, convention of free men, in whose deliber- and Parnell. Of these nine, there was ations all may participate and by wihose only one Catholic, Daniel O'Connell. How decisions all can abide. This is the de- far he tolerated clerical interference in vout hope of Irishmen at home and of Irish politics all know from the famous American sjonpathizers here, and both incident of his rebuke to Monsignor Qua- alike justly think that America in her rentotti, vice-president of the Roman broad and generous spirit would only be Propaganda, when he declared he was paying a debt of gratitude in return for willing to take his theology from Rome the blood and treasure poured out on the but his politics he would be as pleased battlefields of America by the Irish of to have from the Grand Turk. So we every generation to the last endeavor can easily see how little real fear there in the sacred cause of liberty and Ameri- need be for a Protestant in the matter of can democracy. things pertaining to the civic and tem- "I can see no diflSciilties as to a con- poral interests of the nation. Besides the vention such as many Irishmen may ob- list of names already quoted, we have ject to as barring their way to attend- Wolf Tone, Robert Emmet, Thomas ance and participation, and they are the Davis, and a host of others all Protes- 25 "

tants and trusted and devoted leaders of with disestablishment 'Of the garrison Catholic Ireland. So at best or worst church, with the land, with railroads, this religrious intolerance is a northern with coast survey, and with provision nursery tale worked into credulous and for the poor, Ireland has had her own overwrought imagrinations of ignorant policy to urge upon the Imperial Par- and bigoted sections with all the nota- liament. In every case action has been Irish bilities of brigands, thugs, titans, and taken because the people have Jack the Giant Killers that children fear. pressed for action; and in every case the Irish If the innocent people of Ireland, plan has been truncated with the C3atholics, and Protestants alike, could purpose to conform it to English ideas rid themselves of the politicians, Catho- and English interests. lics and Protestants, too, question of "On the great problem of the consti- nationhood and convention would be a tutional relations of the two countries matter of simplest procedure, and if England originated nothing but the ac- American democracy will only extend the cursed Union of 1801, which is the root protecting hand of her guidance we all of Irish misery and discontent. The three feel assured that the day-dawn of Irish plans for dealing with that—O'Connell's liberty and nationhood is nearer than we 'Repeal,' Butt's Home Rule, and Parnell's think, and in our generation the man more complex programme—all have orig- may be living who in an Irish convention inated with Irishmen, who did not offer or Irish Parliament will address a free vague ideas, but worked out definite people and say as Grattan said once be- schemes for the future of the country. fore: "Spirit of Molyeux, spirit of Swift, England's additions to the list have been your genius has prevailed. Ireland is free trade, the poorhouse, Protestant as- now a nation, and bowing to her august cendency, famine, and forced emigration.

presence, I say "Esto perpetua". ' This "Mr. George proceeds: 'The Govern- time, in the second spring of Ireland's ment proposes that Ireland shall try her freedom, in the second birth of her lib- own hand at framing a plan. This method erty the appeal will not be to the spirits has succeeded in Canada, Australia, and of Molyneux or Swift, but the man of "Does he [Sir Horace Plunkett] think the hour will exclaim: 'Spirit of Ameri- that out of a packed conference of this can democracy, your genius has prevail- kind there can come any result which ed. Ireland is now a nation and bowing will satisfy the Irish people? Does he to her august presence, I say "Esto per- not see how carefully England keeps petua". ' the meeting in hand, lest something Editor of Irish World. should come out of it that will not suit her imperial and industrial interests? Ire- "Your inquiry," said Robert E. Ford land's responsibility at this moment Is in his statement, "is essentially why the to refuse any and every such contrivance Irish World does not support Mr. Lloyd to keep Ireland in subjection to British George's scheme of a 'convention' to set-

interests. . . . tle the Irish question. That can easily "Premier George exalts his scheme as be explained. A convention which would a new departure, in that it casts upon meet with our approval and that of the Ireland the duty of saying what is to be Irish people must be a free one. Mr. done. 'Hitherto Great Britain has un- Lloyd George purposes to call a packed dertaken all the construction; Ireland all one. Do you believe the case of Ireland the criticism. Once Irishmen are con- would get a fair hearing at a conven- fronted with the problem, they will give tion whose members were chosen by the due weight to the obstacles and diflS- British Government, whose president was an Englishman, and whose proceedings culties.' "Historically the statement is untrue, were to take place in secret? Wie do not. Ireland has furnished every programme Tet that is what Mr. Lloyd George of- for the amendment of Irish wrongs, and fers." England has taken from her every pro- Prof. Robert Bills Thompnon. gramme and has handed it back after Prof. Robert Ellis Thompson, of the cuttinj: away the really valuable part. In Irish. World, puts the situation clearly in dealing with Catholic emancipation, with last week's issue. He says: public education, with the tithe system,

26 South Africa, and I cannot help thinking the democracy of England on the Irish that what has been accomplished there question. It was largely through these can be achieved in Ireland.' But were the efforts that the burning question emerged dominions set up by conferences of nom- from chaotic darkness into the light of inees of the London Government, meeting practical politics. behind closed doors? The conference "Meeting the English people half way which met at Quebec, October 10, 1864, we even consented to accept half our was composed of delegates from the prov- claim, viz.: Home Rule, not, be it under- inces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, stood, as a final settlement, for, as Par- Upper and Lower Canada (now Quebec nell said. 'No bounds can be set to the and Ottawa), chosen by the legislatures march of a nation,' but as a first instal- of those provinces. The same course was ment—a step in the right direction. taken in forming the Etominion of Aus- "Passing over the years of anxious tralia and that of South Africa. Why waiting, the innumerable disappointments should Ireland be treated differently? as obstacle after obstacle was placed in Wthy should the future be determined by Ireland's path to freedom, the failure on a 'convention of notables' selected by Mr. several occasions of the Home Rule act George and his associates in England, in- to materialize, we come to the year 1914 stead of representatives chosen by the —the year of dashed hopes. On Septem- people? ber 18 of that year the King of England The Q,aestion of Finances. set his signature to what has been char- acterized as 'the meanest definition of "Is Mr. George prepared to put Ire- a nation's rights that the wit of man land into the position of one of the three could frame'—a Home Rule act which great dominions, which have been form- did not give the people of Ireland the ed within the British Empire. Par powers enjoyed by any board of county from it. Those dominions have treasur- supervisors in the State of New York. ies independent of that in London. They "The American people will find it hard levy what taxes they please to fill those World treasuries, and they impose what duties to credit the fact that the Irish they please upon British and other im- and the majority of the Irish people de- paying ports, both for revenue and for the de- investigate the matter—has been for velopment of their domestic industries. millions into the British Treasury, return whatever. So The Home Rule bill already passed for which she gets no tenants Ireland conveys to the London Treasury of the outlays made to aid the land. every penny collected as taxes or duties to become owners of their bits of in Ireland, and doles out to Ireland What It is constantly assumed that the Brit- an English board thinks she should have ish Treasury advances this money, and to pay the expenses of government. that it is a gratuity to Ireland to in- Would Canada or Australia endure that duce her to give up agrarian agitation. arrangement? But Mr. George hints that Not a penny of it has any such source, whatever other changes the new plan nor have the old-age pensions establish- may introduce, that is not to be touch- ed in Ireland at the same time as in Eng- ed. He expressly states that whatever land and Scotland. From this beginning the Dublin Government might spend, we may infer how far Mr. George will duties would have to come back to it from go in tolerating the imposition of the British Treasury, and that precau- upon English wares for the development tions would be taken to prevent its get- of Irish manufactures." ting too much. "The Irish World for almost half a "Behind this statement lies the as- century has devoted its energies to the sumption, resented by Irish Unionists, as cause of Irish freedom, to aid that sa- well as Nationalists, that Ireland is not cred cause, no sacrifice on its part, or on a paying country, and that Great Brit- that of its readers throughout the world, ain must contribute to the costs of gov- has been too great. Tens of thousands of erning her. It is the most impudent dollars were raised through its columns of the pretences used to bolster up the to further the movement for the libera- claim of right to rule the country. Ire- tion of Ireland. The Irish World led in land—as was shown by the commission the great educational movement which of the British Parliament appointed to had for its object the enlightenment of 27 cided in good faith to accept even this Tudora, she reached out for imperial emaciated act. But the American people power. England aimed then, as she aims will find it still harder to believe that this now, at being mistress of the seas. The poor miserable 'definition of a nation's control of Ireland is necessary for the rigrhta' was arbitrarily placed in abey- attainment of that ambition. To control ance until the end of the war and that it Ireland, England believes it to be neces- was proposed to saddle it with an amend- sary to crush her.

ment by which the curse of partition "The time, however, is past when Eng- could be laid upon Ireland. land arbitrarily can decide the destiny "Reviewing the Irish situation of the of the Irish nation. Though she may past decade, it is apparent that the Lib- not be aware of it, the supreme question eral Government used the Irish to already has been taken out of her hands strengthen their own position. They had and the martyred patriots of Easter to appear to give something in return Week, 1916, and their republican succes- for Irish support, but, at heart, they no sors in Ireland to-day have placed it in more wished Irish freedom than did the the safe keeping of the United States and Tories. The Liberals, indeed, were quite of those allies of England who are willing that the Tories should make It pledged to the principles of self-govern- 'impossible' for them to carry out their ment for small nations. Resting secure promises. It must be clear now to the in this knowledge, the Irish people look most unthinking that the Carson move- forward to the not distant day when the ment and Curragh mutiny were stag- emancipated Ireland will take her right- ed with at least the tacit approval of ful place besides self-governing Belgiunv, the Liberal Government. Witness the Poland, Servia, and Greece." freedom with which over a long period Carson was allowed to import arms from (June 5, 1917) Germany, and the instantaneous order against importation on the formation of the Irish Volunteers. Witness again the THE complacency with which the overriding TWO VIEWS OF of the order by the Carsonites was re- ceived by the authorities, and the furious IRISH PROBLEM and cowardly massacre of the women and children of Dublin after the landing of arms at Howth. Witness, also, that the mutiny at the Curragh was approved by Nationalist Praises the At- the highest officers in the army, that not one was punished, and that shortly after- titude of Redmond wards all were promoted or otherwise re- warded. "Consequently, it became clear to the THINKS HE HAS SHOWN WISDOM Irish World, as to the Irish people in general, that England had not reversed her policy toward Ireland, and that per- Mrs. Hanna Sheehy Skeflington, Wid- haps constitutionally she is incapable of reversing it. Ireland, from the English ow of Editor Who Was Killed in standpoint, Is not an allied country, is Revolt, Says that Irish Question not a partner, is not even destined tc be either. She is but a possession. A Must Be Solved on International, dangerous one. Ireland must forever be Not British Party, Lines. starved and humiliated, for England fears that, with prosperity, Ireland might insis tupon and be capable of taking her Nationalist and Republican opinions rights. Ireland, therefore. Is not even in are contrasted In statements made to- the position of India. She is not a vas- day by Irish-Americans for the sym- sal to be exploited; she is a potential posium on the proposed Irish convention. enemy to be crushed. This has been the A follower of Redmond believes that his position of England ever since, under the party has taken the proper step in ac- 28 cepting the proposal of Uoyd George for come, I am sure, our suggestions and an Irish convention, while a separatist friendly advice. distrusts the offer, because it precludes "Mr. Redmond has accepted the conven- the consideration of a complete divorce tion proposition and believes in the equi- from England. table eflScacy of its proposed x"epresenta- Capt. W. J. M. A. MaJoney, who raised tive feature, because Mr. Redmond wants the issue in the Evening Post of May 24 to give a fair hearing to the elements by challenging Irish-Americans to put opposed to him, as well as to those in themselves on record, offered the follow- favor of him and the policies which he ing questions to cover the proposed con- represents. The elements opposed to him

vention : are not as numerous as they appear on (1.) Are you in favor of a convention the surface. For instance, the enlight- of the Irish in Ireland determining the ened Irishman knows that the Sinn-Fein, plan of the future government of Ire- the Clan-na-Gael, and the Republican are land? all one and the selfsame people, and (2.) If that convention be arranged on under their various titles have been op- a basis as equitable as is consistent with posed to him and the constitutional the present exigencies of war, will you movement for more than a quarter of a abide by its decisions? century, despite the fact that they have (3.) If the British Parliament legalizes accepted the Gladstone Home Rule bill, these decisions, will you loyally and which was in every respect inferior to whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish the present one. which they so vocifer- Government thus constituted? ously denounce. "The Irishmen under the above titles Views of Dr. Josepli F. Brennan. now opposed to Redmond were, together Dr. Joseph P. Brennan, a Commission- with the Orangemen and Unionists, al- er of Education, says that he has con- ways opposed to majority rule in Ire- fidence in the Irish people and their land; therefore, their opposition at this accredited leader, John E. Redmond. Dr. particular time is nothing new. How- Brennan is the president of three Irish ever, I am inclined to believe that the societies—the Irish-American League, seriousness of the problems now con- the Westmeath's Men's Association, and fronting them will be sufficient to unite the Parnell branch of the United Irish them with the majority in forming a League—^and vice-president of the Mu- plan of self-government for their beloved nicipal Council, United Irish League. He country. says: "Ireland, on a promise, has more than "I am certainly in favor of a conven- kept faith with England. Will England tion of the Irish in Ireland determining now keep faith with Ireland, and will the plan of the future government of Ire- she, out of deference to American opinion land, and as an Irishman and a United and the success of the present war, make Irish League man, I believe in supporting a serious effort to do justice to Ireland any policy that may be prescribed by the and settle the question of Irish national majority of the Irish people. autonomy even at this late date, in a "This has been my policy since I have manner satisfactory to the majority of been able to take an active part in Irish Irishmen and cogently encouraging to politics, because I have absolute confi- her allies in this desperate conflict be- dence in the good judgment of the Irish tween the forces of corruption and tyran- people and their accredited leader, John ny and the forces of morality and liberty E. Redmond. —between autocracy and democracy? "I deplore the unwise attitude of men "Ireland has given indisputable evi- three thousand miles away who are en- dence of her sincerity. WUl England deavoring to dictate to Ireland and her evince a similar spirit toward Ireland? representatives the policy they should This is the question England must an- pursue. We here in America should be swer, and the one that will determine the the auxiliaries of our people at home, not future action of Ireland. their dictators, because it is quite evi- "Whatever will be accepted by the ma- dent they are more competent to judge jority of Irishmen and endorsed by our than we are; nevertheless, they wiU wel- representatives will be acceptable to me. 29 Mrs. Sheehy Skeffincrton. "1 certainly favor a convention of the Hanna Sheehy SkefBnglon, widow of Irish in Ireland to devise a scheme of the Irish editor, F. Sheehy Skeffing-ton, government for that country, the dele- who was illegally executed in the Easter gates to that convention to be elected by rebellion of 1916, by Captain Bowen- the full adult vote, male and female, of Colthurst, later found g-uilty of murder, all Ireland without let or hindrance but committed to an insane asylum, tele, from any English source whatever, g-raphed the following statement from either as to the persons to be elected Butte, Mont.: or the decisions of the convention. A "With reference to Captain Maloney's free convention thus constituted will be questions to Irish in America, regard- truly representative and in touch with ing their attitude to the proposed con- the wishes and hopes of the people, and vention on the future government of Ire- cannot fail to express the national will land, in my opinion, Ireland would stul- —a bold and fearless declaration of in- tify herself by being a party to any such dependence of, and complete separation convention. from, England by a tremendous ma- "It is being convened, not by Ireland jority. herself, but by Great Britain, who will "As the unselfish champion of small na- have a determined voice in its ingredients. tions and the ardent standard bearer of -Buia ^ipa^^iuip-B J8A03J0UI 'iBsodoad aqj, democracy and civilization, I cannot nates, not from any desire to meet Ire- doubt that if the Irish people should so land's just demands and satisfy her cry- decide, England would then declare ing grievances, but rather from Great herself ready to furl her flag, to with- Britain's necessities and the exigencies draw her troops, and to abdicate her of the war. In nominating the conven- usurped powers in Ireland and permit tion Great Britain reserves her veto. If the men and women of that island to the convention were to stipulate for an direct its destinies in accordance with independent Irish repubUc, such a de- their own genius and desires. England mand would be ruled out as not consistent claims this much for Belgium, Servia, Vi^ith war exigencies. and Rumania; will she contend that Ire- "The progressive party is Ireland—the land is entitled to any less? so-called Sinn Fein party—has already "The manhood of Ireland will never wisely decided not to enter the conven- permit the claim of the Crown to Inter- tion, and claims, instead, that Ireland fere with the selection of delegates to be represented at the peace conference the convention, with the choice of its where her case could be properly dealt chairman, or the power to veto its de- with as an international one by a jury cisions. Such a convention would be but of the nations. What would be Belgium's a mockery and Irishmen either in Ireland answer if Germany proposed a conven- or without her shores, would regard tion on similar lines to decide her claim? it and its decisions with scorn and Ls it likely that Belgium would be satis- contumely, and as utterly devoid of fled with such a solution? We claim for popular sanction and entirely at va- Ireland no less and no more than Bel- riance with those lofty principles of gium is accorded. Our problem is no democracy for which England is now domestic one, but international, and its so valiantly contending. By all means solution must be accordingly on interna- let us have a full, free, and unfettered tional, not on purely British, lines." convention of the Irish people at home, J. B. Mnlcahy, of Batte. and I for one will loyally and unequivo- The following statement was author- cally support the enactments of any gov- ized by J. B. Mulcahy, editor of the ernment that may spring into existence Butte, Montana, Independent: as a result of its reasoned deliberations."

30 (June 6, 1917) earliest possible moment. What man or woman of Irish blood does not? But is IRISH KNOW HOW TO RULE, this what is now proposed? If it be, I fail to see it. All I find set forth is a SAYS JOHN E.MILHOLLAND proposition on the part of Mr. Lloyd George that a hundred or more estimable gentlemen, English, Welsh, and Scotch, HIS OPINION ON THE PROPOSED as well as Irish, come together at West- minister, and in the CONVENTION. shadow of "Big Ben" discuss Irish affairs. "Much good may come from such a dis- People, He Says, Should Be Allowed cussion. The possibilities are great; but to speak of such a gathering, whatever to Elect Their Own Delegates — be its outcome, as representative of the Question of Excluding Ulster. Irish people in a comprehensive sense, in the sense that we understand national conventions here, is manifestly John E. Milholland, a former New York to be over quite beside the meaning of the term. newspaper man and for many years To suppose the findings of such group prominent in political and social reforms, a would have any iiltimate binding force commented to-day on the proposed Irish upon the Irish masses seems absurd, for Convention for the Evening Post's sym- it would be a plain violation of demo- posium. Born of Catholic and Protest- cratic fundamentals. ant parentage of Ulster origin, and him- "Mr. George's intentions may be, and I self a Presbyterian, Mr. Milholland has think they are, the very best—'for I taken an active part in the movement never can forget his past record, nor the for Home Rule, whether led by the splendid, courageous fight he made at Protestant Parnell or the Catholic Red- the risk of his life against the iniquitous mond. "The Irish people," said Mr. Mil- Boer War—^but the people of Ireland holland, "will never be satisfied with have not delegated him nor anybody else anything less than a free, independent to pick out their spokesmen, and I do not government. The exclusion of Ulster believe that they will surrender this pre- from the operations of Home Rule would rogative to him or through him to any be a bad thing for the country, but worse body of men in the British Isles. Why for Ulster." should they? Have they not already Mr. Milholland's statement was made demonstrated their capacity for self-gov- iii answer to the challenge of Capt. W. J. ernment? Their representatives in Lon- M. A. Maloney, appearing in the Eve- don have been a determining factor in ning Post May 24, that Irish-Americans Parliament for twenty years, and who put their opinions on record. Captain will deny that their influence has been Maloney asked the following questions: almost invariably on the side of sound (1.) Aie you in favor of a convention progressive legislation ? of the Irish in Ireland determining the "Their County Councils—the first prac- plan of the future government of Ire- tical instalment of Home Rule—have land? worked successfully throughout all four (2.) If that convention be arranged on provinces. They have been efficient, eco- a basis as equitable as is consistent with nomical, and, if there be one authenti- the present exigencies of war, will you cated case where the Catholic majority abide by its decisions? has oppressed the Protestant minority, or (3.) If the British Parliament legalizes abused power, I have yet to hear about these decisions, wiU you loyally and it. Ireland prospers and has always pros- whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish pered just in proportion as her people Government thus constituted? have been free to manage their own af- Favors an Irish Convention. fairs. The country then goes forward Mr. Milholland expressed his views as along strong, healthy lines, free from follows: internal dissensions and that friction "Certainly I favor an Irish convention which can be invariably traced to out- to consider Home Rule, and that at the side interference. 31 "Having demonstrated their ability to and aspirations, the emphasizing of de- take care of themselves, why not let nominational lines forever. It must not them do so? Why should they not be be. Why, even in Derry County, more trusted to elect their own delegates? Why than 40 per cent, of the population are not have a real national convention made Catholics. In Londonderry City between up of the people's own choice; made up 55 per cent, and 60 per cent, of the popu- of men who will really represent the lation are Catholics. In County Down Protestants and the Catholics, the Estab- nearly a third are Catholics, and even in lished Church, and the Nooi -Conformist, Belfast itself almost 25 per cent, are of the Presbyterian and the Freethinkers, that faith. Why should these people be yes, even those do not who think very excluded from the operations of a great much at all? Such a convention would be new national government to which they in keeping with the very genius of the would be devoted. It is all wrong. Irish people. They love bold experiments. "Oh, yes, I am quite familiar with the Great ideas attract, fascinate them. They general argument that Ulster represents are only at their very best when called the wealth, the progress, the business upon to do something daring, unprece- energy of the country, and all that sort dented, provided it appeals to the very of thing. Mr. Clark, of Belfast, rings noblest in their nature, which ia essen- the changes on this again in his inter- tially idealistic, combined with a practi- view published by the World the other cal ability that makes the race absolutely day. But the facts are against him. unique, a phenomenon yet to be account- Belfast, the heart of Ulster, suffers by ed for in human history. comparison with Dublin. According to Is a Home Ruler, He Says. the Treasury returns, Dublin's gross an- "Of Ulster stock. Catholic and Protest- nual value of property exceeds eleven ant combined, and with ancestors who million pounds, while Belfast is less than six milhon defended Derry, as well as Limerick, who four hundred thousand, and Dublin's income tax, three hundred and fought at Boyne Water, some on one sixty thousand pounds, is more than one side and some on the other, I myself, a hundred and fifty thousand pounds in Presbyterian, somewhat intensive, have excess of that of Belfast. been a Home Ruler from the first time "Ulster's ratable value, per head of the I visited Ireland more than forty years population, is more than a pound above ago. I was in the movement when it was that of Connaught, but it is only five led by the Protestant, Parnell; I am in shillings per head above that of Munster, it now with increased devotion under the and actually nearly one pound per head banner of the Catholic. Redmond, whose below that of Leinster. Munster, which mistakes are of the head, not of the heart, represents the extreme South, actually and I say without hesitation, from a life- produced in 1912 nearly three million five long study of the question, that the Irish hundred thousand more pounds in crops people will never be satisfied with any- than Ulster. Munster's progress and and the nullification of all national hopes prosperity are not generally appreciated. thing less than a free independent gov- The late James J. Hill once told me, after ernment, and I say, furthermore, that., a visit there, that he considered South left to themselves, unhampered by the Ireland's dairy system the most thor- interference of outside politicians. Home oughly developed in all Europe. Rule would be carried, even in Protestant Ulster's Politicians Called Clever. Ulster, excepting possibly Antrim, Down,

Derry, and Armagh, and even there the "There is, however, one claim to su- vote wotild be very close for, as things periority that must be conceded to Ulster. are at present, nearly 40 per cent, of the Its politicians are the cleverest to be voters are for Home Rule in these four found in the whole island. They are counties that I have named, and a fair men of absolute nerve; their audacity poll will show it, and far more. is unparalleled. The world has had an "The exclusion of Ulster from the oper- illustration of that that makes men still ations of Home Rule would be a bad wonder. Sir Edward Carson, the ac- thing for the country, but worse for knowledged leader, led a revolt against Ulster. It would mean its ultimate ruin, the English Government He visited 32 !

Germany, had an audience with the Africa it would do with a thousand times Kaiser, and, according to uncontradicted more significance, not only in the in- reports, obtained what he wanted in the terests of Ireland itself, but in the in- way of firearms. He made no attempt terests of the British Empire and civil- to conceal either his intent or his move- ization. This is so manifest to every ments. His army drilled openly. He competent student of the subject that defied the Government. Yet he was never further prolonged opposition based upon arrested, nor called to face any charge prejudice, stupidity, and traditional whatever, though his acts seemed trea- hatred seems unthinkable. It would cer- sonable in the highest degree. Instead tainly seem fared oal, were it not so of going to prison ite was called to the fraught with tragic possibilities. Cabinet, and to-day is a dominating fig- "Let us have, by all means, a real Irish ure in the Government that he swore to national convention. Let us have it if necessary, with his life. oppose, right away. Let Mr. George's conference "Sir Roger Casement, attempting, as he arrange the details of it on broad, gen- firmly believed, to do something in be- erous lines. Then his conference will half of all Ireland, also went to Germany; not be in vain, and the convention will also established relations with the Kais- be a blessing to the human race. er; also obtained firearms. He was sent "Let us have an Ireland again free and to the scaffold, although the civilized independent world protested his fate. "How these two incidents illustrate the political qualities of the majority and (June 7 1917) the minority, and how in the light of Carson's activities, the question of Ul- BOSTON'S MAYOR WANTS ster's oppression in the event of Home Rule, becomes a veritable absurdity! "The people of Ireland demand Home NO IRISH CONVENTION Rule. Behind them in this demand stand the people of England, Wales, Scotland, JAMES M. CURLEY CALLS BRITISH Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the fair-minded peo- PROPOSAL AN "INSULT." ple of every nation throughout the earth. Those who lead the opposition against this righteous reform are those whose A Protestant Irishman Believes forefathers voted against the emancipa- Statesmen of England Have a Great tion of the Catholics, the emancipation ot the Jews and the Non-Conformists; Opportunity to Settle Question. they voted against popular suffrage, against death duties, and every form of James M. Curley, Mayor of Boston and taxation that distributed the burden. a former Congressman and member of "They who oppose Home Rule to-day the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, are those who voted against the Labor- is one of the contributors to-day to the ers' Act in Ireland, against the Plural symposium of the Evening Post on the Voting bill, against the bill to give com- proposed Irish convention. The opinion pensation for improvements and disturb- of a Protest,ant of North Ireland appears ance of tenants in houses and shops; in the statement of J. Campbell Thomp- they were against the Small Landown- son, a lawyer of this city, whUe James ers' bill for Scotland; the Evicted Ten- K. McGuire, general contractor, of 220 ants' bill; against Lloyd George's famous West 42nd Street, and an ex-Mayor of budget; against the minimum wage, the Syracuse, also sets forth his views. Trades' Union act, against, yes, even The symposium is the result of a call against that concession of Home Rule to Irish-Americans to put on record their to the Transvaal which has made South opinions on the convention proposed by Africa one of the great fighting forces Premier Lloyd George, the challenge hav- for England in this war against Ger- ing been issued by Capt. W. J. M. A. many. Maloney on May 24, when he suggested "What Home Rule has done for South the following questions: 33 of peo^ (1.) Are you in favor of a convention and just by more than 20,000,000 of the Irish in Ireland determining the pie of Irish blood and by hundreds of plan of the future g-overnment of Ire- millions of lovers of liberty, whose re- land? spect for Irish character and valor is that for (2.) If that convention be arranged on heightened by the knowledge striven, a basis as equitable as is consistent with more than 700 years they have thought the present exigencies of war, will you for independence, wi^h never a white flag in token of sur- abide by its decisions? to run up the render of an ideal for the preservatioa (3.) If the British Parliament legalizes privation, these decisions, will you loyally and of which they have endured whole-heartedly cooperate with the Irish famine, and penal servitude, and given Government thus constituted? up their lives." Mayor Cnrley In Oppoaltion. Irish Politics and Religion. Mayor Curley thinks that the proposed Campbell Thomson thinks that poli- religious convention is an insult to the intelligence tics is at the bottom of Ireland's of the Irish people. He says: differences. His statement follows: "The history of English negotiation, "As a Protestant born in the North of either in the matter of Catholic emanci- Ireland and a Trinity College man, I speak pation or Home Riile, is one long chap- with conviction that the religious differ- ter of broken promises and violated ence between the Noi-th and the South pledges on the part of the English Gov- is as a political iesue fanned and kept ernment. aJive by politicians for political purposea "In view of past history, it is impos- No doubt there was rancor in the past, sible tc conceive, by any stretch of the but in the light of to-day's intelligence imagination, a fulfilment of the present there is a great broadening of toleration. agreement to accept whatever decision "The Irish Protestant and the Irish might be arrived at through a conven- Catholic are in Ireland good neighbors tion of the Irish people. and in America the best of friends. If "A government that honors and ele- political conditions in Ireland were chang- vates Sir Edward Carson for substantial- ed, there would not be any religious ques- ly the same character of offence for tion. The Protestant and Catholic are equally which it executes Sir Roger Casem^^nt proud of being Irishmen, and if cannot be depended upon to act either they had a country would be equally

with honor or equity on the only demand loyal to it. ' Why waste time and court which the people of Ireland are justified uncertainty by proposing a convention, in presenting at the present time; name- when there can be conferred a similar ly, the independence of Ireland. system of government to that which ex- "To deny independence to Ireland is ists in Canada and Australia? equivalent to repudiating the proposition "The difficulties in the way of doing so that the present war is being waged to are magnified, and if any exist, they maintain and safeguard the integrity of should be swept aside in presence of small nations. the urgent necessity for solidarity of all "Democracy, aa Americana understand parts of the British Empire. Not only

it, means a Government representing the would such a measure accomplish imme- will of the majority, and government diate results in Ireland, but, in my opin- other than by the will of the majority is ion, would be of the utmost importance not democracy, and enforcement of to the cause of the Allies in America. minority rule by the power of brute force "Undoubtedly it is true that the prin- alone is anarchy. ciple of the Protestants, Wolfe Tone, Em- "To require the people of Ireland to met, and Davis—that is, complete inde- convene under circumstances that render pendence for Ireland—has a firm hold impossible a unanimous decision is to in- upon the minds and imaginations of the sult their intelligence. people of Ireland, and is espoused by "While the immediate granting of in- the active and energetic men of the race dependence to Ireland might prove of- in America. But if under present cir- impracticable, I am fensive to a few millions of persons of cumstances that be patriotism of the men Irish blood throughout the world, it would satisfied that the incline to be hailed as courageous, magnanimous, in Ireland and America would 34 the practical, provided it secured to the under the light of freedom and oppor- people of Ireland a full measure of free- tunities for advancement and knowledge, dom to control their own internal af- these children of Irish peasants often fairs and develop their resources of in- become foremost in many lines. dustry and commerce. To all loyal ad- American Inclusti'Ial Leaders. herents of the British Empire this would be preferable as tending to consolida- "There is Mr. Farrell, head of the tion of the Empire rather than smoulder- world's greatest industry, the United ing rebellion and eventually possible dis- States Steel Corporation. Farrell is an ruption. old Connaught name, signifying "man "To accomplish this, an opportunity is of science." They were driven from their now presented, and if it is not availed of lands in 1689. There is Mr. Ryan, of by the statesmen of JSngland, a fearful the Ryans of Tipperary, head of our responsibility will rest upon them." largest copper industry. Brady, Kelly, James K. McGnlre. Grace, Daly, Banigan, and many others achieve marked business success which James K. McGuire, who was vice- destroys the claim that Irish business chairman of the Democratic National talent is confined to a corner of Ulster. Committee in the campaign of 1900, and Give the new generation a chance and the author of several well-known books they will make good. dealing with the economic side of Irish "The Home Rule act is a travesty as life, writes as follows: a measure of Irish freedom. Under its "I have no faith in the labors of any terms Ireland is forbidden from making Irish convention which fails to consider tariffs, like Canada or Australia, to pro- the advantages to Ireland of separation tect young industries. The proposed from England. The economic claims of Irish ParUament is to have no control Ireland are submerged too much in the over merchant shipping, docks, harbors, discussion over politics and religion. The coinage, patents, and slight control over stress of war has made us think more land purchase and certain vital finances. of the political framework than the eco- "After considerable study of Irish prob- nomic pressure to which the Irish people lems and relations with England, I am are subjected by the British connection. satisfied that, while the two countries "The Ulster Unionist taunts the native might be friends to the benefit of both, Irish with their poverty, ignorance, and their destinies are to be solved only by superstitious piety, their lack of training complete separation, with an independent or success in business, or their alleged form of government for Ireland. The domination by the priests of Ireland. object of the union of Ireland with Eng- "In poverty and distress the unfortu- make the former country a nate people have no sympathetic advisers land is to feeding-ground for the English industrial in sight but their priests, and in the long classes. This policy prevents the devel- night of Irish history the help and com- opment of Irish resources. This long fort of the clergy was the tie that binds. neglect has left untouched many natural Access to the land in Ireland is making resources, so that Ireland, in her soil, the Munster or Leinster farmer as the is one of the richest small nations in thrifty, sober, and prosperous as the Ul- world. She has cheap water-power in sterman. The natives were driven from abundance, coal, great peat deposits, from the Ulster plantations by invading which gases should be generated. Eng- armies, their lands were divided among lish coal is selling at $16 per ton in Dub- the soldiers, they were deprived of edu- lin, while the dried peat that competes cation. Naturally they are backward in with coal is selling for $4 per ton in progress and utilitarian things, but time Germany. The Irish bogs utilized could and freedom develop all Celts. We are furnish the cheapest light and fuel in told that the native Irish have no talents the kingdom. for business or administration, and that "To be saved to the world as a nation, successful Irish emigrants are Scotch- to preserve her art, language, literature, Irish. That claim appeared to be true music, and poetry, to be made strong and years ago when the native Irish landed in our land without money, education, or prosperous, to be saved to the world and business training. But their children. arrested from national decay and death, 35 he Ireland must have a free Constitution much-discussed Irish convention, "dignified but futile almost and an Irish Parliament created by the said, was — people of Ireland and responsible only farcical." to the people." "It ends in nothing, and is expected to end in nothing," he went on. "In plain David Starr Jordan.* United States, is a talk-fest—nothing more. Dr. David Starr Jordan, chancellor It is just as if we tried to settle the ne- emeritus of Leland Stanford University, gro problem in Georgia by calling a meet- and for many years the active head of ing of delegates from all over the coun- that great institution of learning-, made try. A semi-official convention of hand- following interesting statement: the picked delegates from England and Scot- "The visit of Lord NorthcUffe to this land and Ireland is not the way to solve country, as head of the British War the Irish problem. Mission, will be worth watching. Dr. Jor- Delegates Sbonld Be Elected. dan believes, in view of the political sit- uation in England. The Chancellor ex- "The only successful Irish convention plained that Lord Northcliffe represents will be one in which all the people of the new wing of the "anti-democratic" Ireland have an equal chance to select rulers of England, while Mr. Balfour, representatives, choose their own presid- whom he succeeds, represents the older ing ofiicer, and draw up their own Con- anti-deHttocratic faction. The war, accord- stitution, subject to its conformity with ing to Dr. Jordan, has brought these two the unwritten Constitution of England." groups—otherwise natural rivals—to- Asked whether he thought the Irish gether, with the result that the Asquith were fitted to make their own Constitu- regime is ended and the Balfour-North- tion and govern themselves. Dr. Jordan cliffe combination holds the whip hand. cited Lincoln's remark that there never Anti-Democrats Rule E^ngland. was any people good enough to govern another people against its will. danger in England to- "But the great "Democratic government does not is the feeling among the people day mean good government," he continued. "It anti-democratic element against this means giving the people an opportunity now in control," he said. "Never since to practice. And that is the basis of goo(? the mid-Victorian era has there been a government. If the people don't have time the control of the Govern- when that opportunity, then somebody else vested in ment in England was such un- does the governing, and does so in his leaders those represented democratic as own interest. Every imperialistic gov- Balfour and Northcliffe. it not by Were ernment is unjust and selfish, and there- for the war, these two factions would fore temporary. be at each other's throats, and once the "The present controlling forces in Eng- war is ended both are destined to lose land are absolutely undemocratic. The their power and the old democratic re- test of their democracy will come in the gime, as tyipified In Asquith, will return recognition of Irish home rule, which to power." means the liberation of a repressed na- Largely on account of the influences tionality." now in control of the English Govern- *Dr. Jordan is not of Irish blood—he is prob- latest to ment, the move establish home ably of English extraction—but this statement by rule in Ireland will fail, Dr. Jordan be- him is reprinted for the reason that it appeared part of general interview in Evening lieves. He is one of those who look upon as a the Post of .Tune 7th and states the views of an eminent, the whole agitation with suspicion. The unbiased American.

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