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TH LATE X ELECTION MOCRA(Incorporating "Irish Freedom") T RESULTS New Series No. 38 FEBRUARY, 1948 Price 3d. Financial EIRE ELECTION CAMPAIGN Backing Dunne Wins Co. Dublin npHOSE who have read the con- slant unscrupulous attacks made by the reactionary "Standard" on for Labour all progressive organs of opinion, in- cluding the "Irish Democrat," will be interested to learn who are the back- From Our Spccial Correspondent ers of that Dublin news-sheet. DUBLIN, FRIDAY, 6th There are 6,072 issued shares, antil of them only 433 are held in small THE Irish Labour Party has increased its representation in amounts by Catholic clergy. The remainder are mostly held by busi- ' the Dail from eight to 11 seats by the election of three new ness people, including 800 by the edi- T.D.s from Co. Dublin, Waterford and Louth, according to tor, Mr. O'Casey, graduate of Trinity general election results so far available. While De Valera College. appears to be holding his majority, the great surprise of the day The directors include Mr. McEoin, has been the failure of Clann na Poblachta to do better. late Longford blacksmith, who on Monday, February 2nd, spoke in Labour Party has drawn up an agricultural Mr. S. Dunne, who gave the O'Connell Street for Fine Gael, the policy superior to that of any other Party. Labour Party its greatest victory in party of ranchers and bankers. Co. Dublin, told me when I spoke to Lowest Vote Other directors are Peadar O'Lough- him immediately after the declaration lin, Fianna Fail Clare hotel owner; Aodh de Blacam was heavily defeated and Fine Gael Senator P. F. Baxter, of the poll, that he attributed his suc- by Roddy Connolly in Louth. In Water- cess to the work of the Federation of ford, where T. Kyne was elected, Mr. Gil- who holds 525 shares. The fish mer- MAINTAINS Rural Workers. bert Lynch told me that the Red bogey chant McCalie holds 100 shares and T. B. Duffy, draper, with 3G0, is an- HIS MAJORITY This organisation has enroled over 15,000 and mud-slinging campaign against :he other large shareholder. members in the last 13 months, and the Labour candidate had had c'ight effect. The lowest vote in the country was re- The only figure 'remotely con- ceived by a National Labour candidate in nected with the working class is Mr. Dublin, where that Party has failed to J. McKey, of Cork, who won support secure a single seat, and 20 Clann na Pob- by his courageous stand against the lachta candidates have forfeited their de- Nazi visit to Cork in 1936, but Who U.N.O. HUMAN RIGHTS APPEAL posits. is now standing as Cork candidate At 12.30 p.m. to-day the state of the for the splitting "National Labour" parties was: Fianna Fail, 52; Fine Gael, Party, which is indistinguishable' in 21; Labour, 11; Clann na Poblachta 6; MAY MEAN NEW 6 Co. PROBE policy from Fianna Fail. Clann na Talmhan, 7; National Labour,^2; BY OUR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Independents, 6. The obvious connection of the Labour circles in Dublin are now discus- THE reactionary Six County Tory junta may in the near future be faced "Standard" with the propertied in- sing the next steps before the Party. These terest, especially with Fine Gael, ex- • with the embarrassing presence in their own domain of an independent will undoubtedly include the strengthen- plains its short-sighted enthusiasm Commission of Inquiry which will "examine again the whole problem of ing of the central election machinery. They for the Marshall Plan. The "Irish may also include steps to eliminate sec- democratic liberty" in the province. Democrat," basing its policy on the democratic liberties in the Six Counties, tional appeals in order to secure one over- In view of the "extremely grave" situa- mterests- of the workers and demo- tion in Northern Ireland, where the Gov- the report says: all national policy for democratic advance. If it were not for the split in the Labour cratic peoples, cannot boast such ernment "appears in fact to be operating "The Special Powers Act has now be- solid financial backing, and nobody a dictatorship . . . while paying lip-service come part cf the permanent law of Party represented by National Labour, makes a single penny out of it. to B:itish democracy," the National Con- Northern Ireland, though it contains Labour would have won many more seats. ference on Human Rights, held recently laws and regulations which are con- in London, recommended to the National trary to elementary civil liberties. Unique Campaign Council for Civil Libei ties the setting up "Gerrymandering of electoral areas both The country went to the polls after a FOR THAT REASON WE ASK of a commission to re-examine the whole for local Councils and for the Northern unique election campaign which was YOU position. Ireland Parliament is grossly unfair, both marked at the outset by universal interest and complete absence of hysteria or even DON'T FORGET OUR Wide Representation to the majorties in the border counties and to minorities elsewhere." enthusiasm. All efforts either by Fianna FIGHTING FUND ! The conference, which was called by the Fail to whip up exci'enent around the Executive Committee of the N.C.C.L., in- Anti-Labour personality of de Valera oi by Clann na Subscribe Now cluded representatives of 32 nat.onal orga- Poblachta to recapture the spirit of 1932 Although the commission's terms of re- nisations, among which were the British proved a complete failure. ference would be limited to examining dis- section of the Anti-Partition League, the The picture of the chairman at de (Owing to late eleetlon news, fund crimination on religious and similar Catholic People and Freedom Group, and Valera's last rally outside the Post Office acknowledgments are held over.) political part'es as wide apart as the Com- (Continued on Page Two, Column One) (Continued on Page Six) munists and Liberals. It was the direct outcome of an Inter- national Conference on Human Rights called by the Council in June, 1947, in response to the appeal of the Human Partition Challenge to Eire Parties Rights Commission of the United Nations ,r that public discussion of human rights pHE executive of the Anti-Partition From our Belfast Correspondent By its policy, the Oe Valera Cabinet has should be stimulated throughout the League in Belfast has thought it made the Ireland for which it speaks world. necssary to publicly put the question of Partition in the Twenty-Six Counties, Is the servile instrument of British im- Irish unity before the parties and electors carrying the proverbial coals to Newcastle. In the Conference's discussion on dis- perialism with De Valera as its Bevin of the South and West of the Border. crimination on grounds of race, religion, This, of course, is just side-tracking the Boy. The league leaders ask all parties to pledge languaga and nationality in the United issue which the league would seem to be * themselves specifically to support the Kingdom, the Six County regime provided striving to raise. That issue is; Will the The Shipbuilding and Engineering Con- straggle for re-unification of the country. some of the most blatant examples of next Government in Dublin take any federation here have arranged to see the anti-democratic legislation and discrimi- Thus step of the Northern Nationalists practical steps to seek a solution of the Minister of Commerce regarding the steel nation against minorities. and the reaction to it in Dublin throws division of the nation brought about by cuts. The confederation states it has asked In tho words of the report: "We have some light on the way things are shaping the Act of 1921? De Valera refuses to the Labour Government to resist the Mar- no doubt that not only is there a con- in Irish affairs at this juncture. have his Party committed, even remotely, shall plan's proposed reduction in ship- tinuation of provious denials of liberty, The manifesto is a direct challenge to anything resembling such a line of buildings, which would ruin Belfast. Other hut that other repressive measures have to tho "Southern" Parties to make Par- action. sections of the Trade Union Movement are recently increased the discrimination tition an issue of practical politics in Imperialism also moving in this matter. against religious and other minorities." Anglo-Irish reiations in the immediate future. Nationalists are beginning to seek an Special Powers Act explanation for "t h e accommodating The impending by-election in Armagh Side-tracking The repoit names the Local Govern- spirit" ("Irish Times") of De Valera and for the Imperial Parliament is calling ment Franchise Act and the recent Safe- De Valera and the Fianna Fail leaders his Ministers towards the Ulster Unionists forth activity in Unionist, Labour and guarding of Employment Bill as among are clearly averse to putting Partition any- and the Government of Attlee and •Sevin. Nationalist circles. Candidates are mooted the "other repressive measures'' introduced where near the top of their agenda. So the It is not yet clear to the mass of by the Labour, Anti-Partition and Clann since the Council's pre-war report which Irish Press (editorially) gently chides the Nationalist opinion that unity with na Poblachta Parties. Attempts are being exposed the Gestapo-like powers of tho Anti-Partition League for its manifesto, British imperialism and the 16 Marshall made to secure a common front against R.U.C. and Home Minister under the Spe- tells the northerners that the Fianna Fail nations takes precedence over the unity the Unionists under Labour auspices, and cial Powers Act. people are heart and soul against Parti- of Ireland In the attentions of Mr. de the British Labour Party are taking an Reviewing the continued denials of tion and in fact that t>" e league, in raising Valera and the men of means In Dublin. active interest in the matter. v
0 2 THE IRISH DEMOCRAT February, 1948 February, 1948 THE IRISH DEMOCRAT • Continued from Page One Six County civil IRISH DEMOCRAT Overtime Cuts a Blow to 374 GRAYS INN ROAD, I understand that it has only been de- IRELAND FOR THE IRISH LONDON, W.C.1 liberty probe ferred till the next meeting, so that they "pHE giounds, it is likely that they will be will have another chance to air their views. Telephone No. Ter. 3906. Labour Party went to the polls Prom these follow the whole ten ib!e forced draw attention to the general un- on a two-sections programme : an chain of poverty, destitution, bad he using, RATE—Twelve Months 4/- demoei:c nature of such measures as Among those anxious to take part in the immeditae one to deal with current disease, emigration and a backwru, na- Birmingham Irish debate are Johnny Griffin, of the Connolly Six Months 2/- problems and a long-term one to tural standard. the Local Government Fi'anchise Act, winch attect all sections of the population. Association, and Jimmy Fay. These two, achieve Jim Connolly's objective, "the PEOPLE Only Labour can tackle and seh t these They may find it necessary to point From Pat O'Brieii as well as Mick McLaren ,who will move reconquest of Ireland for the Irish economic and social problems. cut >hat by robbing a large proportion people." In its long-term programme the Labour small number of Irish workers who are in the resolution, and Paul Carleton, who will By JAMES LARKIN of am lower-income groups of their right IN a recent conversation with The first problem is the cost of living. Party regards agriculture and industry as the trade unions, for he thought that this second it, were members of the Unem- (o wiis in local elections, the ruling Johnny Walsh, a keen trade union- SUICIDE PACT The Labour Party demands that imme- complementary and each section ot Unionist clique are employing the same might be a cause for friction between them ployed Workers' Movement in Belfast be- national economy must be used to ..ssist ist and member of the Austin Shop QUR reactionary contemporary, the diate steps be taken to close the gap be- discriminatory tactics against the sup- and their English fellow-workers in the for the war. tween prices and wages. and develop the other. "Standard," accuses us of being fDor^ars of the opposition Left-wing and Stewards Committee in Birmingham, Pull employment, through the envelop- critical period ahead. Pay, who got six months in prison for Prices to-day are not less than double Lat>Wf movement as they are doing by he informed me that, due to the clos- Communist because we say the Marshall ment of industry on a social basis, t apple- ether means against nationalist opposi- However, I learn that the Connolly As- his part in the struggles, has no reason Plan is no plan at all and the recent trade what they were in 1939, while wages, on ing of export markets, there is redun- the average, have increased by less than mented by a national Social Security tion elements. sociation, with the help of the shop to love the Special Powers Act or the Six agreement with Britain is a suicide pact. dancy at the Longbridge factory half. Scheme, will provide urban dwellers with, .. This possibility was substantiated by a stewards, are organising a meeting to re- County Tory junta. This is the gist of a long-winded lame- adequate purchasing power, and thus cre- member of the Council, who told me that where Austins are dismissing men at cruit Irish workers in Austins into the footed editorial in which, life being short, The workers, especially the lower paid, ate an enlarged and protected internal a commission "could not avoid dealing Incidentally, in view of the recent cut of must be granted further substantial in- the rate of 200 a week. union. Readers may remember that Pat it would be impossible to answer separately market for agriculture, with gusifinteed with ulatant examples of the absence of 20 per cent, in the steel allocations to ship- creases in wages, and the attempt of Pi- As a preliminary step, he said, all over- Dooley held a very successful meeting at every individual piece of nonsense. prices over long-term periods. democratic liberties" as, for example, they building and the American threat to anna Pail to "freeze" wages at the 1947 we <• ooliged to do with regard to the un- time and week-end maintenance work has Longbridge during the war. British shipbuilding contained in the The issue to any serious and intelligent level must be defeated. representative constitution of the Channel been stopped. He pointed out that this will More Pay Marshall Plan, Belfast may again need an man is not what label his enemies may The Labour Party emphatically declares Islands at first effect mainly unskilled men. place on one who opposes the Marshall that a substantial increase in wages can By the provision of cheap credit, national unemployed workers' movement Wi.tli all the dirty linen displayed in Johnny, who is of Irish descent, said 'JHE failure of Birmingham Trades Plan, but what the plan consists of and be given without either leading to increase drainage schemes, improved technique and co-operative marketing schemes, agricul- public ou the publication of the commis- that it would be a heavy blow to the Council to reach the resolution what are his objections to it. in prices or the cost of production of ture will be able to provide enhanced in- sion's report, the people of the Six Coun- The "Standard" says the plan is In- goods. Irish workers ,as they depended in many on the agenda condemning the comes for the farmers and decent wages ties will realise that the English publicity tended to put Europe back on its feet. If The goods the workers will buy with in- cases on the overtime money to bring and working conditions for farm labour- campaign so much boosted in the Union- Special Powers Act in the Six Coun- ^S yet Irish workers here are dis- we believed for a moment that it would creased wages are the basic foods and their wages to a point where they could ers. ist Press, is being waged in fact solely in ties was a disappointment to many playing little interest in the Eire come within ten miles of doing that, we plain clothes, all of which are controlled the columns of the three Belfast papers. keep two homes going. Irish members who hoped to take part election. However, with the dissolu- should unhesitatingly support it. in price. National productivity must be increased Such increases need not be passed on to if there is to be a higher standard of life; (See Gerrymandering figures on Page Six) He also said he was concerned about the in the debate. But we do not believe it. And why tion of the Dail and the fixing of a the prices of goods and services, because Finance for food subsidies can also be but neither industrial workers, farmers not? First we suspect its authors, the definite day for polling, interest is the employers are quite well able to meet foffnd by reduction of expenditure on such nor farm labourers will respond to appeals American militarists and their Wall Street such increases out of their profits. non-productive items as military expendi- to increase productivity if that Increase bound to quicken. backers. Second we are warned by those ture, luxury aviation equipment and tour- This year, they have been permitted to is to go only into the pockets of indus- 9 DeValera's vote-catching de-rationing ^ who support it, all the most brazen Tories ist accommodation, as well as efficient ad- trialists, distributors and financial in- of the world. Finally we have studied its retain £3,000.000, formerly taken from regarded rather cynically, especially by ministration which will avoid the scandal vestors and speculators. LETTERS 1 'Impossible to Live proposals and think they have quite an- them in taxation, under the Excess Pro- of the Santry Court Sanatorium and the fits Tax, and that sum has been used, not In order that industry and agriculture those who were home for Christmas and other purpose than that claimed. scrapping of the Viking planes by Aer to step up production or re-equip their may be assisted to improve their output of 24 hours off duty, which very often she equals, no matter what colour their skins noticed the flourishing black market in Lingus. TN that very interesting and infor- Far from putting Europe back on its plants, but to pay out increased dividends and reduce costs, national transport must spends with us or with another relative. may be or language they speak. eggs, butter, bacon, etc., while wages were Immediate action is also required in the mative article on "the backward- When she comes she has to ride by bus feet they would lay it prostrate at the and special bonuses. become a public owned and controlled "I don't know whether you agree with at a low ebb and prospects of employment form of more effective and embracing ness of nursing" in the January issue —the return fare from the hospital being feet of American big business. The "aid" service. me, but, while I am at the moment inter- rent control, especially of furnished rooms of the '"Irish Democrat," it is stated 2,9—as she cannot afford to pay nearly poor. dispensed is conditional on the recipients Share Cut Irish industry must be afforded reason- ested in the establishment of a free and and flats. that "in England the wage usually double that amount for the luxurjgrof accepting American interference and con- able and necessary protection agf.inst un- independent Irish Republic, nevertheless In addition, the average rate of profit is Labour is adamant in demanding the travelling by train. • trol in their budgeting, their expenditure, fair foreign competition, but it most not works out at about a pound a week all I believe in a World Government and the sufficiently high to permit a reduction, and immediate repeal of the penal taxes im- their economic policy, and even in their be on a basis of exploiting the Irish con- found " When she leaves the hospital—and she eventual disappearance of national boun- make a portion of the profits previously posed under the Supplementary Budget on political life. It is more loaded with strings sumer, or in the form of monopolies, .such In my opinion the phrase "all found" should certainly be encouraged to get away daries as we know them to-day." distributed available for wage payments. the ordinary people's only means of cheap than a bird net. as that of flour milling. from the hospital and its atmosphere if The share of the wage earners and sala- is rather misleading, and is certain to Referring to the possibility of another Tumbledown Shacks enjoyment and relaxation—the working only to keep herself physically and men- Ireland has been fitted into the frame- ried employees in the national income was The many points in Labour's pro- give a wrong impression to many girls war, he says: "But only the American man's pint, cigarettes and tobacco and tally fit for the efficient discharge of her work of the plot. We are to become once reduced by 10 per cent from 1938 to 1945 gramme, dealing with education, hou nig, •in Ireland who may be considering capitalist class want war, and they will de- cinema seats. taking up nursing here. strenuous duties—she needs at least four more an agrarian appendage of Great Bri- through Fianna Pail's Wage Control Or- No delay can be permitted in coming child welfare, prevention of disease and pend on the working people of America in Antrim tain, so as to spread British bankruptcy My niece, who is 22 and has a secondary or Ave full meals. The hospital authori- ders. That 10 per cent must be restored. to the immediate help of the Old Age raising of the cultural standard of our to fight it for them. What chance have TTOUSING is the main matter for con- more evenly. We are to supply bullocks people are all dependent on solving the school education came from Ireland last ties give her no food to take out with her, But the gap between prices and wages Pensioners, the blind and recipients of we of convincing the working class of cern here in Lisburn. In one lane not and cheap labour, give up industrialisa- basic problem of employment, adequate! September at her own expense to take up nor do they give her any money to pay for will not be completely closed by wage in- National Health Sickness Benefit and America of the essential justice and much longer than three decent-sized tion, or severely limit it, and while keeping purchasing power for the mass of the an appointment as student nurse at a those meals which she must get outside. creases. Prices must come down. widows and orphans pensions. Tightness of Socialism before it is too houses there are over twenty tottering our own people on a bare subsistence, al- people and taking agriculture out of its salary of £55 per year—i.e., £1 Is. l^d. per Instead they give her every fourth week This can be done through more effective The second part of Labour's pro- late?" hovels in which gas or electric light are low the wealthy British tourists to gorge present condition of stagnation. a ration card on which to get one week's price control machinery, operating gramme is concerned with those economic week. # * V kept burning night and day to replace the themselves with their own exports which rations. through representative price control com-; and social problems which native Irish The sole remaining task of the national ,She has, of course, to wear axmiform sunlight which never penetrates. their own people must not buy at home, struggle—the re-unification of the country As a student nurse she has to buy the mittees, under public supervision, and en- Governments inherited 25 years ago, but consisting of frock and apron which are Cramped kitchens which are well below and take a modest rake-off on It. —will be more rapidly and more effectively text-books and exercise books for her Regular Reader joying the buying public's confidence. which both the Fine Gael and the Fianna supplied free by the hospital authorities, minimum standards must serve for large A fine prospect. We suggest the "Stan- Prices of basic foods can be further sub- Fail Governments have been unable or solved and with less friction by Labour course of training. |r «nd black stockings which she has to pHIS is a letter from an Englishman, a families for living room, dining room, re- dard" should make an analysis of these sidised, not by placing further taxation unwilling to solve. than by any other political party because pay >for. It is, I think, impossible at the present reader of the "Irish Democrat," who creation room all in one. There are no proposals and publish it. on the small income section of the people, These are chronic unemployment, casual of Labour's close and fraternal relations time for any nurse to live on £55 per year wrote to us recently asking particulars of backyards and most of the houses have with the Labour and Trade Union Move- Each week this nurse gets a whole day But the "Standard" does not appear to but by heavier taxation on the well-to-do, and badly paid woi'k in industry, and back- and be contented, happy and efficient. In travel to Eire. We asked him how he be- two small bedrooms or three very small ments in the United Kingdom and in the be written by dispassionate critics with through higher Corporation Communism, but 12. than pleasant evening's entertainment. The In a series of fact-packed and shrewdly said one, "Professor J. B. S. Haldane is one." most of those so vocal in attacking Soviet Only Labour comes anywhere near this In Dungannon, Labour and full-length melodrama which opens this show argued chapters the author shows how theory and practice have made no study of standpoint. On Sunday last in torrential BOXING Nationalists — 2,068 — elect seven A recent booklet gives added point to this left this reviewer a helpless victim to a pair capitalist exploitation, far from being basic Soviet philosophy. "If there was ever rain thousands gathered to hear Norton members, while 1,864 Tories elect 14. remark. The Communist Answer to the of fluttering blue eyes and with more than British Title by John Jones stopped by the present Labour Government, a subject on which we have had too much Challenge of our Time (Thames Publica- praise for the beautifully restrained satirical and Larkin. Norton's speech was vigorous still continues in ruthless form. Profits soar heat and too little light, it is this one," says F ever any Irish fighter had a chance tions, 2/6) Includes the text of lectures given production as a whole. There is a "comic and fighting, but suffered from the weak- ford graduates cheered themselves hoarse to ever dizzier heights while wages continu- an American scholar, Dr. John Somerville in of gaining British titular honours it is by three Communist Professors, Levy, Ber- Irishman" but on this subject I must confess ness of aiming at debating points instead I ally lag behind the mounting spiral of prices. the Introduction to his fascinating exposi- Dublin's Bert Hyland, the middle-weight after every round. Bert really made an nal and Farrington. The latter two, as well to being rather thin-skinned and having the of giving political education. Officially wages of industrial workers have tion, Soviet Philosophy, recently published sensation who is cleaning up all opposi- impression. 'RELEASE THEM/ as George Thomson, who contributes a fore- fervent and un-Christian desire to chase When he had finished the chairman risen 6fi per cent, and prices only 35 per cent, word, all have strong Irish connections. in New York and now available in England tion as he goes along towards the British That fight took place at the beginning Mr. Oxenbould with a shillelagh all around proposed to close the meeting, O'Connell in Britain since pre-war, but in fact the Other contributions by the poet Randall (price 24/-, post free from John Crowther and Empire titles which are held by Vince of January and since then Hyland has re- cost-of-living has risen more like 70 or 80 hell and back. Street having become one vast puddle Swingler and the veteran writer J. R. Ltd., Crowther House, Bognor Regis, Hawkins. Six months ago most fight fans turned to Leyton to knock out Johnny SAYS 'NEW per cent, since 1939. Sussex). over which the icy wind blew wave-like Campbell make up an authoritative exposi- ALEC DIGGES. were of • the opinion that this 24-years-old Boyd, the Peterborough middle-weight, tion of Marxism by some of its leading splashes from the Lifley, but the crowd Up to last year the Government Index The author is well qualified for his task; fighter had hung ufj the gloves. Then who has beaten some of the best men in ignored many items of everyday expenditure theorists. protested: "We want Jim Larkin," they he learnt Russian and spent two years in three months ago he arrived back in Lon- the country. Boyd was forced to retire in STATESMAN' such as beer, cigarettes, cinemas, etc., and .cried, and Jim had to speak. The general theme of the lectures is the Soviet Union gathering material and dis- don where he started training. the fourth round after taking two counts T]NDER the title, "Forgotten Men." the included items like candles, which are summed up in the sentence: "Marx taught There was no doubt about the popularity cussing his subject with leading Russian from Hyland's hard punching. weekly "New Statesmen and Nation" seldom used nowadays. The result was that the working class to know itself, to be con- philosophers. His book Is amazingly com- 'The Irish Of Larkin. He could rally the Dublin wor- First Fight writes: the Government by statistical sleight of scious of itself, to put science in the place prehensive despite its comparative brevity, kers as nobody else. In his constituency, Big Future "The pre-war bomb exploits of the I.It A. hand could apparently prove that the work- of dreams." Bernal deals with the burning and its simple and realistic style makes it Hyland fought his first "come-back" ers' standard of living was higher than it however, he had a difficult fight, being op- Hyland's handlers have big things in in England might well be forgotten but for problem "Is science destroying the world?" valuable to the serious Socialist who is not Housewife' against the tough New Zealander, Billy was in reality. posed to Minister Lemass at a time when line for their charge when hp has disposed the fact that 28 men are still serving long and Prof. Farrington, whose recent lectures frightened by the term "philosophy." Coloulias, who had been whipping all his The author, however, shows how trade HE patient slogging work of the Irish the i epresentation of the constituency liad of some more of the men of his weight. gaol sentences at Parkhurst for their con- in Dublin -.have been published as a pam- Dr. Somerville outlines the Marxist ap- opponents since his arrival here. The unions and the Left-wing have succeeded in T Housewives' Association during the past been reduced from seven to five. Bert s ambition is to win the British and phlet by "Irish Review" and reviewed in proach to history, the class struggle, art and fight took place at Leyton Baths, and for nection with them. Their average age is forcing up wages In such formerly badly-paid five years has won many appreciative com- these columns, shows what we can learn culture, and the Soviet application and the first time since boxing ^as re-started Empire titles and if he keeps this kind of 30. When they first went to prison it was occupations as coal-mining and farm labour ments. Campaigning vigorously for fair Major Factor Ignored from history, presenting Marxism as an development of these theoretical ideas. He form up there is nothing to stop him from 22. Most of them received sentences ol ing (both up over 100 per cent.). She shows rationing, lower prices, cleaner food and Im- there the house was full. Many thought essentially moral philosophy. deals with his topics in down-to-earth terms, But though, interest in the election achieving his ambition. 20 years apiece, although no lives were clearly that but for the militant, united proved welfare services for mothers and their the Dubliner was taking ctn too much for (Optional cut 'ere ) and his book is particularly helpful in ex- was generally intense, enthusiasm was He is one of the best fighters ever to lost as a result of their activities. Nobody effort of the trade unions during the war children, they have often given a lead to the nis first fight since his lay-off. Campbell applies Marxist ideas to current plaining the misrepresentations that have Government. An account of their activities absent. The election programmes of all leave the shores of Erin. His manager 's would wish to condone deeds of violence the British workers would be considerably At the end of the third round the critics economic and political problems, showing grown up around such over-worked cliches is given in their second annual handbook, confident that he will beat the great Mar- worse off than they are at present. parties manifested their political isola- changed their minds when they looked at for political ends under any circumstances how capitalism has failed to solve the as "dead uniformity," "regimentation" and The Irish Housewife (price 1/- from I.H.A., 8 Margot Heinneman, and the Labour Re- tion from important world issues. the New Zealander lying prone as Hyland's cel Cerdan, the holder of the French and But these men were youthful hotheads, problem of production and calling on the "totalitarianism." Lelnster Street, Dublin), which maintains search Department which sponsored this working class to solve it themselves by ad- Foreign policy was not mentioned. The hand was raised. European middle-weight titles. and tho^e who visit them now are con- the high standard set by the first issue. book, are to be congratulated on "Wages vancing towards Socialism. He poses the question, "can we live in major fact of politics to-day, the division vinced that they would never again resort peace with this philosophy?" and replies: In its hundred pages the reader will find Front." It should be invaluable to the social At a time when so many of its opponents of the world into an imperialist and a K.O.'d Champion to such methods. "We have no moral right to fight people be- lively articles covering a wide variety of scientist as well as the rank-and-file trade claim a monopoly of expounding Com- democratic camp in the latter of which cause their philosophy Is different from ours, topics ranging from household hints to Fred Davison, "who manages him, was Heartening Win for unionist or shop steward, and will be a mag- munism, and when no other political philos- Relax the Law except if It is a philosophy advocating education and from prison conditions to the Ireland can alone secure unity and free- approached by the promoter, who wanted nificent source of information for the Labour ophy is more frequently discussed in h* dom and prosperity, is not generally un- "Surely eight years is enough to liav<' propagandist. military aggression as a deliberately chosen burning questions of profits and high prices. to have Bert there on the following Mon- Irish XV. ignorance and rejected unread, this little value. It is Impossible to study the philos- taken out of thenr lives at a time when I hope that there soon will be published a (Optional cut) derstood. day. Davison said "No," but accepted a book will be Invaluable to all who rise above ophy of Nazism and Fascism without realis- A FTER the Irish Rugby team's complete Grandi can be acquitted of responsibility similar study of Ireland's equally pernicious Winifred Trench says no Government or Thus too much attention focusses on contest for his. charge for a fortnight hearsay and want (whether or not they ac- ing that it is exactly of that character. * * failure against the Wallabies at Lans- for furthering Fascism and stimulating wages-and-prlces system. Party committed to the maintenance of relations with Britain, while looking fur- later. cept Its conclusions) to know what in fact Soviet philosophy is not." downe Road, the Irish win over France in the arrival of the war. At the end of 194(5 F.C. the Communists do say. so as to judge private enterprise is capablc of enforcing ther afield would provide the hope of re- The opponent was the welter and middle- effective price control in the interests of the Paris last month will serve as a tonic to the Six County Government, not noted for Marxist theorv and practice for themselves. The book is a profound plea for a better leasing the increasing British stranglehold. weight champion of Jamaica, Roy Peter- mass of consumers, and urges the develop- supporters and players alike. its®ympathy towards anti-Partitionists, re understanding with Russia; it is as import- Shops are flooded with British goods, and son, who also had a big build-up since C.D.G. ment of co-operative stores based on the The Irish team played well to achieve leased 16 men similarly imprisoned und' ant for us in Ireland and Britain as for Dublin is more British than at any time coming to these shores. This time Hyland the American audience for whom it was trade unions, as the best means of achieving their win, but the luck of the game was a Christmas amnesty. SATIRE ON HANGING glnce the Treaty. No wonder people won- rose to the occasion and once again had A Handbook on Hanging by Charles Duff, originally written. the immediate demands of the housewives i.i their favour. Jack Kyle played his "Under our processes of law the cases ol for lower prices. der. But as yet no clear lead has been the fans on their feet when he disposed first published in 1928, was hailed by "A.E." NEW IRISH NOVELS usual brilliant game and W. D. McKee, the Parkhurst prisoners are nol. due to b> A.G.K.L. (Optional cut) given. of the coloured man by a knockout in the a* "a masterpiece of Irony." In America it Who goes Home? by Katherine Keanc is a Mullen and P. Reid excelled themselves. reviewed until 1951, unless the Honn The booklet is excellently produced, well » Nobody, however, who mw the Labour fourth round. became one of the chief weapons of the novel written against a sketchy back- The Irish pack also played well, and Secretary takes special action. Mr. Chuter campaign against capital punishment, while ground of the days of Parnell. Illustrated and enlivened by some good car- (HiimUri standing In the torrential rain BOOKS reviewed on this page may Cheer&i Ihfeijtilfclves hoarse altogether the team seems to be getting Ede, we suggest, might well decide to re in Germany it had the honour of being The Golden Coast by Philip Rooney, be ordered from the Book depart- toons as well as a short story by Rosamund waiting for man they believe In, would Jacob. Its wealth of attractively presented Hyland'S. npjri [fluting was with Ron into its stride and striking the standard it lax the vengeance of the law which by this Publicly burnt by the Nazis at Leipzig. Now author of "Captain Boycott" Is a 17th ment, "Irish Democrat," SH* Gray« kave any doubt about the support for La- material should interest all women, as well Cooper, ol Wales, at Oxford, and this time had last year "when It came so near to time must have had its fill, and sufficiently revised to Include comments upon the Great century sea yarn, full of fights, pirates, love tnn Road, London, W.C.I. Cartt tter tMrt datate to Ireland. It was a very Nuremburg Hangings, the third edition of and treachery. as providing some valuable information and the Welshman made Bert go all the way winning the Triple Crown. depart from conventional practice as to with order, please. Postage extra. 'mUnt dpXflOTH tf the Indestruotable soil- this "very proper" little book has Just been Both arc publLihed by the Talbot Press, ammunition to all active members of the over eight rouhds to get a very comfort- Let us hope that they can strike the return these young men to their homes in ferity Of thoaa splendid people who will, in Published at 2/- by Freedom Press, London. Dublin, at 8/fl each. Labour Movement. able points' decision. The Irishman boxed same form at Twickenham this month, Ireland before they become permanently •II etntanlfS. lead Ireland to real so cleverly that all the full house Ox- when they meet England. embittered." Ifct-v- tSm.' of THE IRISH DEMOCRAT February, 1948 Fighting the Black Market Land of Ghosts 11 V thesis is Ireland as a land of fore She law. was born. There it is, on the his real stalwart on "th- me:, of :.> property." It is r.lte true Tone said he would " ghosts; of a people who were be- ashes ot the united Irishmen, in the bones in Czechland of the ships lying beneath Bantry Bay, that accept no help Iron '-he English people, 'tin- coming real about 1798, but who. since the future Ireland will be born. is this itself not an indication that -t;eh help then, have been waiting for a great might have been forthcoming? From our Central European * * * wind to blow them into the modern Correspondent, T will not be easy to bring about this world, and who may therefore in this J future Ireland, the nation restored. A I. URWIN light be described as shadows, waiting beginning has yet to be made. There are ^O-DAY, in air. case. I maintain :.eo re lv to put on flesh and raiment. powerful forces on either side of the Border, r• conflict in Iiv'.and which runs across ,!•.. Border, and not along it. This conflict PRAGUE, Jan. 17th, 1948. who are ranged against any such consump- Just as Theobald Wolfe Tone is sometimes tion. These forces are vocal not only as in- between the common people, both north a: j "THE end of 1947 marks the end of called the "father" of Irish Republicanism, dustrial magnates, big ranches, and so forth, south, and the few who own and control ,!•,. the first year of planned economy so we may think of '98 as being, or marking, together with the politicians who represent land, and the means of production; whu.-e a starting point. The starting point was, of immunity from want is, as it were, ihe mirror —Czechoslovakia is half-way through them, but also in present-day Irish literature, course, much earlier, but it became clear with and even in poetry. In the south there are in which the majority can see the poverty < i her Two-Year Economic Plan, the the events of that time, and has remained critics and poets ike Patrick Kavanagh, who their own lives reflected. Emphasise tin.: clear ever since. But let us look at this stai t- conflict. Gentlemen of Literature, .-preset i|„. plan for setting industry on its feet would insist that the true Irishman must be ing point. Where did the conception of the Roman Catholic, at any rale by tradition and light of encouragement for better education, again after the depradations of war "united men" begin? In the north or in the background; in the north, there appears to be for a better living for that majority of In h and occupation, to prepare the way south? Did it arise first or only in the couth? rising a school of poets and literary men who people, and you will be doing no mere titan If you think so, then—as it were—the scales put forward the idea that only those who your plain duty towards that future Ireland for further industrial developments, of 191C have not fallen from your eyes. It take Cuchulain and the Gael as their proto- of unity, which in the end, with or without and to raise the standard of living of was from the Northmen Tone received early type have the right to call themselves Irish. your assistance, will be brought into bei: ; support;, it was the Northmen who were as by a people who must refuse to rem;on the people to a reasonable level in And. what's more, only those who reside in 1 anxious as anyone anywhere else that help Ireland. These "racialists" are really empha- frozen for ever. Emphasise not "Irishne.os preparation for a general rise later. should be obtained from the French. Then sising two different aspects of one and the but poverty and illiteracy; emphasise not the why is it that the North was ready to acccpt same thesis; namely, that in their view the Gael but ignorance due to lack of scientific How far has the first part of the help from a French Army in 1796, whereas sort of conflict which should be emphasised training; set the people's feet on the path of action for their own betterment. Cray Plan been fulfilled and how success- they were not willing to accept aid from is a conflict that runs along frontiers. It will Kaiser Wilhclm's army in 1916? The answer readily be realised that, in terms of modern from sending them .stumbling down a rood fully,is the Plan itself helping to raise is clear enough. The French Army, even in of fine words caught in the briars and iic the standard of living ? its later stage at that lime, was to most Irish drift of a dream without substance. Hate people a revolutionary army, whereas the you not heard of the "treason ot the intel- * army of Kaiser Wilhelm was no whit differ- This article is intended to be lectuals?" Is Irish literature too. when in ent from the army of the British Empire. In the intellectuals have hitherto been in the the south in 1916. on the other hand, while controversial, says forefront and vanguard of the national strue- Reduced Prices there were few who wanted to accept help gle, to become just another example of a from Germany, yet a number, even though a literature reflecting the fact that, once tfos The answer to the first half of the question small minority, were anxious to strike at "bourgeois" had climbed to power, the is simple. Although some branches of indus- the continued British overlordship. Here EWART MILNE thinkers ceased from thinking, and the 'he h try have not been able to reach their target, now is my controversial statement. The well-known Irish poet and hearts beat no more? others have far surpassed it, and the figure events of 1916 led. and could only lead, for the whole industry (excluding food pro- directly to Partition: to the setting up of two literary figure whose new * Governments, in Dublin and in Belfast; to a cessing) is 100 per cent. situation where those Governments recognise volume is to be published in LAND of ghosts, waiting for a great The answer to the second half of the ques- the "special position" of two conflicting branches of organised Christianity, that is. Owind to blow it will never blow! But eio tion is more complicated. On the one hand, Protestantism in the north, and Irish Roman the Spring. but catch every little wind that wanders up prices have gone down during the last six Catholicism in the south. and down the land, from Lough Swilly o Bantry Bay, and presently you will have o.lj months, particularly the prices of basic food- weapons, propaganda for a conflict that runs the makings of a tempest that will tear down stuffs; income tax has been reduced, freeing along frontiers can only end in the complete walls of fear and hopelessness and frustra- some of the lower income groups from tax destruction of one or other of the antagonists, Instead then, of a fluid situation wherein tion. entirely. or of both. Yet none of the "little Irelanders" by interchange of opinion, by common inter- in literature, from Dublin to Antrim, have The problem to-day, in literature as in life, * ests, by the everyday necessity of living to- any real answer to this dynamic of racialism. is not Protestant versus Catholic; the prob- gether. the conflict between two interpreta- * * He lem to-day is the commen man versus iile tions of theology might gradually have been vested interests. The problem to-day is Leo- Clothes Shortage smoothed down, and a gradual harmony be- T it true that in 1798 there was a pold Bloom and Patrick Maguire and Tom On the other hand, rations have been re- tween Protestant and Catholic come- into I "frontier of conflict" between England McNally versus the power of vested interests duced in the last month or so, and the pub- existence, there was set up a wall which of Church and Stale. From these and all stratified the differences in emphasis between and Ireland. But there was also a conflict lic has been starved of many consumer goods, within each country which tended to run vested interests no force but his own courage these two branches of Christianity, and thus and understanding and determination can particularly of textiles. conflict, or the seeds of conflict, became ac- across the frontier, and to unite the dissatis- fied "proletariat" within both countries in a set the common man free. Is the twentieth cepted, and—failing an end to Partition— century to be the century of the common While production in the textile factories eternal. common aim. In England this conflict can has steadily increased, supplies have dis- be seen in the Bread Riots and the mutinies man, or the century where he loses even that * * * which he has so hardly gained? appeared from the shops. This is attribu- of Spithead and the Nore. These mutfhies of the British Navy, if not sympathetic to- table mainly to a flourishing black market, ET US go back again, figuratively speak- For Ireland the march of the common man ing, to 1798. There is the starting point. wards the events in Ireland, were not GO out and to deal with what had become a scandal- L began round about 1798. When shall it be There it was that the conception of an Ire- of ignorance rather than for any other completed? It cannot be completed without ous situation, drastic measures were needed. land large enough to house and hold all its reason. In Ireland, too, there was a conflict the free and willing participation of North * citizens, irrespective of creed, in equality be- which caused Tone to say that he relied for and South in equal partnership. Killing the Black Market The Government closed down on the sale of textiles and clothing, and, in spite of op- position from the wholesale traders and from Industrialists Back Dev Dunne, O'Suliivan their defenders in Parliament, is replacing the present system of wholesale trading by BANK PROFITS HIT NEW RECORD publicly - controlled distribution centres, T^HE fact that Fiahna Fail has become city, wisdom and courage. It continues: Memorial which will be the only middle-man between the Party of the business men was "Sections of the business community have — Continued from Page Five factory and retailer. shown clearly and blatantly when an elec- their grievances but such grievances are tion address appeared in the Irish Press relatively insignificant when compared "J. H. McDonnell attended the inquest This method of distribution, which is part appealing for funds over the name of Mr. with . . . the evils of weak Government.' and asked for the bodies to be given to of measures against black-marketing of all Peter McCarthy, chairman of the Party. The appeal was supported by the fol- their relatives, but this was refused, so that their bodies now rest in Wandsworth kinds, will ensure that goods will now find The address declared that the return of lowing : Peter McCarthy, chairman, O'Dea Prison.. A great crowd of sympathisers their way to the counter and shopping bag. Fianna Fail would give the country a Gov- & Co., Ltd.; Joseph Brennan, Brennan In- * gathered outside the prison on the morn- ernment consisting of men of proved capa- surances, Ltd.; Sean Clarke, John Clarke & Sons, Ltd.; Laurence Cassidy, Cassidy & ing they died and recited prayers for the Millionaire's Tax Co., Ltd.; John P. Digby, managing direc- happy repose of their souls. tor, Pye iIreland) Ltd.; J. Griffin, joint The drought which afflicted Europe last managing director, Irish Glass Bottle Co., Died for Ireland summer brought Czechoslovakia a disastrous Our Father Lid.; Denis Guiney, chairman, Clery & "For over 20 years I have been trying, harvest. Less than half the previous year's 9 Co. (1941) Ltd.; Denis Mulcahy, Mulcahy by letters to the Irish papers, to membeis potato crop has been lifted, and little over Bros., Ltd.; M. J. McCabe, McCabes Ltd.; of the Irish Government, to prominent half the grain harvest gathered. Which Art in Senator Sean E. McEllin, chairman, West- writers and historians of these times, to ern Hat and Hood Manufacturers, Ltd.; D. have it publicly known in Ireland, by the The effect of the drought on economic J. O'Donohue, chairman Bolands Ltd.; Irish Government and the Irish people, life has been severe. The farmers and Washington.. j Thomas O'Neill, John O Neiil Ltd.; M. V/. that these men died for Ireland as Irish peasants were faced at best with heavy A TELEPRESS news agency message O'Reilly, chairman, Irish Coal Mines Ltd.; Republican soldiers, as truly as any of the losses, many with ruin. To lessen their ' from Santiago says that Press censor- John P. Reihill, managing director, P. men and women who died in Ireland. financial burden and spread it more fairly ship regulations recently issued by the Donnelly & Sons Ltd.; Senator F. M. Sum- "Unfortunately I failed in my efforts. A over the whole population the Government Chilean Government prohibiting criticism merfield, F. M. Summerfleld Ltd.; and pohcy of silence existed, and I am afraid imposed the so-called "Millionaire's fax" on of the Chilean Cabinet, the United States Martin Winston, Winston's, George Street. still exists. I had hopes that this silence the highest income groups. and Franco have now been implemented. If. as the Fianna Fail statement says, would be broken this year on their 25th Editors are forbidden to criticise Tru- * "sections of the business community have anniversary, but no. man's personality and instructed to use their grievances," it could hardly be re- "However, we. their comrades in the old Soviet Help "none but complimentary adjectives" with ferring to the Irish bankers, who, judging the American President's name. The term from the published annual reports of the I.R.A., and Cumann na mBan, remember- Disaster has been staved off by the timely "American imperialism" may not be used. main banks, have no cause to complain. ing them with pride, decided on tins memorial. help of the Soviet Union, from where grain An even more astounding example of the New record bank profits, which have is already arriving both for bread and for deification of American leaders appears in been increasing annually for several years, "A plot was secured in the Grange Dean animal food. The 200,000 tons of wheat of the new American-edited text-books for were achieved in 1947, with correspondingly Cemetery, Dublin, and a monumen the original agreement has been increased to Japanese elementary schools, where the large dividends for the shareholders. erected there in memory of Dunne and 400,000 tons, and In addition, 200,000 tons or former sons of the Emperor of Heaven The net profit made by the Bank of O'Sullivan by a former committee, biit our (odder grains will help farmers through the leain that General MacArthur is "a super- Ireland in 1947 was £401,293 compared memorial is concerned with honouring difficult winter mouths. human, fearless American Samurai." with £378,459 in 1946 and £348,988 in 1945. them among the Irish race in London According to the same agency, the text- Dividend for the year has been raised from where they were born, fought and died." \ Meanwhile, the unexpectedly mild and wet books al$0 ask 'all children of the "Japan- 12J pa- cent to 14 per cent. The Royal autumn and the delayed frosts have enabled ese Empire" to sacrifice at least one lotus Bank of Ireland's profits for 1947 were Printed by Ripley Printing Society Ltd farmer* too finish their autumn sowing and flower to sprafc the, flower carpet "where- £38,345, as compared with £33,428 in 1946 (T.U.). Ripley. Derbys., and published by Ute outlook lor next harvest is considerably on the foot of Sapiurai MacArthur softly and £29,870 in 1945. The dividend has the Editor, 374 Grays Inn Road, Lr.ndon, improved. treads." gone up from six to seven per cent. W.C.I.
