TOPICS OF THE DAY

Press, Volume L, Issue 15037, 4 August 1914, Page 8

TOPICS OF THE DAY

The Ireland of Toist-Makers.

A collection of Irish toasts gives rather an interesting glimpse into national character a s it stands revealed under tbe happy influence of "whisky straight." Patriotism, of course, burns with ardent flame. "Truth for England and Justice for Ireland," is only a milder edition of "Down with the tyrants, and up with tho green and gold." Threo toasts to tho beloved name run with increasing energy—"lreland: sympathy to her wrongs, and a determination to redress them" ; "Ireland : tho sister of proud England, may she never be her bonded slave"; and "Iroland—St. Patrick destroyed its creeping things of other days—may his disciples speedily exterminate the political reptiles of the present siges." In fact, the toast-maker gives good evidence that the Irishman stands for "Liberty all over the world—and everywhere else!" When he is not political, ho is gracefully national. "Tho birthplace of wit and the home of hospitality—lreland!" is a good comprehensive sentiment, or various properties of Ireland may be toasted iv turn. "Ireland's harp; may its chords never bo broken." "Ireland's immortal shamrock; may it be green for ever." "Irish shillelaghs; may they never break tlie head of a friend." To toast "Irish bards, from O'Carolan to Tom Moore," seems ungrateful in view of the modern Celtic movement—but no doubt this can bo improved upon. The sober memory of Father Matthew survives in tho temperance toast: "Hibernia— steeped in her own tears she can never get up; soaking in whisky, she must go down; but bathing in 'coult wather' she, will get on •swimmingly." But

something less than temperance" prin-. ciples evolved the toast to "The four drinks^—the drink for. thirst, tho drink without thirst, the drink for fear of thirst, and the drink at tho door." Tlio simplicities of Irish fare, and the easy content of peasant life, may bo traced in many examples, "Erin, the land of potatoes; may it never lack buttermilk." "An Irishman, may he always eat his potatoes without peel." ' 'May Thady eat his potatoes, in peace and quietness." . Theso are modest aspirations enough. "May we follow in our good fathers' footsteps, and never get into a bog," has its local colour; and so, very distinctly, has the good wish, "May you never be without a caubeen, a throeheon, and a sligeen." If Ireland is sometimes.a distressful country, sho had Other aspects <or the Irishman who cried— • "My blessing be on you, old Erin, My own land of frolic and fun. For all sorts of mirth and diversion Youn like is not under the sun." Paddy O'Blarney's toast was noteworthy. "Arrah, may wo live all tho days of our life." An Irishman in France, when called to drink "Tho land wo livo in," responded heartily, "Ay, with all my sowl, mo jewel; hero's to poor ould Ireland." And her prevailing charm .affected tlio toastniaker who proposed, "To our uativo land. Everybody loves it, whether ho was born there or not."