REPLY TO "IRISH COLONIAL."

Daily Telegraph (Napier), 16 February 1883, Page 2

REPLY TO "IRISH COLONIAL."

[To the Editor of the Daily Telegraph.] Sir, —" Irish Colonial" has made avery poor attempt at answering the few simple questions which I asked him in my previous letter. I consider that the Land League funds have a great deal to do with the subject of " Irislf Colonial's " letter, for were they not collected for the purpose of relieving" distress, and if so there should be the large-sum of about £135,000 available for present use, which would have gone a long way in relieving some of the distress. Ido not by any means uphold the action of the Lord Mayor (supposing it to be true, having only as yet a meagre cablegram), aud quite agree with "Irish Colonial" in his condemnation of the nu-Christian action. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing thousands of pounds collected (giving my own mite as well) for the relief of distress*in Ireland, as long as the money was sent to some body or corporation who would use it as intended. With regard to "Irish Colonial's " sneers re the Mansion House relief fund I may tell him that it was judiciously used, and done a vast deal of good, the Duke of Edinburgh, with several war vessels, being one of many employed in the distribution of seed potatoes, food, etc., purchased with it. Again " Irish Colonial" soems profoundly innocent about tho operations of the Moonlight gangs and other cut-throats; it seems convenient for him and many more to quietly ignore any such trifles. Turning to the employment of what he calls idle low-class detectives and their payment, I suppose they are paid out of Government revenue, which is generally supposed to be raised for the government of a country. lam only sorry that it has to be used in the above fashion: but, in a country where great numbers of the populace combine to defeat the ends of justice, and where crime is committed with immunity, owing to intimidation of juries, etc., it is perfectly admissible ; also it is imperative that they should be armed; as it is many of them lose their lives. I hope some day to see Ireland prosperous, happy, and contented, towards which Mr Gladstone's Land Bill will go a long way. With regard to nationality, I think that anyone born in the British Islands, or iv the colonies of British descent, in whatever part it may be, Scotland, England, Ireland, or Wales, has reason to be proud. In conclusion I would not have answered "Irish Colonial" in the first instance if he had abused the action of the Lord Mayor alone, and this letter will end the correspondence as far as I am concerned. Hoping that '' Irish Colonial will remember that personal abuse is no argument, and also that still another Mansion House relief fund will be raised. —I am, kc, English Colonial. Napier, February 15, 1883.