MR BROMBY'S LECTURE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3665, 13 April 1883, Page 3

MR BROMBY'S LECTURE.

[To the Editor of the Daily Telegraph.] Sir, —A correspondent signing himself " Irishman" lias thought fit to give you the benefit of his opinions upon Mr Bromby's recent lecture, but I cannot compliment him upon his impartiality. His allusions to the mysterious subject matter of the address, and to the "intelligence" of Mr Bromby's '' ardent admirers '' can be passed over ; they are simply the cavillings of a, decidedly Avarped mind. Mr "Irishman" is also very inconsistent; he questions Mr Bromby's "gentlemanly instinct, honorable pretences, aud laudable object" in stating that the lecture Avould be distasteful to Englishmen, and then magnanimously informs you that he does not find fault A\-ith that, but to the " introduction of matters extending as finback as the thirteenth century." He gives you a homily upon the "stable (r) harmony existing among all classes in Napier," and Avants to know Avhat the "faults and cruelties of ancient times " have to do Avith " relationships iii the colonies." Precisely. But may 1 ask "Irishman" Avhy he objects to Irish history being lectured upon, when it is a Avell - known fact that English, Scotch, and other ancient history depicting the "feuds and cruelties" of those countries are circulated daily—in fact, I think I am correct in saying, taught in our public schools. Your correspondent is apparently in fear of Irish history becoming known ; let the minds of the public be imbued Avith distorted, untruthful, and anti-Irish historical events as much as possible, but repress the truth by till means. On many occasions in this toAvn we have had lectures, ke., 011 English history extending further back than the thirteenth century, but " Irishman " did not think it necessary to object to such. Of course not —one is English, the other Irish. In spite of the gloss attempted to be thrown over " Irishman's " production, malice pure and simple protrudes. I certainly fail to sec lioav Mr Brontby is "sporting" Avith the " ignorance " of the people Avhcn he relates facts which are vouched for by the leading historians of the day, and which are confirmed by state papers in existence. I can sympathise Avith " Irishman's" lamentations about the state of Ireland and its starving population, but I most emphatically deny that ruin has been brought upon the country by the agitation of Mr Redmond and his co-ivorkcrs. England is justly to be condemned for not relieving the distress in Ireland. AVliy does she not take the Avork out of the hands of these so-called " agitators," and thus politically kill them <tt once. No, Sir, it is the same old story ; the people can starve and die, and the British Government stands complacently by and refuses assistance. The Lord Mayor of London can open relief lists for the unfortunate people of foreign countries, but declines to extend the same favors to his Irish fellow-countrymen. That being so, Sir, the Irish people must help themselves as best they can, and Mr Parnoll, Mr Redmond, and others of that ilk deserve the highest credit for their noble efforts to raise their countrymen from the miserable condition in Avhich they at present exist to a more happy, contented, ttud at least prosperous one. In conclusion, I Avould point out to "Irishman" that a stricter adherence to truth aud a little more consistency Avould be commendable, and then perhaps, instead of tin enemy, I may come to regard him as a friend of Ireland. —I am, ke., Another Irishman. April 13, 1883.