“MIRACLE OF IRELAND."

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 65, 16 March 1916, Page 2

“MIRACLE OF IRELAND."

SPLENDID ANSWER TO EMPIRE’S CALL TO ARMS.

“The Miracle of Ireland” is the title of an article contributed to the “War Illustrated” by Mr. John Redmend, M.P., in '•which he describes the transformation which has taken place in the public opinion of his country since the commencement of the war.

lii the past, says the Nationalist leader, the feeling cf the mass of the Irish people was undoubtedly one of hostility to the Empire. All this is changed To-day Ireland, with insignificant exceptions, is united as never before in support of the Empire. She felt she was now a free and honoured portion of that Empire, and she was as determined as the Overseas Dominions to make the greatest sacrifices in her power to safeguard and protect her hardly-won rights. How Ireland has translated .this unanimity of feeling into action is shown by the recruiting figures. On November 15th last, Ireland had with the Colours 138,512 men, and many thousands have been rechuited since. Of this total 82,947 are Roman Catholics anti 55,565 Protestants; 28,072 are members of the National Volunteer Force, and 28,327 are members'of the Ulster Volunteer Force. Apart from these, up to Lord Derby’s recruiting scheme, 120,000 men of Irish birth resident in Great Britain had joined the Army since the outbreak of war. But for the transformation cf Irish public opinion at Heme, these men would not have come forward in anything like these numbers.

The same thing- was true of the forces from the Dominions, of whom at least 20 per cent werje men of Irish birth or Irish blood, who had been influenced by the new' wave of friendliness to the Empire. In conclusion, Mr. Redmond says: “War is a terrible ordeal for all of us, but w r e Irishmen have on consolation, namely, that the blood our country is willingly shedding in this great cause will seal for ever the reconciliation of the tw r o nations.”