English Methods of Government in Ireland

New Zealand Tablet, 17 November 1921, Page 18

English Methods of Government in Ireland

In an interesting article, one of a series recounting ''old time" happenings in Tasmania the writer, referring to the work of Ven. Archdeacon Hogan in the island State, says, in the Catholic Standard for October 29: "In 1887 Father Hogan paid a visit to Europe and his native Kilkenny. On reading his views on the Irish situation of almost 40 years ago one begins to realise how little English methods have changed and how vain have been the hopes of those who looked to a foreign parliament for justice. In this good priest's correspondence we read: "I have been travelling a good deal through Ireland during the last three months, and seeing the whole land so beautiful and fertile, and yet so depressed and wretched, I can come to no other conclusion than that there is something radically wrong in the government of that country. To one like myself, coming from a land blessed with freedom and self-government, to another land groaning under oppression, where even the liberty of speech and the right of public meeting' are denied, the contrast is a saddening one. You in Tasmania can form little idea of the tyrannical rule that at present weighs down and crushes every national movement. Coercion, cruel and terrible, is practised over the most crimeless people in the world. The press is gagged, for if a newspaper even publishes a report of a National meeting, the proprietor is sent to gabl, that being actually the lot of the chief magistrate of the capital. There is terrible excitement on every side you turn when tho people seo their best and purest patriots imprisond for .simply doing their duty to their down-trodden countrymen. No one feels secure, as the least suspicion may, be an excuse for forcing us to experience the discomforts of a felon's cell, and «a plank bed. Had the country anything like fair play, had the people some share in the blessings of our Tasmanian system of government that would foster its resources, Ireland would Income one of the grandest countries in the world and the strongest weapon in Britain's hands against the enemies of the Empire. Such loyalty to the Crown has never been known as that which would be the outcome of fair play and just rule to Ireland. Even now it is astonishing to witness the enthusiasm with which Englishmen are everywhere welcomed when they are known to come as friends and well-wishers. Irishmen have learned to distinguish between England and England's Government, a distinction which was not always so marked in the past.. The English people have frankly expressed their abhorrence of the wrongs done to Ireland in their name by their enemies and ours. The Irish people have accepted the repentance and friendship as frankly as it was offered.' English visitors learn for the first time that the police-spy, the baton, the bayonet, and the rifle are tho necessary adjuncts of public meeting .in Ireland. In the matter of political freedom we are still in the worst days of the worst of the Stuarts. These men, fresh from the free atmosphere of England, revolt against tho iniquity of a system to which we have grown half-accustomed and tho violence of their indignation outblazes our own. , They learn, too, how willing we are to be friends. The English people have been betrayed into oppressing their own allies and helping their own foes. The people are keeping very patient, though the provocation. offered is very great. It would seem as if tho Government wished to goad on the persecuted people to rebellion, but, guided by their representatives, they are determined to fight- constitutionally, and they must win the day. That great friend of Ireland, Cardinal Manning, sent an interesting letter to the Bishop of Ross, which is going the round of the papers, and I enclose it. It runs as follows: ' Archbishop's House, West; minster, 5.W,., September, 1887. My dear Lord, I thank you much for the report of the visit of Lady BurdettCoutts, and of your speech and of the Archbishop of Cashel's. It was dike the sun coming out of a November gloom. I am always saying that the Irish are the most profoundly Christian people in the world. No other is so peaceful, so forgiving, or, when they can be, so grateful, and these are high and rare Christian graces. The reaction in England towards Ireland is on every.side; and the confidence shown by Ireland towards England is hastening on the day of justice. I am in my 80th year, but I hope to live to see it. Many thanks for your kind words, which I heartily return. Believe me always, yours affectionately in J.C. Henry Edward, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster.' "