THE CALL TO ERIN

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 237, 25 June 1918, Page 6

THE CALL TO ERIN

IRISH RECRUITING COUNCIL'S CAMPAIGN AN ELOQUENT APPEAL

(Kec. Juno 2-1, 11.30 p.m.)

London, June 23. The Press Bureau states:—The Irish Government .has issued to all Irishmen an appeal, signed by the Irish Kecruiting Council, consisting of Mr. A. M. Sullivan, Sir Maurice Docrell, Mr. H. M'Laughlin, and Mr. Stephen Gwynn, M.P. It is as follows:—

At His Kxcellency's request we ■undertake to orgaW6e> a voluntary enlistment campaign, to be carried on by our own people, by their own methods, and in their own way. AVo are conscious of our difficulties, nevertheless wo believo that we will receive willing support even from those who are suffering from mis- ■ management and disappointed hope, for all must realise that the first necessity of a peaceful settlement of Ireland's troubles must be tho defeat of tho traducer of our honour and our common Christianity. Two years ago our sons and brothers marched out shoulder to shoulder. They went in answer to Ireland's call. As they pledged their lives, our country pledged its honour that they should not die in vain, nor should their ranks lack comrades while the soul remained in Erin. The voices of the living and the dead implore us to keep faith with the war-worn remnants of tho Irish brigades which are reeling beneath the blows of' tyranny that would quench tho lamp of freedom in Europe. This island is but the cradle of the Greater Ireland that lies beyond the seas. That Greater Ireland, from-Adelaide to Brisbane, from San Francisco to .Now York,, is heart and soul behind the men in Flanders. Our countrymen _ tho ■world over stand against our inaction. Their friendship is growing cold. This is no hour for truckling . or bargaining. Whatever bitterness may be felt over the record of opportunities lost and promises not kept, we are confident that an answer to our appeal must come from a heart-conscious nation that never yet has sold herself to wrong, or asked a price for doing right. We believe that the response to Duty's . voice will always prove the truest 1 ■wisdom and most far-sighted statesmanship, never doubting the power of Justice and Biiht to move Irishmen's hearts. We appeal to all lo join us in this work of patriotism. If air lovers of liberty, truth, and honour range themselves oh our side our Irish heroes, with new strength and hope, will quickly restore tlie name of Ireland to its honoured place amongst tho riations of the world.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter. GOVERNMENT POLICY IN ABEYANCE London, June 23. The newspapers emphnsise that the Government's policy concerning conscription in Ireland and Homo ltule is merely in abeyance. Mr. Lloyd George is expected to fully define the Governattitude during the impending debate in the House of Commons—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn. AMERICAN PRESS OPINION "A HOPELESS MUDDLE." New York, June 23. The "New York World" says: "The British Gjvoriifneut practically confesses ihat the v lrish question is in a hopeless muddle. The Government no longer has any Irish policy. Ireland might possiblv have been conciliated if the Government had shelved conscription and had established Home Itule along the lines suggested by the Irish Convention, but the Government displayed all tho faults of indecision and impotence in, this crisis."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.