THE SOUL OF ERIN

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4904, 25 June 1918, Page 5

THE SOUL OF ERIN

RECRUITING IN IRELAND. » i . STIRRING APPEAL TO THE RACE. THE STERN PATH OF DUTY. Australian and IS.Z. Cable Assoaiatlon and Iteuter’a. (Received Juno 24, 11.30 p.xn.) LONDON, June 23. Tli e Press Bureau states;—• The Irish Government has issued an appeal to all Irishmen, signed by the Irish Recruiting Council, consisting of Messrs. A. M. Suilivan, Maurice Doer ell, IT. McLaughlift, and Stephen Gwynne. It is ns follows:

“At His Excellency’s request we undertake to organise a voluntary enlistment campaign to be carried on by our own people by their own methods and in their own way. We are conscious of difficulties, nevertheless we believe we will willing support, even from those suffering ' under mismanagement and disappointed hope, for .ill must realise that the first necessity is -th e peaceful settlement of Ireland’s troubles. There must be defeat of the tradiueer of our honor and our common Christianity. Two years ago our sons and brothers inarched out shoulder to shoulder. They went in answer to Ireland's _call. As they pledged their lives, our country pledged! its honor that they should not die in vain, nor should their ranks lack comrades while the soul -remains in Erin. The voices of living and dead implore ns to keep faith with the wax-worn remnants of the Irish brigades, which are reeling beneath blows of tyranny that would, quench the 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 New York, is heart and sou'] behind the men in Flanders. t-Our countrymen the world- over stand against our inaction and their friendship is growing cold. Tliis 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 tile answer to our appeal must come from the heart and consciousness of the nation that never yet sold herself to wrong nor asked a price for doing right. We believe' response to duty’s call will always prove the truest wisdom and most far-sighted statesmanship. Never doubting the power °f justice and right to move-Irish-men s hearts, we appeal t 0 ad to ■j“ :n us in this work of patriotism. If all lovers of liberty, truth and honor range themselves on our side, our Irish heroes, with new strength and hope, will quickly restore the name of Ireland to its h 2 n J °, re d place among the nations of the world.”