CARDINAL NEWMAN AND THE IRISH PEOPLE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 317, 16 May 1879, Page 19

CARDINAL NEWMAN AND THE IRISH PEOPLE.

The Dublin Natloyi recently published an able review of Dr. Newman s life, from which we take the following: :— When the Irish Catholic bishops determined to oppose the Queen's Colleges— institutions that were directed as much against Irish nationality as against the faith of the people— they resolved to found a Catholic University. And in order that its arrangements should be on a level with the requirements and the experience of the a°-e, they applied to the great Oxford scholar to take charge of its foundation, and to become its first head. He consented, and established the university, governing it during the first year of its existence, and giving it The form, and even the regulations, which it has preserved to the present day. This is not the place to enter into details on this subject. We will only say that all that has happened during the last twenty years demonstrated that if the university lias not been a success, this has not been owing to any lack of forethought, skill, or prudence on the part of its great founder. We will also remind our readers that one of the first academic acts of Dr. Newman was to establish the Chair of Irish Archeology, to which he appointed Eugene O'Curry. From the first momeut of his connection with the undertaking till he left Ireland— nay, long after his departure from amongst us— h? continued to manifest the liveliest interest in all the studies connected with the Irish language and history, and to foster them in every *ay in his power. It is to his liberality that we owe the publication of the successive series of O'Curry's lectures, a most valuable contribution to our early history. Nor was it thus only that JJr. Newman showed his warm sympathy for the people whom he had come to assist in building up a great educational edifice. But in lectures and sermons, in short essays and more serious dissertations, he manifested his appreciation of our people in language of burning eloquence and flowing over with poetic feeling. Ireland will not torget that John Henry Newman, breaking with all the prejudices of his early Protestant education and Tory associations, did hci ample justice. And notv she feels that the honour done to him reflects to sosae extent honour upon herself. For had he not the largest share in helping to re-knit her educational traditions, broken for centuries, and to make a vigorous stand for her educational nationalty and independence/ And when hereafter men will point to Cardinal JN ewman with pride and reverence, she can remind them that he was the chief founder and first Rector of her Catholic University. JJr. Newman real the article and wrote the following letter to the editor of the Nation ;—; — "The Oratory, Birmingham. March 9, 1879." dear Sir.— « I have just received the Nation', and have to thank you tor the very kind notice of me you have inserted in its columns." It is a great pleasure and satisfaction to me to have in any degree gained the kind feeling and good will of the Irish people, whom I have sinceiely wished to serve." Your faithful servant, « m A , „ ,. John H. Newman. " To the Editor of the Nation Newspaper."