MR. PARNELL ON THE ENGLISH DEMOCRACY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 6, 30 May 1884, Page 9

MR. PARNELL ON THE ENGLISH DEMOCRACY.

OK Monday night, March 35 in celebration of St Patrick's Day, a banquet was given in the Holborn Restaurant, London, at which about 200 Irishmen, resident in London, sat down. The following is the text of Mr. ParnelFs speech in proposing the first toast of " Ireland a Nation,"

The chairman, on rising at nine o'clock to propose the first toast, " Ireland a Nation," was received with prolonged cheers. He said— I regret that my words to-night must be very few, owing to a severe hoarseness. But my regret is considerably qualified by the fact that we have amongst us a most distinguished son ot Ireland. Mr. A. M. Sullivan (loud and prolonged cheers), who has kindly undertaken to respond to this toast, and I shall therefore leave to him fie burden of doing it justice. I think lam entitled to congratulate the Irishmen of London upon the proceedings of this evening. I am told by gentlemen who have lived amongst yoa in this city for many years, and who have taken part in your annual festivals in London, that never has any assembly met together so imposing in its dimensions or of such a character (hear, hear). It gives me great encouragement to witness the progress of the Irish movement as indicated by this dinner. When I look around me I cannot help remembering that it would have been imposs ; ble a few years ago to have brought together so numerous, so important, and so influential a body of Irish Nationalists in this city (hear, h;ar), and not only is it a great indication of the movement in London, but I think it may be taken as a fair test of the strength of the Irish people throughout England and Scotland also. In all the great centres of this country to-night assemblies such aa this are met together to celebrate the day of our patron saint of Ireland. We have in many countries influential bodies of Irishmen, and to you it has been reserved to show by your numbers and your presence here what Irishmen can do to-day, and what Irishmen are likely to do in the near future (cheers). I have always endeavoured to teach my countrymen, whether at home or abroad, the lesson of self-reliance (applause)— that in order to work out Ireland's future and regeneration we have to depend upon the exertions of Irishmen at home and abroad (applause). Ido not depend upon any English political party (hear, bear). I should advise you not to depend upon any such party (hear, hear). Ido not depend upon the good wishes of any section of the English people (hear, hear). Although Ireland may have many friends amongst Englishmen, (applause), and undoubtedly has many friends amongst Englishmen, yet the circrimstances of Ireland's position, the nature of her case, render it im possible for them, however well disposed, to give that effectual assistance and work which are absolutely necessary to obtain the welfare of our country. Some people desire to rely upon the English democracy — they look for a great future movement amongst the English democracy ; but I have ne7er known any important section of any country which has assumed the governing of another country awaken to the real necessities of the position until they have been compelled to do so (cheers). Therefore, I say, do not rely upon any English party. Do not rely even upon the great English democracy, however well disposed they may be towards your c'aims. But rely on yourselves (cheers), upoi the great power which you have in every industrial centre of England and Scotland, npon the devotion of the sea-divided Gael wherever they are found, whether it be under the Southern Cross or across the wide Atlantic; but, above all, rely upon the devotion and the determination of our people on the old sod at home (prolonged cheers). We are here to-night to celebrate Ireland's day. I am confident that the future is promising, most promising, never was more promising for Ireland. A spirit has been infused into our people which will never die (cheers). They understand better to-day the weak points in the armour of their enemy than they did before. They understand and recognise the most suitable lines of attack. Whether you look at the present position and prospects of the Irish Parliamentary party, or regard the unprecedented union of Irish democracy at home and abroad, or whether you consider that of all the political parties the Irish party which confidently looks forward to any crisis that may arise, I say the prospects of Ireland are good and most hopeful. Our country is well fitted by nature to excel among the nations, to enjoy that nationhood which this toast wishes her (hear, hear). We have a climate unequalled by that of any other part of the world. We have a people most quick, most intelligent, most energetic most adapted, perhaps, of any people to excel in those pursuits which go to make the glory of every nation. That the singular gifts of Ireland and the extraordinary advantages with which she has been benefitted by Nature have not yet placed her in the position to which she is entitled has not been the fault of Nature. I feel confident that the time is very near when all sections of Irishmen and all religions (loud cheers) will have the opportunity of meeting together on Irish soil and of celebrating the day we celebrate on Irish soil to-night under the protection of a Irish Pailiament (cheers), and of then sending that message of peace to England which can never be sent from Ireland save by a self-governed nation (cheers). Gentlemen, I ask you to rise and drink with me the toast of " Ireland a nation."