IRELAND AND THE CALL TO ARMS

New Zealand Tablet, 19 November 1914, Page 13

IRELAND AND THE CALL TO ARMS

PREMIER’S ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. GREAT MEETING IN DUBLIN. Mr. Asquith’s visit to Dublin on Friday (says the Catholic Times of October 3) aroused the deepest interest of all classes in the Irish capital. The breasts of the Nationalists were filled with a sense of gratitude for his successful struggle to meet the national demand for Home Rule, and the Unionists did not disguise their admiration for his energy and patriotism. On landing from Holyhead Mr. Asquith drove direct from Kingstown Pier to the Viceregal Lodge. He was cordially cheered by a large crowd. With him were Mrs. Asquith, Miss Asquith, Miss Elizabeth Asquith', the Home Secretary and Mrs. McKenna, Lord Sheffield, and others. The meeting at night was of a most remarkable character. The Round Room of the Mansion House, which has accommodation for 3000 persons, was packed with an audience predominantly Nationalist, but including also many Unionists, among them Professor Mahaffy. ° " Mr. Asquith’s Speech. Mr. Asquith, on arrival, had a tremendous reception. It was most fervent and touching in character. For many moments the cheering continued with, immense enthusiasm. Mr. Redmond, who arrived shortly after, was also the object of a great ovation, mingled with cries of ‘ Good old John.’ . When ML Asquith rose to speak Mr. Redmond led the applause that again greeted him. The Prime Minister said he came to appeal to a loyal and patriotic Ireland for support in a common cause, and he came as a friend of Ireland— a sentiment punctuated by many an approving 1 Hear, hear.’ Genuine enthusiasm greeted reference to the unity of the Empire in this great crisis-an Empire which is a family of nations. The audience was deeply ,stirred by an eloquent tribute to Belgium for her .‘ unconquerable devotionthe devotion of a free people to its own free land.’ The disparity between Germany and Belgium was greater in morals even than -in material force. P ■Coming to Ireland’s special interest, Mr. Asquith said, ‘lreland . is a loyal nation (prolonged cheers) . How could Ireland be deaf to the cry of smg.ll nationalities, of Belgium, Poland, and the Balkan States V A reference ‘to 'Sir John French and his gallant forces roused a storm of cheering. Our Army and Navy have this week ; suffered' heavy losses, but How could men

die better?’ Then the orator alluded to the response to the call of every part of the Empire. The first Indian contingent was landing that day at -Marseilles (great applause). Convoys were gathering in all parts of the Dominions. ‘ I have com© to ask you in Ireland to take your part’ (much cheering). Urging the National Volunteers to come forward, he veritably brought down the house with the sentence: We all want to see an Irish brigade or, better still, an Irish army corps.’ Irishmen would not lose their identity by joining the colors. Nor will the future of the Volunteers be prejudiced. Mr. Asquith’s peroration was brief and stirring. Speaking of the reconciliation of the British and Irish people, he said, with emphasis, ‘ the old animosities between us are dead (prolonged cheers). After a brief speech by Lord Meath, the Unionist, whose son is in command of the Irish Guards, Mr. Redmond Rose. The Irish Leader was received with a hurricane of cheers. 4 Ireland,’ he remarked, ‘is in full and heartfelt sympathy with the objects of this war, and she is prepared to bear her share in its burdens and sacrifices. Repeating what he had told Cardinal Mercier, he said Ireland would bring her arms and her strength to avenge Louvain and to uphold the independence of Belgium. There never was a juster war. Mr. Redmond’s speech was a masterpiece of inspiriting eloquence. ‘ Is not this an Irish war ?-’ he exclaimed (loud cries of ‘ It is, it is.’) .. Following Mr. Redmond ” came two stirring speeches, one from Mr. John Dillon, the other from Mr. Devlin. The meeting, which was an enormous success, marked an epoch in the history of the Irish people. It proved conclusively that a new and a revivified Ireland has arisen to give strength and vigor to the Empire. The Prime Minister and his party left Ireland for London on. Saturday afternoon by special steamer from Kingstown. During the day Mr. Asquith visited Peamount Sanatorium, near Dublin, and opened, the new children’s pavilion. ' The Lord Lieutenant and the Countess of Aberdeen saw the distinguished party to the boat. The Carriglea Industrial School Band, in charge of Brother Keegan and Mr. P. J. Doyle, bandmaster, played ‘ God save the King.’ Mr. Asquith complimented both gentlemen upon the playing of the band and the healthy appearance of the boys, who sang a special song in honor of the occasion. A large crowd which had assembled on the pier heartily cheered as the ‘boat got under way, and the band played ‘ Auld lang syne.’ Mr. Redmond’s influence, as well as that of Mr. Devlin and all the most powerful leaders of the Irish Nationalists, is being wholeheartedly used in favor of recruiting, and to these various appeals Irishmen are responding. So far over 10,000 men have joined the new Irish Brigade of Lord Kitchener’s army. Mr. Redmond, on whose lawn at Aughavanagh, Co. Wicklow, floats the Union Jack, the Gx'een.Flag, and the Stars and Stripes, replying in a letter., to Colonel Moore to a maxxifesto issued by twexxty of the original members of the Provisional Committee of the Natioxial Volunteers who have repudiated his authority and that of his xxoxxxixxees on the ’committee on the .'ground that without consulting the committee he has. anxxounced a policy and programme at variance with the Voluxxteers’ accepted aims and pledges, states that he Intends to re-organise the governing body of the Volunteers. A meeting of the majority of the Provisional Committee was called for Wedxxesday last for that purpose. . On Sunday xxext, October 4, Mr. Redmoxxd will address a-public meeting at Wexford and review all the Volunteer corps of the county.