IRELAND’S HISTORIC CLAIMS FOR FREEDOM.

New Zealand Tablet, 17 July 1919, Page 13

IRELAND’S HISTORIC CLAIMS FOR FREEDOM.

In these days when mighty questions are coining before the notice of the public every fair-minded man should lend an 'ear to the logic and reasonableness of Ireland’s historic claims for freedom ‘'(says the Bouton - Bitot). It is not necessary, or, indeed, expedient .that there should be given heated views on this great matter. If the public would read the case of Ireland dispassionately it would unanimously vote independence lor that distressed country. It is because it has not learned the facts that it appears to be apathetic,.. at tunes. There is much wisdom in the course that has - been taken by many of our public speakers, who : with- •> out passion or hatred but in calm deliberation presenth Ireland’s woes, her wrongs at the hands of England, li and paint a true picture of the terrible cruelties that - the Irish have been obliged to bear for centuries. Even !| an understatement of the case, if listened to by impar- ;♦ tial judges, would arouse the greatest sympathy for ' Ireland, and so mould public opinion that it would de- ft mand justice for her at the Peace Conference. Never was there an injustice that cried more loudly to heaven for rectification. It is because the world does not know ft of the heart-rending oppression that the Irish people’ have been called upon to suffer that it permits England | to continue her merciless tactics. The movement now ; on foot to illumine our citizens on the ■: Irish question has met with abundant success. Not only Catholic but 5 non-Catholic audiences are being addressed constantly, y and the effect produced by a lucid presentation of facts % is startling. There are men well equipped with his- ft torical data and present-day facts who are glad to enlighten societies that wish to become acquainted with • this most important question. ' . . , I i'"" ~ X'