KEEP THE IRISH AT HOME

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLIX, Issue 45, 16 November 1922, Page 13

KEEP THE IRISH AT HOME

As soon as Ireland settles down and an Irish Government has taken completely in hands the reins of the country, I » hope to see a badly-needed law passed (says the special New York correspondent of the Catholic Times). This is to deal with the question of emigration from Ireland. The Catholic Church will suffer somewhat in this country from such a law, since it receives no more faithful, no more generous immigrants than those who come from the shores of the Emerald Isle. But Erin has first right to her own children. Besides, to put it mildly, she has done her share for the upkeep and the building of the Catholic Church in the States. It was the domestic servants from Ireland, goes the common saying in New York, who erected the Cathedral in Madison Square; After careful enquiry I find Ireland’s best friends in America feel that Ireland is the best place for the Irish young man and woman. Even bishops and priests, of Irish blood have advised the youth of Ireland to' stay at home, and not to be j guided by the opinion that comfort, happiness, and wealth awaited them here. More wages they certainly would receive ; but twice . greater would be the outlay of each day Lor .clothes,- food, -.and amusements. Only a very few weeks ago a ,ship ,came into New York harbor with 500 immigrants from Ireland : youths who must perforce accept jobs here which they would refuse with disdain at-home. People in Ireland and England'who look for the reconstruction of Irish industries and- the' swelling of the population of the country - would be conferring no small favor om Erin if they “ would'; only urge the passing of an anti-emigration law las. soon as feasible, but ? also help in teaching would-be emigrants that- such a measure is a desideratum. h . V' > • ~ • ’ ■; - .