Letter To The Editor: Limerick Echo 27 September 1904

Sir,

As the newly formed Irish Reform Association becomes a topic of public discussion, and considering that its founder, the Earl of Dunraven, hails from Limerick, I would like to share my views with your readers. The Association has already faced criticism from both extreme Tories and Nationalists, which, strangely enough, suggests it may be on the right track. The fact that the London Times, known as the “organ of Satan on earth” and a detractor of Parnell, has launched an attack on it should not deter the Irish people from considering its merits. When the Times spoke kindly of O’Connell, he would question his own actions, examining his conscience. If the Tories were to praise the Association, I would view it with suspicion.

It is important to remember that the Association is still in its early stages. As it grows, develops, and begins its work, we will be in a better position to assess its impact. The Association has a unique opportunity to contribute to our national movement and may serve as a valuable ally. Our political beliefs are not so fragile that we should fear they would be compromised. Nor should we be jealous if the Association chooses not to assist or collabourate with us. We know what needs to be done. Instead, I would welcome the Association’s existence and say to its members, “Join us, stand alongside your fellow Irishmen, and help us.” We can reserve judgment until we see if the Association veers off course.

I must admit that I disagree with leaders I admire regarding this new organization. However, I believe that the majority of the people will support giving the movement a fair chance, a fair trial, and that is what I advocate. It may well achieve significant progress, and I fail to see how it could do any harm. I am aware that many enticements are presented before a general election. The major English parties, Tories and Liberals alike, have their manipulators behind the scenes. I do not forget that a group of landlords initiated the Home Rule movement over thirty years ago, led by King-Harman, in an attempt to prevent land reform. They were not sincere, yet Home Rule became an enduring cause.

Whether the Earl of Dunraven is genuine or not is of little concern to me, as long as he aids us in our work. I believe he is sincerely committed. He played a significant role, using his considerable influence, to secure legislation advantageous to the sale of his property. And now, having accomplished that, he has founded an Association that aims to extend, if not fully achieve, the liberties of the Irish people. Lord Dunraven may have differences with his own friends regarding his new venture, and I do not support attacking the Association at its inception. I do not “flatter kings or court the great,” but aside from being a peer of the realm, Lord Dunraven is a man of considerable abilities who would be recognized in any land. He possesses wealth and tremendous influence with the English people, our rulers for the time being. The importance of such an ally at the present time cannot be overstated. When someone like Lord Dunraven takes up the cause of Home Rule, even if only flirting with it, it must be viewed as an advantage. Lord Dunraven is of Irish descent, lives among the people, and through his actions, demonstrates a desire to continue doing so.

Religion and property have long divided the Irish people. “Divide and conquer” has been England’s motto. The minority religion, supported by the state, has been hostile to the majority religion, which sustains itself. The property-owning class refused to join forces with the masses to help them achieve their rights due to concerns about their own holdings. However, circumstances have now changed, providing a fertile ground for the operations of the Irish Reform Association. The fear that property instilled in many individuals, whose sentiments may be kind and noble, prevented them from participating in national affairs. Better late than never, though. William Smith O’Brien, a Limerick man with Irish roots, courageously fought for the people’s rights and was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered in Clonmel in ’48. A generation ago, when religion and property created an iron barrier dividing Irish society, Parnell, also of Irish descent, emerged from the ranks of the landlords and led us, like a modern Moses, to the borders of the Promised Land. We may not find many more Smith O’Briens or Parnells, individuals so brave and self-sacrificing, but there may be others who, though more cautious and prudent, are sincere. I have faith in individuals of Irish birth and ancestry, as well as those with ability, when they embrace the national cause, especially now that the rights of property no longer stand in the way. At the very least, I believe they deserve a fair chance. It has been said that Lord Dunraven would obtain too much for his land and that he has not reinstated evicted tenants. I have no doubt that, as an honourable man, Lord Dunraven will accept the terms outlined in the treaty he himself signed. Every reasonable landlord will eventually follow suit. Lord Dunraven is not foolish; he knows that if he does not accept certain terms, he will receive none. His treaty and Association would become meaningless, and the people, if necessary, have their organization to protect them and will not give away too much. Regarding the evicted tenants, it is important to note that Lord Dunraven had very few. He created more tenants who faced hardship than those he evicted. To my knowledge, only two evicted tenants remain on his extensive property. I am confident that he will promptly order their reinstatement, setting an example for other landlords to follow.

For a Home Rule Bill to pass through the House of Lords on its way to becoming law, it will require the cooperation of that chamber. If the Lords were to reject a Home Rule Bill again, I believe that, regardless of the government in power, the English people would rise up and dismantle their own House of Lords to grant Home Rule to Ireland. This is when Lord Dunraven and his associates could be of great assistance in guiding the bill through the Lords, and then we could truly test their sincerity. The Reform Association may prove useful not only politically but also socially. We need industries and manufacturing in our country. Mere talk will not bring them about; it will require financial resources. The landlords, like Lord Dunraven, who choose to remain in the country after selling their properties, will possess wealth and could be of great assistance. Some of these individuals may possess energy, ability, and organizing power. In other countries, politics and business go hand in hand. We, too, need to pay attention to business alongside politics. Emigration, like a rampant disease, is depleting the Irish nation. We must hasten Home Rule or take measures to curb it. If this devastating tide continues, we will bid farewell to our nationhood. A nation requires people to create wealth. We must not overlook the significance of our population in our homeland. Our rulers fully understand the power of numbers in the struggle for liberty. If our population continues to decline, our representation will be reduced proportionately. To me, that vulnerability represents the weakest point in our national fight. To halt emigration while awaiting Home Rule, we must promptly address the issue of labourers. Delay is not an

option; labourers need homes and plots of land. Ireland desperately needs the labourers it already has. The grazing lands must be divided, and the land should be partitioned into suitable farms, following the examples of Belgium and Germany, to increase the rural population. In turn, this population will bring trade and business to our declining towns and villages. The obsession with cattle, the substitution of grazing for cultivation, has been a major cause of emigration from rural areas. Railway rates must be adjusted to suit modern needs, our outdated banking system must be reformed to invigorate industry, the grievances of town tenants must be addressed, and numerous industrial demands must be met.

In the words of the patriot Davis, I would say to Lord Dunraven: “Start not, Irish-born man, if you’re to Ireland true; we heed not race or class or clan, we’ve hands and hearts for you.”

Yours truly,

John Moloney

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 27 September 1904