Page:An Ulsterman for Ireland.djvu/28

AN ULSTERMAN FOR IRELAND estates, but the long-withheld and denied right of human beings. And, inasmuch as Irish landlordism is maintained here by the English connection, and the English connexion is perpetuated by Irish landlordism, they can see no way to put an end to either but by destroying both.

Now, this—this, and nothing else—is the " Repeal " that stirs and rouses and thrills through the ancient Irish nation from sea to sea. It is essentially not only a national movement, but also—why not admit it?—a class movement. You have heard of romantic young enthusiasts, or Constitutional idiots, inspired by Grattan's rigmarole, denying with chivalrous indignation that there is any question of class against class involved here. Perish the thought! They say Irish gentlemen armed for the honour of Ireland in '82, and shall they not do so again? Think of Charlemont! Think of Leinster! Names to conjure with! These romantic enthusiasts and Constitutional idiots refuse to see that "Irish gentlemen " acted then as they act now upon the true gentlemanlike instinct. They armed for Ireland and rents, places, and jobs then; they arm for England and rents, places, and jobs now. "Why should they not join us? Why not lead us? Ah! Why?" Simply, gentlemen—it is a hard saying—simply because their interest is the other way—because they know that the end of British dominion here would be the end of them.

No wonder, therefore, that they try to conceal from you the true nature of the Irish movement; no wonder the grand masters and their agents, 18