THE IRISH NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS.
[To MI EDISOlt OW Tan 't Screw:mm."1
Sin,—When Ulstermen began to drill those who were thoughtful amongst us saw at once the far-reaching and dangerous consequences that would ensue. Two can play the game of arms. There is something infectious about military displays. When banners are unfurled and ranks deploy with all the pomp and circumstance of war in one province, the fiery signal soon passes on to the other three. And now all through this country of ours rifles are being got by book or crook, and young men pride themselves on being able to handle them and to use them when necessary. There is a slight difference between Ulster and the rest of Ireland. In Belfast Volunteers are paid. In Cork the Volunteers are genuine, drilling for love and pure devilment. It would do your old heart good, Mr. Editor, were you at Tralee last Sunday and witnessed the fine display made by hundreds of stalwart young men under Captain Talbot Crosbie They were soldiers every inch of them, broad-chested, clean- limbed fellows, with clear, bright eyes that betokened the mine of health and vigour that lay within, and proudly they marched with swinging step and dauntless mien. Men like these are not confined to Kerry. In every county you will find them now. All they want is a little organization. That will come. Skilful measures are being taken. Guns can be easily procured, no matter how actively patrolled the entire coast may be. Inlets of the sea are numerous. Foggy weather, a little bit of dash, and there you are. The born soldier is found in the South of Ireland. The North is being closely watched. Its lessons are being carefully studied. When the moment comes we will be ready.—I am, Sir, Ac.,
RICHS.RD CaoSurg.
[Our elderly heart would not have been warmed by the sight described—unless indignation warms—though it is warmed by the thought of the Ulster Volunteers. We will tell Mr. Crosbie why. The ultimate object of the National Volunteers, as he very well knows, is to force the rule of the Dublin Parliament upon the unwilling men of the North, to drive them out of the United Kingdom, and to compel them to submit to a domination they hate. The ultimate object of the Volunteers of Belfast and the North, as lie also knows very well, is something very different. It is to protect their liberty, to keep themselves under the Parliament they respect and like—the Parliament which guarantees to them civil and religious liberty—to prevent their being turned out of the Union, not to coerce others, that they have armed. That is why we hold that it is the cause of liberty on the one side and of tyranny on the other.—En. Spectator.]
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