THE IRISH ARISTOCRACY
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Snt,—I wish to express my thanks to Mrs. Nelson Ward for her letter on this subject. I too was moved to indignation by Sean O'Faolain's remarks made either in ignorance or prejudice.
I, who have known " Big Houses " North and South from my childhood know how far from the truth these remarks are—know the reciprocal respect and affection, the kind, faithful, often lifelong or hereditary service—the appeal in all cases of sorrow or distress. And the ready help—the burden passed on to stronger shoulders : know how, before dispensaries and dispensary doctors were many in the land, the " Big House " doctored and nourished, and before National Schools and various reliefs often taught the young and cared for the aged. At all times its training in house, garden, farm, workshops started the young, not at the foot, but well up the ladder of life. The men of the household gave of their time freely and unstintedly to public work.
Besides this, interest in " the family " and its doings lifted its neighbours out of the often dull routine of their own lives. And then, more than all, in a country where truth is not always the brightest virtue, how touching is the unwavering belief in His Honour's or Her Ladyship's word or intention. No I As one upon whom the care of a " Big House " has devolved, I have no more earnest wish than that I may be worthy of the fine traditions which have come to me alike by inheritance and by marriage. Far from being a " parasite," the " Big House " is a blessing, as many a district left desolate by its loss knows full well to its cost
—this day.—I am, Sir, dre.,
FIAT JUSTITIA.
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