Sin,—The letter of Dr. Hogan in the Spectator of October
29th is so plausible a piece of special pleading, backed by one- sided statistics, that it needs some remark. I have been myself for a long life resident in my native country—Ireland —and can remember, when I was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, the Irish Bar was looked upon as a better opening for a young man's career than the English Bar, be the candidate a Catholic or a Protestant. Merit was the only lever to success. Now I am informed Protestants seldom compete, having small chance of promotion. The medical profession is in even worse plight, as no Protestant has the smallest prospect of a county appointment in that or the profession of solicitor, no matter bow superior be his quail& cations. The ousting of two resident physicians of the highest medical and surgical reputation from the Queen's County Infirmary simply because they were not Catholics (the Doctors Jacob) is a notorious instance. Dr. Hogan, who dates his letter from Maynooth, is well aware that the Roman Hierarchy is responsible, by its prohibition to young Irishmen to avail themselves of the splendid education provided at Trinity College, for the scarcity of young men available in Ireland for the higher appointments, which he complains are held by experienced men who do not happen to be of his religion. I can recollect the Premiership of the Empire being worthily occupied by a Jew, but never by a Roman Catholic. The reason is because the religion to which Dr. Hogan belongs claims to be a political organisation, and will not allow liberal education to its followers. Dr. Hogan should look to what is going on in France, where a great Catholic nation is now shaking itself free from a Church which persists in interfering in politics. The Papacy, in the words of a French statesman, having there crushed the men of genius who tried to reconcile the Church to civil freedom, was now trying to "master the nations." Poor Ireland falls an easy prey unless the British electorate awakes.—I am, Sir, &c.,
T. W. W.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Previous page
