10 APRIL 1886, Page 14

FENIANISM AND IRISH HOME-RULE.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."f

Ssa,—On February 10th last, at the Westminster Palace Hotel, one of the speakers at the meeting which inaugurated the "British Home-rule Association" made certain remarks upon England's relation to Ireland which were historically true, politically wise, and morally just. His words were tele- graphed across the Atlantic. The next day, a letter, of which the following is a verbal transcript, was written to the speaker. It contains opinions which it behoves Englishmen to- observe, and sentiments which Englishmen might well recipro- cate. I think you will be glad to have an opportunity of learning from a Fenian source what Fenians—not fanatics and criminals, but members of a political organisation with a solid basis and a recognised importance—think of the attitude- of Englishmen in the present phase of the history of Ireland. I therefore send you a copy of the letter above-mentioned, and have the Earl of Ashburnham's permission to add that it was addressed to him ; also that he received it with much pride and gratification

"I have read with pleasure and satisfaction your views on the- Irish Home-rule Question. I am one of the common people, and left Ireland thirty-five years ago, when a boy of eight. My wife was born here [New York], as well as my children, and we are all ex- tremely Irish. I have had a connection with the Fenian cause for years, and would like to see justice done to my country. Our people here are willing to forget the past, and remain a solid part of the British Empire, by giving them the management of their own affairs, such as Canada or Australia enjoys. Yon, by this simple act of justice, would make every Irishman of this continent the friend and brother of your countrymen. And I ask you, as an Englishman, is not the price cheap ? Think of the many injustices your people have inflicted upon us. But what is to keep me from calling you my brother, whom I love for those sentiments of justice which you expressed at last night's meeting in London ? Indeed, I would lose my life in defending the unity between us. I am only a common working man, but I tell you that, should your people give to Ireland the justice she demands and is entitled to, by this simple act you will make millions of friends over here who are now your deadliest enemies. You will pardon me for writing, but we in this country think that all honest and honourable men are equal. God bless you for those words you spoke last night. This is the sincere wish of " ONE OF THE IRISII PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

This humble but eloquent testimony to the sentiments of that greater and ever-growing Ireland beyond the Atlantic, which it rests with the English people to convert into a champion from its present character of a foe, cannot fail to impress the fair minds of English readers.—I am, Sir, &c.,

A CONSTANT READER.