LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
CLERICALISM IN IRELAND..
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR." I
SIR,—For a good many years I have been admiring the know- ledge of Irish affairs and penetration in Irish politics which distinguishes the Spectator among English papers ; but on the above-mentioned subject I am convinced that "An Irish Unionist" is right, and that you underestimate the power of clerical influence. My house is close to a polling-station in a Parnellite district in the County of Kilkenny, and, refraining from voting myself, I was a spectator of the late struggle. I hope I have as much independence of character as most of my neighbours, yet I could not give evidence against the clericals- at an election petition without fear of consequences. It might be worth while, for the information and conviction of English people, to invite evidence from persons similarly circumstanced in the County Waterford at the coming election.
Outside Parliamentary politics, a project was started in the present year, with the aid of a Government grant, to provide a public library and reading-room in Kilkenny City, in con- nection with the retention in the town, better housing, enlarging and throwing open to the public, of the Museum of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. Some of the principal traders were most anxious and energetic in the matter. Citizens who had no love of books saw their way to business profit in the attraction to the town of tourists and strangers in connection with the annual meetings in Kilkenny of the Antiquaries. All ratepayers seemed willing to pay the small necessary tax of id. in the El, and things were going on well, when two priests attended a meeting to oppose the project, and instantly and completely it collapsed.—I am, Sir,
ANOTHER IRISH UNIONIST.
[All this may be very true, nor have we questioned it. But this does not amount to a direct Catholic persecution of Pro- testants as Protestants, and that is what we venture to think improbable even in the case of Home-rule.—En. Spectator.]
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