A.E. MEMORIAL FUND
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sin,—In the dedication of his great gifts to Ireland and to humanity A.E. left in his lifetime memorials more enduring than any monument which his country or his friends can erect, Few Irishmen have touched the life of their country so fruitfully at so many points or with loftier purpose or more disinterested intention. The generous spirit in which, he. worked has been recognised far outside his country's borders,, and his country's honour has been exalted by his own. virtue, He was a leader of his generation in literature,. in art, in economies and in public affairs. From his earliest manhood,i as a French writer has said of him, he shook out ideas like sparks from a 'torch from which each one lit his own fire, and almost every phase of Ireland's development in his lifetime, Was enriched and ennobled by his endeavours. Ile has vitally. influenced those who have had the critical task of national, reconstruction placed upon them, and that influence has pease- trated the fabric of the new State. It has become part of Irish history' and in that sense a memorial of his life's action, is superfluous.
But the recognition of its great men and public testimony to their devotion is the measure of a country's dignity and self-respect, and to many, here and abroad, it is as well a duty of friendship which they will not willingly forgo. •'
To discharge this debt of honour and friendship it is now proposed, subject to the extent of the funds at the disposal of the Council, to establish a public memorial in the. capital, of his country, and to create such endowment as may .encourage Irish, men and women to emulate his cultural and social,' activities. C. P. CURRAN F. NORMAN Hon. Secretaries.
The Plunkett house, 84 Merrion Square, Dublin.
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