AN IRISH VIEW OF THE WAR.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I think the following gives quite a new view of the Spanish-American War, as seen through Irish spectacles. I asked my servant (who comes from the South of Ireland, and had just returned from assisting at a '98 celebration) how she had enjoyed herself. Her answer was: " Oh it was grand. Such a lot of bands and lovely uniforms, all green and gold, and arches and flags, and every one so united ; no fighting at all."—" But," I remarked, "you did not have all thaw shiploads of Irish-Americans thatwere expected. We were
told that they would be there in their hundreds."—" Ab, no," she said, regretfully ; "I heard all the people saying that our Queen got up this war in America on purpose to prevent them from coming over ! " This was said in sober earnestness, and only shows what the Irish can be made to believe. No lie is too black to propagate about the Royal family. Who can blame these poor ignorant dupes for believing what is told them ? Three weeks in four years is about the usual time spent in Ireland by our Royalties. No wonder the Nationalists oppose the idea of a Royal resi- dence in Ireland. It would not only bring money into the country, but it would put many obstacles in the way of circulating the unblushing slanders which are now freely propagated without contradiction.—I am, Sir, See.,
1 Easton Avenue, Belfast, July 11th. E. D. GRIBISHAW.
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