Are the "native" Irish civilized ? We try to believe
so, but at Annaghmore, in Ulster, the Catholics have a custom of lighting great bonfires and dancing round them, while their children leap through the flame. The people think this a highly Christian ceremony, and perform it on St. John's Eve, but there seems evi- dence that the custom was derived from the Phcenicians, and is a relic of the worship of Moloch. However that may be, the Orangemen think it a capital opportunity for jeering, and on the last 23rd July a group of Protestant lads marched towards the dancers. Of course the latter instantly shrieked "To hell with King William !" and rushed at the Protestants, who equally of course shrieked "To hell with the Pope !" and broke all the heads they could. Both parties being equally successful in that amuse- ment, grew tired, and the Catholics being armed poured in a sharp fire, wounding seven of their opponents. The Catholics fled, the victors were arrested, and it is really a matter of chance whether the jury will find a verdict of attempted murder ar honour- able self-defence. Are these people civilized ?
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