FROM THE ARCHIVES:The persistent emigration from Ireland in the 20th century prompted some unusual responses, among them the belief that many of the emigrants were being duped by the false attractions of the bright lights of English and American cities. Myles na Gopaleen took James Dillon of Fine Gael to task for such views in one of his unsatirical
Cruiskeen Lawncolumns.
THERE APPEARS to be a sinister affinity between the Irish language and agriculture; both are in a terrible mess. Both are under continuous discussion, and both evoke views which vary only in profundity of ignorance. In 1885, there were, roughly, one million genuine Irish speakers in the country, 40,000 of whom had no English. I cannot quote figures to show that the decline in agriculture has been pari passu– nor would figures be comparable, since few still think spuds and buttermilk a meal – but no doubt it has been spectacular.
Tied up with both these subjects is this problem of emigration. Dr Lucey, Bishop of Cork, recently observed that last year, many thousands in excess of the natural population increase had emigrated. Mr James Dillon, who is possibly the first properly educated man to fill the office of Minister for Agriculture – among the most technical and difficult jobs in the State – views this situation with equanimity. He says emigration is perfectly natural, that young people are attracted by the bright lights and the “thrill” of living in cities, that they seek adventure. Of what order is that class of talk? It is rawmaish. Of himself what should Mr Dillon be? Ashamed.
Some people go abroad by choice, often from a home situation where they are quite comfortable – and more luck to such folk. The majority are forced out of the country. Let us go back 50 years, when the British were blamed for all our woes. Here in translation is a quotation from the Claidheamh Soluis.
“Emigration is on the increase, the tide filling instead of ebbing. More than 4,000 persons cleared out this year to date (ie, May, 1905) than the total which cleared out last year between January and May. What are the priests, the MPs, and the newspapers doing that they do not advise these fools for their good, who know only to do as they are told? If any proper attempt were made, much emigration could be stemmed.”
Is there anything more substantial than advice forthcoming in this old copy of Claidheamh? Yes, faith.
I quote again, this time from an advertisement in English:
“The universal consensus of opinion goes to prove that one – and only one – remedy is available to heal the emigration from which Ireland suffers. That malady has been gnawing at the vitals of Irish economy during two whole generations, and unless a ligature be promptly applied, ‘Ireland a Nation’ will become as extinct as any of the pre-historic nations. The sovereign remedy for Ireland’s depopulation is employment for her people.”
And who gave that advice? Why, Corrigan and French, Clerical Tailors, 19 and 20, Aldersgate Street, London.
This country suffers from one pervasive weakness that may be said to be at the root of all other: ignorance. And this blight is rampant at the top. Many members of the Oireachtas are ignorant men; I have personally known ministers of state who lacked education. The Dáil I hold to be a representative assembly.
It may be argued that Mr. Dillon and his pals have had little time to do anything. True, but he appears to me to be as full of prejudice as he is of knowledge. He shapes badly, as does Mr. Sweetman , who might fairly be called a macenteen.
Both gentlemen should wake up – before they’re waked!
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