I am far from thinking that all those who are in support of the Treaty are necessarily
dishonest. Far from it. Some of them are merely those who, after the long, exhausting
period in the wilderness of error, have temporarily lost the strength of soul that took
them through it - the strength that proved their nobility again and again. Now, in the
natural reaction after the rigours of that 'forty days', they are brought by a temper up
to a huge mountain and offered a kingdom at a price.
Christ choose hunger rather than make a disgraceful contract with the devil. That the
Treatists in their innermost hearts think the Treaty disgusting (and the Oath that binds
them, or ought to bind them if oaths are to be taken seriously, to the Free State only, and
not to a future Republic) is proved by their repeated assertions that they mean to break
that Oath, and work on for the Republic.
That is the point - the price to be paid. Ireland must pause and think before she pays it.
The woman, who in desperate circumstances, accepts comfortable conditions at the price of
her honour, has many good material arguments to back up her decision. Having more money,
she can then assist others in their distress, give employment, perhaps, and get, for the
first time, 'the right to live her own life'.
Who, with any practical sense, would reject the substance for the shadow? A few hasty
words read by a Priest, a blessing that cannot be grasped in the hand, and is less tangible
than air - are these absurdities to stand in the way of her chance of 'living her own life'?
So say the Treatists regarding Oaths. This being so, and the Government of Ireland being
for the present in their hands, one is forced to ask: What is to be the national standard?
Is honour to have a place in national life?
Ireland today stands in the position of the woman about to barter her honour. Do intangible
things matter? Or must we as a country aim only for things that can be grasped in the hand?
Our national soul must answer 'Yes' or 'No'. If the value of intangible things is denied,
why stop anywhere?
Let us break our vows of marriage and our pledged words in other directions, when nothing
tangible, no arm of the law can keep us to them. Let us shut the churches and drive God
from the place of honour he holds in the land.
Joseph Plunkett marching with the white flag, surrendered but only his body. He gave his
life rather than take a shameful Oath of Allegiance to the Empire.
That he could have saved his life at this cost is certain.
England always knew it would pay better to have Ireland contented on her terms; and no
doubt the men who laid down their lives in Easter Week could have got 'terms of agreement'
had they mentioned them. General Smuts in South Africa, got them readily in like
circumstances.
But Joseph Plunkett knew what those terms would be, and forebore to negotiate.
As he loved Ireland enough to lay down his life for her, it will be admitted that he loved
her enough to wish to see her at peace. But he made no offers, like [General] Smuts, to
take the easy road, knowing the penalties.
© Searc's Web Guide 1997-2008 |
