CHAPTER XIL
IN THE UNITED STATES.
TN speaking with special reference to the case of Ireland, A I have, so far as general principles are concerned, been using it as a stalking-horse. In discussing the Irish Land Question, we really discuss the most vital of American questions. And if we of the United States cannot see the beam in our own eye, save by looking at the mote in our brother's, then let us look at the mote ; and let us take counsel together how lie may get it out. For, at least, we shall in this way learn how we may deal with our own case when we wake up to the consciousness of it.
And never had the parable of the mote and the beam a better illustration than in the attitude of so many Americans toward this Irish Land Question. We denounce the Irish land system ! We express our sympathy with Ireland! We tender our advice by Congressional and legislative resolution to our British brethren across the sea ! Truly our indignation is cheap and our sympathy is cheap, and our advice is very, very cheap ! For what are we doing ? Extending over new soil the very institu- tion that to them descended from a ruder and a darker time. With what conscience can we lecture them ? With all power in the hands of the people, with institutions yet plastic, with millions of virgin acres yet to settle, it should be ours to do more than vent denunciation, and express sympathy, and give advice. It should be ours to show
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