Historical Sketches of the Ancient Native Irish and Their Descendants

learning, the third includes the important subject of oral instruction. These, instead of having any such epithets as literature, learning, or instruction applied to them, some may denominate a history or sketch of illiteracy ; and, in certain connexions, it will be found, so does the writer. Yet poor as the story is, although centuries are included, and poor as it ever must be, he has preferred the titles given, that, in their extreme poverty, we might read with greater effect, as well our obligations to bring up the arrear, as the extent of obligation manifestly imposed on all who become acquainted with the facts of the case.

The statements given thus far, if impartially considered, involve, it is presumed, an answer to all the objections which have ever been brought against the employment of the Irish language; but as these give occasion to state various collateral proofs of the necessity and importance of the vulgar tongue being employed, as the only effectual agent in this instance, just as in every other, the objections themselves, such as they are, have been noticed in the fourth Section. As the extent of the case, the extent to which the Irish language is in daily use, has been much misunderstood, and is still much disputed, the fifth Section will furnish the reader with some data, which may enable him to judge for himself. The sixth Section refers to regions in our native land of which most persons have never heard, and of which no distinct account is to be found in books; but, as the peculiar condition of the Islanders of Ireland was never before brought under the public eye, a hope is indulged that they will not, cannot now be forgotten.

As for the desiderata mentioned in the subsequent Sections, the reader had best consult them for himself, though, of course, it is supposed that he has read thus far. But it will there be observed, that the author proposes no application to government,-no monied grants, -no foundations,—the formation of no new Society,-.

no mere resolutions to be passed. The objects are various, and of various character;-some are moral, one is of a sacred nature. In such circumstances, he would rather appeal to the benevolent feeling of many intelligent minds, resident in various parts of Ireland—in various parts of Britain. He has no mere party purpose whatever to serve, and he thinks the reader will watch in vain for any expression throughout these pages indicative of mere party feeling. Still, there is surely enough here, and more than enough to excite the inquiry from many individuals living upon Irish ground." But is there any way, by which I could contribute some share towards a better day?" Certainly there is; and I trust there will be found at least a little group of humane and intelligent men in the various cities and towns or counties of Ireland, who will be disposed to add,-" Laissez nous faire,” and we shall, should it be necessary, unostentatiously report progress, and tell, not only what is doing, but in what manner others could assist. But in other instances, and ultimately in many, if not in most, even this may not be necessary. It is quite possible to do much good on a limited yet energetic scale, where there is no incumbent necessity for either saying or writing one word respecting it. Time, which is invaluable, is thus redeemed, both to the doer and those who must have stopped to read his communications. In few words, should the writer succeed in promoting a sense of individual responsibility, in awakening a deeper and more enlarged sympathy for this long-neglected people in the hearts of those who ought to be interested, the various and needful remedies will be applied, and his end is gained. But either mode, or both, can by no means supersede the necessity for the attention of others, and in this country, being drawn to the fulfilment of long-neglected duty towards such a numerous class of fellow-subjects.

The Irish language itself the writer cannot as yet

speak, and perhaps never will. As a medium of communication, therefore, he cannot feel the enthusiastic attachment of a native, and, it is presumed, may therefore be admitted as a safer, if not an unprejudiced witness. But, regarding it as a medium of thought and feeling between the people themselves, having witnessed for himself the deep hold which it has of the heart, he hesitates not to add, that in all the measures here recommended and enforced, the language itself alone will be found to operate like the insertion of leaven, and will lend to each of these measures a corresponding,an irresistible energy. Meanwhile, if the reader desires to understand the actual condition of this people, the author has only to request that he will suspend his judgment till he has got to the conclusion, and then, taking it all in all, let him say if there is to be found within the limits of this kingdom a case of such urgency, where we are called to an application of the remedy by recollections of past neglect and long delay, at once so numerous, and so painful.

Boeken