Letter from Michael J. Curran to Hagan

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Pontifical Irish College

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Curran, Michael J.

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

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Holograph letter from Michael J. Curran, Archbishop's House, Dublin, to Hagan. In the Irish Martyrs' cause, he has sole responsibility now; outlining the advice given by O'Riordan which he now follows; he bases his work on the Instructio by the Promotor Fidei; grateful for enquiries and arrangement of consulting Salotti in person about it. Regretting it is impossible to find a translator for Salotti's Life of Plunkett. Discussing financial matters; promising to send the pensions. Not certain whether to agree with Hagan's judgements of 'Anthony's chapter' � to him it seems like a compromise selection of moderates of both sides. Mentioning that he will write to 'Clonfert' about Faire; sending Hagan L. Woulfe's Calendar. Discussing the possible opposition to Hagan's rector-ship: P. Dunne asseverates that he was not behind the statement made to Hagan; he is indeed one of his supporters. Curran found that a few Dublin students returning from Rome who gave air to their grievances against rector and vice-rector of the Irish College, including Gaynor, Bertie O'Connell, Rory O'Moore, O'Donnell and FitzPatrick, and their points were taken up in Clonliffe. The Rising put an end to that campaign to which belonged Monsignor Dunne, Waters, [Mart] McMahon, and now only the latter can be assuredly said to have a hostile attitude; P. McGrath need not be minded, and Dr. Hickey, the only possible alternative to Hagan, does not want 'the job'. Then dis-cussing Ned Byrne's possible succession to 'Canea' [Donnelly] who is very ill. Hagan had heard Byrne mentioned with regard to Ossory; Sidney received a veto; Byrne will receive two-thirds of the vote, Dr. Hickey one- third, and [neither is keen on the post]. Oblique references to 'Killaloe' and to Fr. Magennis who deserves immortal credit � he did not think he had the 'cut of a fighter' before. Then describing the current atmosphere of raids, arrests, proclamations, court-martials as 'one of our periodical storms'- either side using the terms 'murders and 'shootings' as thought appropriate for killings undertaken by them. All actions of the British government are taken note of and it is hoped that 'our friends abroad' will appreciate the facts: 'meanwhile we are quite philosophical despite the shocked consciences of the English Press...'; invoking the shooting of a police inspector in Wexford where blame was attached to Sinn Fein though all knew it was a vengeance-driven killing by a fellow officer. 'Believe me there are two sides to all these affairs'- pointing to the ever-vicious circle of violence, as in the Land War murders. Finally observing that the English Liberals are worried at the financial outlook- 'everybody preaching economy (and) spending recklessly'.