Letter from Cait Ó Ceallaigh to Hagan

View/Open

View/Open: HAG1-1924-540.pdf (78.MB) Bookview

Repository

DigitalGeorgetown

Pontifical Irish College

Contributor

Ó Ceallaigh, Cait

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

Description

Holograph letter from Cait bean Seán T., 91 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, to Hagan, observing that there is much happening. Seán T. is still unhappy, and complains about not being sufficiently apprised of current events by Dublin- mentioning the 'resignations en masse' among others. Ironic comment on the government not interfering with a certain demonstration from the right. (Ironic comments on) Poppy Day which passed with great splendour and 'even for the Republicans it was all sacred to the dead...' The 'poor corrupt' Unionists cannot have England re-established here, but the sudden rebirth is a sign of the times. DeValera is in a Belfast Jail for a variety but may be released within a week. The northeast elections were 'unholy'; neither of the communities are a credit to the south, but 'I suppose we must keep them (and) fight for them'. Commenting at length, stating that while Seán was disappointed, DeValera foresaw the outcome precisely. Ruttledge is making a very good impression in his stead. Surmising that it was pressure from within the Free State that caused the surrender of the republican dead, and of the prisoners. No convincing reasons were given for 'the McGrath crowd' resigning. Remarking on the small Cumann na nGaedhal meeting, publicised out of proportion. Cosgrave has been effectively banished from public meetings; too many materialistic promises have been made and the Mayo elections are not certain anymore. The government eliminates '"independent" elements' and takes in less useful men believing these strengthening measures. Commenting that they themselves ought to 'develop a more down-to-earth programme too for elections' including details for instance on the land question and repatriation of land for those once evicted. As for the boundary issue, observing that the Conservatives in Britain cannot afford to take risks and 'will eat the (Free State)'. It is opportune to strike at England by propaganda when a conservative is in power- 'that is the real England (and) Labour cannot be blamed for her misdeeds (and) mismanagement'. Some comments on Esmonde in Turkey; the Free State representative in Paris, and the fact that one searching for such a representative would be likely directed to [Kerney]. Ironic comment on Gerald Hamilton's trial and imprisonment in Italy. Giving impressions from the republican [funerals], timed to coincide with the northern elections; Clery's was the only shop that remained open. Wondering whether her side has in fact bought the Freeman; the Evening Mail seems to be near bankruptcy also. She and Phyllis are not as busy as with the hunger strikers last year. The Republican Newspaper Committee tried DeValera to recall Seán, but he hopes to release him only in March.