Letter from Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh to Hagan

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Pontifical Irish College

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Ó Ceallaigh, Seán T.

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

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Typescript letter signed Seán T. (Ó Ceallaigh), Poblacht na hÉireann, Irish Republican Headquarters, 3 East 42nd Street, New York (United States of America), to Hagan. Apologies for not writing sooner; he is still overwhelmed with work. Commenting on the glowing accounts on conditions in Ireland by Smiddy, in the principal newspapers at the moment. In thanks for cuttings from Hagan on the demonstration on College Green [Armistice Day]; declaring himself pleased for the Free State's subtle but expressive involvement with this pro-British event since the association is at least visible now, and likewise for the whole pro-British element in society. Expecting that that minority 'powerful though it is, will sneak back again into the darkness from which the Free State enables them and encourages them to emerge these times'. Other republicans ought to be likewise cheered by the cabinet members showing their true colours. He will give 'the Admiral's man' [...] '"A" and the contents of "B"'; he has had difficulties because of him, also a friend of M.O.F. [O'Flanagan]: he (now identified as) Fr. G. [...] was authorised to combine the Irish Mission with his own mission while around San Francisco, but did not handle a situation well where potentially he could inspire Dr. York to cooperate with the republican mission again and Ó Ceallaigh has not given him brief to continue. Asking whether Hagan knows a certain Fr. McGuire, Sligo, now in New York, using the Irish Association to earn money as a singer. He read Fr. Magennis's letter in the Irish World; the Carmelite Council held a moving commemorative meeting in honour of Liam Mellowes. Expressing hope that their 'friend of the west' [...] could still be swayed to take up a responsible role in the movement again; glad that Hagan and Magennis added their voices to his own entreaties by letter. Then expressing overall satisfaction with the by-election results for Dublin and Mayo; despite losing three other constituencies they did increase their voting strength and could expect to return 65-70 members at a general election. Agreeing that the northeastern affair was a poor show; failing to understand the attitude of the clergy directing the abstention policy: 'they would sooner see the devil put in a candidate in that area than De Valera'. Then expressing his loss of respect for Down and Connor [Bishop Mulhern], having no moral courage to stand out; the new Ossory [Bishop Downey] is a negligible quantity, and agreeing it is astonishing how all their colleagues are 'still blind to the drift of things'. Expressing sympathy for the now nearly ended struggle with Bisleti; glad that the bishops chose to stand behind Hagan so firmly; not envying him the task ahead: 'I think it would almost be as easy for me to catch a leprechaun as to catch that wealthy man you mention.' Promising to keep his eyes open. Then remarking that only the British and their Irish supporters will have wept over Armagh's death [Cardinal Logue]: his successor's likely stand in the field is uncertain but at least he will always act as a gentleman and is not a West Briton. Expressing surprise and regret over the disloyalty of '"R"' [...]; he had seemed the one loyal friend in Rome and acted despite knowledge of the other gentleman's record; slowly realising what Hagan is up against all this time. Stating that Cait has been ill since Paris; brief mentions of T.H.K.[elly] and Mundelene. Disappointment over the perceived apathy regarding their movement in the States, having observed attendance at his meetings given in Philadelphia, Chicago, Providence, New York. It is 'a terrible country for factions'; he had to tell the Major Kelly group to end their alliance for not recognising any leadership. Cardinal Hayes is said to have declared his lasting admiration for DeValera and the republic. [Fr.] Paddy Browne wrote at length expressing the newly won hopes in their circles after the by-elections; they are ready for hard work with a view to winning a big victory at a general election and see that in university circles 'a big change for the better is noticeable'. Reference to an article by Con Curran for a pro-British magazine, The Commonweal; regards to Curran.