AN GAODHAL.
747
The
Gael.
A monthly Journal devoted to the Cultivation and
Preservation of the Irish Language and the au¬
tonomy of the Irish Nation.
Entered at the Brooklyn P. O. as second-class mail
matter.
Seventh Year of Publication.
Published at 814 Pacific st., Brooklyn, N. Y.,
M. J. LOGAN, - - - Editor and Proprietor
Terms of Subscription — Sixty Cents a year, in
advance ; Five Cents a single copy.
Terms of Advertising — 10 cents a line, Agate.
VOL 6, No. 5. NOVEMBER, 1887
THE GAEL'S ANNIVERSARY.
With this month the GAEL enters on the seventh
year of its existence, and it avails itself of the oc¬
casion to congratulate its patrons on the steady
progress made by the movement which gave it
birth.
First. Hundreds of Irishmen who did not know
the letters of the Irish alphabet, are now able to
read and write their Mother Tongue. Secondly,
Gaelic Societies have been organized in nearly all
the large cities throughout the United States — the
latest being in Portland, Oregon. And though
these societies may not number many member
yet the very fact of their organization adds to the
prestige, and emphasizes the progress, of the
Gaelic movement.
Thirdly. The publication of the GAEL has sham¬
ed the Gaels in Ireland into founding the Dublin
Gaelic Journal: and though that journal is strug¬
gling for its very existence for the want of funds
to pay the printer (to the same of Irishmen), yet it
has accomplished a great deal. — It has forced the
British Government, through public opinion, to
pay for the teaching of the Irish Language in the
National Schools, and the founding of Celtic chair
in a large number of universities and colleges in
Ireland, England and Scotland. And, to cap the
climax of its success, it has compelled the candi¬
dates applying for the position of National School
Inspectors to pass an examination in the Irish
Language as one of the conditions of eligibility.
This is a grand victory for our cause, brother
Gaels, and an ample compensation for our labors
in its behalf, — and a complete answer to those who
say “what good is there in the Gaelic movement."
It is the greatest stride ever made towards Irish
autonomy.
A noted nationalist once said, “Give me the
making of the songs of the country and I don't
care who makes the laws" If the songs be of such
importance, how much more so must be the lan¬
guage? It is a notorious fact that the brunt of the
battle for Irish nationality to day is being borne
by the people of those districts in which the lan¬
guage has been preserved.
Brother Gaels, preserve your language and there
will be no fear of losing our nationality, and the
best way to preserve it is, to circulate its literature.
And you, brethren, of the Irish American press, a
weighty responsibility rests upon you, because
"To whom much is given, of him much will be
expected." It is given to you to be the leaders,
nay, the propounders of thought; your constit¬
uents look to you for direction, and it is your sa¬
cred duty to direct them — to urge them — in those
matters which tend to elevate their social stan¬
ding as a people. And you know that the exclu¬
sive use of a foreign language brands the user as
the mental slave of that people whose language
he adopts.
AIR THOGHA MNA.
The following are some of the traits which Mr.
Griffin would like to find in his intended wife. —
Toghaibh bhean bhias maighdeanamhuil, maor¬
dha, malltrialach, leabhargheagach grásmhuil
Iona mbeidh craobhfholt, claonach, cuach¬
bhuidhe, caimhfhleasgach aiche, éadan áluinn
iomleathan, mailighe caola, camhtha, ciar¬
dhonna, agus gormdhearcha, geanamhala,
glana.
Dhá gruadh ghartha, ghasta ghriseamhala,
Srón cúmtha, caolphollach, bheagbheul bórd¬
carga, binnbhriathrach, dluithdhead, geal
dheideanta míngheal, maiseach, mingheas¬
ach, agus lighe uacht glan lile, agus ciocha
cruadh, cruinne, calcuighthe; saor chosp
seanng, sneachtaighthe, seimhighe, seamhghla¬
na, slime, sléamhna ; flaithmheurach, boga
bána, beagaltach, agus maolghluinne mei¬
the mine; colpaighe díreach, daitheamhla,
agus troightheacha tannadh, taobhsnuite,
agus í bheith mionnla, macánta, múinte,
maordha, soillbhir, seolta, coinnsiasach,
fáilteach, fíor-fhialmhar, sithchánta. Deir¬
e mar fuaireas. — Tomás Ua Gríomhtha
The readers of the GAEL will learn with pleasure
that the Very Rev. Canon Bourke is convalescing.
Mr. Wm. Russell, of Oil City, in speaking of him
says, “Our struggling language could not well bear
his loss now."
Congenial spirits sympathize. That both may
live long to further the cause, is the prayer of the
GAEL.
