II

This is the question I would discuss.  I find in practice everywhere in Ireland—­it is worse out of Ireland—­the doctrine, “The end justifies the means.”

One party will denounce another for the use of discreditable tactics, but it will have no hesitation in using such itself if it can thereby snatch a discreditable victory.  So, clear speaking is needed:  a fight that is not clean-handed will make victory more disgraceful than any defeat.  I make the point here because we stand for separation from the British Empire, and because I have heard it argued that we ought, if we could, make a foreign alliance to crush English power here, even if our foreign allies were engaged in crushing freedom elsewhere.  When such a question can be proposed it should be answered, though the time is not ripe to test it.  If Ireland were to win freedom by helping directly or indirectly to crush another people she would earn the execration she has herself poured out on tyranny for ages.  I have come to see it is possible for Ireland to win her independence by base methods.  It is imperative, therefore, that we should declare ourselves and know where we stand.  And I stand by this principle:  no physical victory can compensate for spiritual surrender.  Whatever side denies that is not my side.

What, then, is the true basis to our claim to freedom?  There are two points of view.  The first we have when fresh from school, still in our teens, ready to tilt against everyone and everything, delighting in saying smart things—­and able sometimes to say them—­talking much and boldly of freedom, but satisfied if the thing sounds bravely.  There is the later point of view.  We are no longer boys; we have come to review the situation, and take a definite stand in life.  We have had years of experience, keen struggles, not a little bitterness, and we are steadied.  We feel a heart-beat for deeper things.  It is no longer sufficient that they sound bravely; they must ring true.  The schoolboy’s dream is more of a Roman triumph—­tramping armies, shouting multitudes, waving banners—­all good enough in their way.  But the dream of men is for something beyond all this show.  If it were not, it could hardly claim a sacrifice.

III

A spiritual necessity makes the true significance of our claim to freedom:  the material aspect is only a secondary consideration.  A man facing life is gifted with certain powers of soul and body.  It is of vital importance to himself and the community that he be given a full opportunity to develop his powers, and to fill his place worthily.  In a free state he is in the natural environment for full self-development.  In an enslaved state it is the reverse.  When one country holds another in subjection that other suffers materially and morally.  It suffers materially, being a prey for plunder.  It suffers morally because of the corrupt influences