[From Mannin, #4, 1914]

The Celtic Nations and the War.

HE greatest war of all history finds the Celtic Race united. What we had so long hoped for, has come about at last. The Gaelic pibroch is heard over the hills and valleys of France. The Red Dragon of Wales has gone to war. The Irish Harp, gold on green, flutters over the marching hosts of Erin, by the side of the ermine spangled banner of Brittany. The two Cornwalls have become one. The Manx Kingdom has sent her best sons to the fight. The roll is complete ! They march like brothers, shoulder to shoulder, and they march to victory ! What a change since the beginning of the century! In 1900 England was the enemy of the small nations, now she is their friend and protector. Then she made war upon two small nations in Africa. To-day those nations are free, and their first use of freedom is to fight England's battles. In 1900 Ireland seethed and murmured with rebellion. To-day Ireland and Wales are equally loyal to the English hegemony, loyal to a new England rebuilt largely in accordance with Celtic ideals. Britain stands united to face the Teutonic peril, united as she has not been for many centuries. And by her side stands immortal France, firm in the strength derived from her Celtic past, facing the future and the enemy with equal courage, glorying in her eternal youth.

This war is a solemn and terrible thing, but I rejoice that it has brought forth such noble fruit. I thank the Power which rules over destinies that my eyes have seen this day.

E. E. FOURNIER d'ALBE

Dalkey, near Dublin, October, 1, 1914.