Many countries today face, or will soon face, one of two population problems. Some countries’ populations are growing so rapidly that sheer numbers will endanger their ability to provide schooling, employment, and basic social amenities to their people. Other countries face a situation nearly the opposite. Their population growth is very slow, or in some … Read more
The approach to Grosse Ile is dominated by the fifteen-metre tall Celtic cross which bears this inscription (in Irish). It stands on a rocky promontory, the highest point on the island. Built by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, it was unveiled on 15 August 15 1909 by the Papal Legate before a crowd of 9,000 … Read more
Sir,—I note your recent article on ‘The American Civil War and IrishNationalism’ (HI 4.2, Summer 1996). Your readers may be interested toknow that there is a re-enactment regiment of the American Civil Warcurrently recruiting in Ireland, North and South. The 28thMassachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was the fourth regiment ofthe Irish Brigade which fought on the … Read more
Sir,—Proinsias Ó Conluain’s article ‘Orange déjà vu?’ (HI 4.4, Winter1996) sadly attributed the ‘déjà vu’ solely to the Orange Order. Infact the ‘déjà vu’ really relates to the whole series of eventsculminating in the tensions and troubles surrounding Orange parades.Sadly his article, which missed out valuable historical facts, waspartial at best and fails to take … Read more
Sir,—As a footnote to Alan Blackstock’s interesting article on theYeomanry (HI 4.4, Winter 1996) and their place in the tradition ofProtestant defence forces, it should be noted that in some placesYeomanry corps continued to exist on an unofficial basis after theirofficial disbandment. The Fermanagh novelist Shan Bullock (1865-1935)mentions in his autobiography After Sixty Years that … Read more