I left the shores of my
native land--Ireland is the land of my birth, and I am proud
to own it. I am proud to say that I am an Irishman, but I am
also proud and happy to state that I am an adopted citizen of
the United States; and while true to the land of my birth, I
can never be false to the land of my adoption. That is not
an original phrase, but it expresses the idea which I mean to
convey. Now, my lords, my learned and very able counsel, who
have conducted my case with the greatest ability and zeal, and
of whom I cannot speak in terms of sufficient praise, demanded
for me a jury half alien. I was refased it. I was born in
this country, and I was, while breath remained in my body, a
British subject. In God's name--if I may mention His holy name
without sufficient reasons--what affection should I have for
England? You cannot stamp out the instincts that are in the
breast of man--man will be man to the end of time--the very
worm you tread upon will turn upon your feet. If I remained in
this country till I descended to the grave, I would remain in
obscurity and poverty. I left Ireland, not because I disliked
the country--I love Ireland as I lovs myself--I left Ireland
for the very good and cogent reason that I could not live in
Ireland.
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