Its early successes in bringing together men of different political views were remarkable.

At the very outset of its career it enlisted the support of so militant a politician as the late Rev.R.R.
Kane, who declared that though a Unionist and an Orangeman he had no desire to forget that he was an O'Cahan.

On this basis it is difficult to set a limit to the fruitfulness of the work which this organisation might do for Ireland, and I cannot regard any who would depart from the letter and spirit of its constitution as sincere, or if sincere as wise, friends of the movement with which they are associated.
Of minor importance are certain extravagances in the conduct of the movement which time and practical experience can hardly fail to correct.
I have borne witness to the value of the cultivation of the language even from my own practical standpoint, but I cannot think that to sign cheques in Irish, and get angry when those who cannot understand will not honour them, is a good way of demonstrating that value.

I should, speaking generally, regard it as a mistake, supposing it were practicable, to substitute Irish for English in the conduct of business.
If any large development of the trade in pampooties, turf and potheen between the Aran Islands and the mainland were in contemplation, this attempt might be justified.

But on behalf of those Philistines who attach paramount importance to the development of Irish industry, trade and commerce on a large and comprehensive scale, I should regret a course which, from a business point of view, would be about as wise as the advocacy of distinctive Irish currency, weights and measures.