John Mitchel

Irish politician (1815-1875)

John Mitchel (Irish: Seán Mistéil; November 3, 1815March 20, 1875) was an Irish nationalist activist, solicitor and political journalist. Born in Dungiven, County Londonderry, Ireland he became a leading Member of both Young Ireland and the Irish Confederation.

The people are beginning to fear that the Irish Government is merely a machinery for their destruction…

Quotes

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  • The people are beginning to fear that the Irish Government is merely a machinery for their destruction; that, for all the usual functions of Government, this Castle-nuisance is altogether powerless; that it is unable, or unwilling, to take a single step for the prevention of famine, for the encouragement of manufactures, or providing fields of industry, and is only active in promoting, by high premiums and bounties, the horrible manufacture of crimes!
    • Article in The Nation newspaper on 8 November,1845, titled "The Detectives",on the Administration of Government in Ireland
  • If there is to be a war between England and the United States, tis impossible for us to pretend sympathy with the former. We shall have allies, not enemies, on the banks of the Columbia, and distant and desolate as are those tracts beyond the Rocky Mountains, even there may arise an opportunity for demanding and regaining our place among the nations.
    • Article in The Nation newspaper on 6 December, 1845, an article entitled "Oregon—Ireland", in reference to the dispute then pending between England and America about Oregon.
  • Czar, I bless thee. I kiss the hem of thy garment. I drink to thy health and longevity. Give us war in our time, O Lord!
    • From "Jail Journal; or Five Years in British Prisons"
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