The Gazette 1921-25

JUNE, 1923

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

College of Surgeons in affording to them the use of their fine Examination Hall arid Lecture Theatre. My predecessor, too, when referring to the vexed conditions which were then prevailing throughout the country, expressed the hope that all the clouds which then lowered upon the Free State would have disappeared by our next meeting. Though we cannot say that this hope has been fulfilled, we have better grounds for hope now than then ; the areas of disorder are less, and what is more important, a spirit more intelligent of public welfare appears to be abroad. It is being recognised that to national well-being, to patriotic sentiment, and to all that is worthy in national art and industry, internal dissension is more baneful than the dictates of foreign rule. I think too that I echo popular recognition and sentiment, when I say nationality divorced and abstracted from all the realities of life, aiming neither at liberty nor prosperity, but claiming to be supreme over the State and the members of the community, is a chimera destructive of the true spirit of nationality. A historian in range of study and of historic and political sagacity, perhaps unsur passed in the last century pointed out over sixty years ago that such abstract nationality was destructive, and that its pursuit as a political principle would be marked with material as well as moral ruin, striving as it does that a new invention should prevail over the works of God and interests of mankind. We have had indica tion of the truth of this forecast during the last few years, and it is our earnest hope that for trie future, absit omen. If, as many believe, patriotism is the enlargement of the family spirit, it is in peaceful security of life and home that patriotism has its root. Thus, a sure foundation and a sure fosterer of national independence, of national prosperity and of patriotic sentiment will be found in wise laws with just and prompt administra tion, so that each one may be confident that no wrong shall remain unredressed and no right unasserted. Well, one of the main objects of our Society is to secure to the public the services of men able and willing to help towards that desired end.

destruction of the Courts, consequent on the inability of the Accountant-General to allocate the income of investments standing in his name to the appropriate accounts or to furnish a copy of accounts of funds under his control, a deputation of your Council attended on the Minister of Home Affairs, when the inconvenience and hardships complained of were represented, and suggestions made to remedy the grievance by the appointment of a competent staff to compile from the books in the Bank of Ireland such key ledgers as were at present wanted by the Accountant-General and which were necessary to him to discharge the duties of his office. Promise was made that the matter would have attention, and that a temporary qualified staff would be engaged on the work, but so far the Government has been unable to make progress in the matter. The Society's Library was destroyed in the destruction of the Four Courts, and the Council have to thank many members for gifts of legal works. Amongst these donors must be mentioned : Mr. William S. Hayes, Messrs. Bennett Thompson & Edwards, Mr. P. B. Shell, Mr. Bergin, Messrs. Dix, Mr. C. M. Grimes, Mr. Davy, Messrs. Baker, Ringwood & Gordon ; Mr. T. J. Greene, Mr. F. J. Little. Mr. E. J. French, Messrs. Molony & Owens, and Mr. W. L. Barlee. Such in brief have been the principal matters other than routine business that have claimed the attention of your Council. Last November my predecessor, in addressing you, deplored the great loss which our Society had then recently sustained in the destruction of their buildings and valuable contents. He pointed out, however, that notwithstanding its embarrassments your Council had taken care that there was no neglect in the education and examination of candidates for the profession ; recognising, as our predecessors have always done, that the best safeguard of our charters and privileges is a professional education and test such as would ensure that those who enter the profession are qualified to discharge the important work entrusted to them to the safety and satisfaction of the public. Your Council has continued this care, and they have still to make grateful acknowledgment to the President and Council of the Royal