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suffering or delinquent nationalities, and in this particluar
case. Great Britain denying the political or national exist-
ence of said flag and seal of Ireland, and insisting from the
year 1800, that they had no existence—being brought before
you, As part of one of the great nations of the earth, to be
tried at the bar of public opinion, and failing in presenting
you with an unbroken chain of Constitution, Parliamentary
and international facts and law, in support of her preten-
sions, and relying solely on her ability to exercise jurisdic-
tion by " brute force ;" you certainly nave the natural right
to give expression to your opinions, as citizens, individually
or collectively in Convention, and to take any reasonable steps
in spreading your conclusions and desires before the world,
not conflicting with the international laws as received or with
the Constitution and laws of the United States.
But the semi-official or official admission by the State of
Maryland, and all the other States of the Union as indivi-
dual States of the legal status of " the Irish flag" and "seal"
within each State, would certainly be followed by a similar
admission on the part of Congress, which admission would
be tantamount to an international legal decision. That the
Act of Union between England and Ireland, dating from the
year 1800, has never been legally accomplished, the inter-
national obligation of the national vote of the people of Ire-
land being wanting to complete the connection.
Should the State individually, and Congress afterwards
declare that the flag and seal of Ireland previous to -the year
1800, represents the Irish Government, their declarations
would be followed' by other independent governments, and
the belligerent rights of the Irish people claiming under this
strong title universally admitted.
Your petitioner would respectfully suggest that the prompt
action of the State of, Maryland in acknowledging " the
Flag" and " Seal" of Ireland, is at the present time of im-
mense moment to Ireland. Many of our sister States are
holding their Constitutional Conventions, others are holding
their Legislative sessions, and each of them will be asked for
the recognition of'' the Flag'' and '' Seal.'' The Constitu-
tional Convention of the State of Michigan, has a copy of this
document before it for disposition, and it is desirable that
each and all should express themselves promptly, and in
terms of affirmation on a question of such vital importance.
In conclusion, your petitioner regards " this Flag" and
" Seal" question as the turning point of Irish Independent
Legislation, and asks the State of Maryland and the other
States of the Union, for the practical sympathy and assist-
tance which the free and prosperous should be always willing
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