A type of such a play is familiar enough in these days when we like to ridicule the West Briton.

We are served up puppets representing the shoneen with a lisp set over against the patriot who says all the proper things suitable to the occasion.
Now, such a play serves no good purpose, but it has a certain bad effect.

It does not give a true interpretation of life; it enlightens no one; but it flatters the prejudices of people who profess things for which they have no zeal.

That is the root of the mischief.

Many of us will readily profess a principle for which we will not as readily suffer, but when the pinch comes and we are asked to do service for the flag, we cover our unwillingness by calling the man on the other side names.