The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1875-08-07 00:00:00

AMNESTY DEMONSTRATION IN HYDE

PARK.
On Sunday afternoon a meeting composedialmost
entirely of Irish residents in the metropolis was held
in Hyde-park. It was one of the largest gatherings
ever made in that place, and the keenest interest ap-
peared to be taken by those present in the proceedings
of the day. In order to form the various associations
into something like a procession, arrangements had
been made for the people to assemble first in Tra-
falgar-square About two o'clock there were not more
than a thousand persons present, but in less than
an hour this number had increased to not fewer
than ten thousand. To these of course must be added
the lookers-on, who were attracted by the sight
presented in the square. The broad space round the
monument was crowded; and SA each association had
brought a silk banner and a brais band, the scene
was an animated one. A great number of those
present were women and young girls, many of the
latter being divested of hats and cloaks, but wearing
strips of green ribbon. The procession was watched
from the windows and the pavement along the line of
route, the dust of which was unpleasantly stirred up
by the crowd. In the park a few people, most of
whom were Irish, had gathered round the spot where
the Iteformers"Uree once stood, and at the time the
bead of the procession entered the park there could
not have been fewer than four or five thousand
persons present. At first a ring was formed
round the little mound, but later on a move was
made to some distance beyond the tree, where a seat
was improvised as a platform. The chair was taken
by Mr. O'Connor Power, M.P., who was supported
by Mr. Parnell, M.P., Mr. Meldon, M.P., Dr. Ward,
UP., Mr. Biggar, M P., and several members of the
committee. The chairman, who from having a power-
ful voice was tolerably well heard, commenced his
remarks by explaining the object of the demonstration
and strongly condemned, the severity with which the
Irish political prisoners continued to. be treated, not-
withstanding all the remonstrances and petitions from
the Irish members and the irish people. These
referred to the indignities and in-treatment to which,
he alleged, these prisoners were subjected. He said,
were they Englishmen who were being thus treated,
all Englishmen would be up in, arms to demand that
justice should be done, and, although they were Irish-
men, he claimed for them the sympathy of English-
men. The Government of England, whether it was
Whig or Toty, might depend upon it that Izishmen
would never rest satisfied until they saw these pri-
soners restored to their families and to that country
they loved so well, and for whom they were now
suffering. Mr. Biggar, M.P., then moved a resolution
demanding the unconditional and immediate release
of the Irish political prisoners, and condemnatory of
the exceptional severity with which they had been
treated while in prison. Mr. Meldon, M.P.,
seconded the resolution, which was supported by Mr.
Parnall, M.P., Dr. Ward, M.P., Mr. F. O'Donnell,
and Mr. Byrne, and carried unanimously. The
united bands then played several Irish national airs
amid great enthusiasm, and a vote of thanks having
been given to the chairman, the meeting which had
been orderly and enthusiastic, gradually dispersed.