The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-08-13
WASHINGTON, August 3, IS4S.

Sympathy for Lcland-The London Tablet
The tocsln of Irish independence has sounded
in the streets of this capital. In despite of the
rain this evening, an immense conc curse of the
friends of Ireland assembledat Odd Fellows Hall,
in this city, to adopt measures in furherance of
the efforts of the Irish nation The proceedings
throughout were mark ed with the widest enthu-
slasm The adopted son of Washington presided
Among those on the platform, noticed the venera-
bic John Boyle, who bore arms, when STRIPPING,
in 9S, and one of whose sons fell in the
service of his country dcrlng the Mexican
war; and John Foy, who, like many other
gallant Irishmen, fought for England at Wa
terlOo, but is now eager to serve his own cOun-
try IN more glorious struggle. Towards the close
of the evening, the meeting was addressed by
Gen. Houston, ex-Presldent OF Texas and Senator
of the United States, and by MIR. Foote the gifted
and warm hearted Senator from Mississippi.
Their speeches called forth the stormies enthu-
siasm Shout after shout, and cheer after cheer,
burst forth from the excited multitude, and, at
the close of their speeches, the applause was pro-
tracted and deafening. have witnessed nothing
like it in Washington. | had often heard OF the
electrical effect of Gen. Houston's speeches, but
never before had an opportunity of Judging of 1t,
as | had always CHANGED TO hear him on some
question In which he was little Interested Last
night he was the orator.
The Irish people must by this time have COM
menced their struggle. Code curse must surely
light on those who would seek to render the move
ment abortive. ana a Catholic, and also opposed
to the lnhlction OF capital punishment IN general;
but would most cheerfully devote to DEATH If his
judgment lay with me, that man, be he priest, or
bishop, or layman, Amounted or unannointed, who
would, IN the present crisis, seek to divert the
hearts OF the Irish people from the struggle they
are about to engage in. cannot believe that
when the time comes for action, there will be one
member OF the national clergy OF Ireland, who will
not be found encouraging, by voice and example,
the onslaught on the English oppressor. know
hundred clergymen, and can name their names,
who, fneed be, will die in the ranks of the Irish
army.
The impairment platltudes of the London Tab
English catholics, the descendants of those who
lighted the fires of Smthfield, IN the reign of Ma
ly-bigots in religion, bigots in everything-men
who, when for their coward king, James, OF
dwelling memory, the Irish gentlemen were
fighting, and dying, and being banished by the
thousand, were prostrating themselves in syco-
phancy at the feet of the new monarch; men who
own estates IN Ireland which they never see, and
which they tear will be jeoparded by civil war.-
That the base and interested organ of such men
should be at all regarded by any man having
thought Of, let its remarks come through what
channel they may have talked with men the
most cautious and circumspect--men opposed to
bloodshed except in the most extreme cases-men
whose names are known throughout the world for
prudeRce and statesmanship-a and they have said,
Notwithstanding their knowledge of Englands
vast power-of Ireand's want of preparation
that if Ireland do not fight now, and desperately
fight, she will be forever dlsgraced; and alter
cool calculation they have said, that success is not
only possible, but probable. There is enter
prise on foot here. which will conduce greatly to
this success, but the particulars of which | am
not at liberty to disclose, secrecy Is necessary
TO his accomplishment
In despite of Mr.. Benton's efforts, General
keamy has been confirmed, by vote OF 81 to II
the latter all democrats. GALvIENsls