New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-06-30
FATHER MATHEW IN AMERICA.


time. nearly 40 years since when Sir Francis Bur
dett baronet of immense wealth, ancient line
age, elegant and courteous manners, great learn
ing, honest patriotism and the idolized repre- sent
alive of Westminster was 50 hated BY the British
sristocracy, who then held almost exclusive
possession Of the House Of Commons, that It was
not unusual for him 10 walk up 10 hic seat on the
floor OF st. Stephens Chapel, without receiving
the slightest token Of recognition either from
Wing or Tory In those days Sir Francis found
warm and disinterested advocate in the person Of
the late Major Gen. Montague Mathew an Irish
county member, liberal Protestant, aud brother
30 the Earl of Landau, who did not hesitate 10
express his strong distrust Of an anti Catholic Min
i.try in eos, aud when Mr.. Canning proposed, in
June, 1912, 10 take the Catholic claims into consid
GRAFTON next year, moved, in amendment to con-
sider them Immediately
Theobald Mathew was left an orphan at an early
age and taken under the care and patronage OF
Gen Mathew, a distant relative Of his father
The Lady Elizabeth Mathew adopted him, placed
him under the tuition Of Rev. Denis Q Donnell, OF
Taagh, aud when he was 3 sent him seven years
TO the Kilkenny Academy aud at 20 to Maynooth
College where he finished his education, was
ordained priest at Dublin and appointed to JOIN
the mission IN Father O'Learys chapel, Cork,
which is attached to Cspuchin riary in that city
Father Mathew, at that time, and IT is now over
thirty.fve years since had very youthfulook, was
quite youpg-realy handsome-sbout the middle
stature, active, well formed, aud OF a comey in
gratiatng presence. He had manly complexion
large eyes, of bright and sweet expression,
slightly curved nose and rounded cheeks, with
black hair his manners were mild and gentle,
vet cordial dignfed and sfiable the rich and
pow erful regarded him as one'of their order, the
poor and needy won by his patience, kindness, aud
practical humanity, felt that Father Mathew was
TO them, in word and deed, friend aud brother.
His birth place was Thomastown, near Cashel.
in Tipperary, his birthday October 10, 1920 his
father was James Mathew, son of Mr. Mathew OF
Two-Mle Boris, who left large family. Thomas
Mathew, ESQ. of Castlelake, one Of his brothers,
died not long since, quite unexpectedly Charles
Mathew, another brother, acquired large fortune
and resides near Cork two other brothers became
eminent distllers near Cashel. The young Cspu.
chin Friar, now in his seth year, soon built up for
himself a reputation for deeds of charity, and for
successful efforts TO improve the condition OF his
eountrymen and finally to persuade them to cease
10 purchase or drink the intoxicating drsught, that
is likely to carry his name down to posterity as
benefactor of mankind
Not long since the citizens ofNew York, through
their Mayor, Mr.. Brady, sent the good Father, at
Cork, a pressing invitation to visit America. and
become our Citys guest. Sickness prevented for
a time his compliance with their friendly request,
but the 2eth Of April last he advised the Mayor
Of his intention TO take passage in the AshJurton,
and did on the day he had named
"To you and the other members of the Common
Council said Mr.. Mathew l am deeply grateful, and
feel Justly proud oyour appreciation OF my labors IN the
great and sacred cause OF Temperance The testimony
Of such honored and eminent individuals is, TO me-
sufficient recompense for all that have endured and
snxously look forward to the opportunity of presenting
In person my sincere Acknowledgements. As am now,
thank God, perfectly restored TO health, | feel that
cannot make better use Of this precious gilt than iah'
ing my long cherished intention OF visiting the high
minded people OF America. The generous offer of
Messrs GTnnel, Mintun 4 Co. OF your city have
thankfully accepted and but that could not be ready
the 2st OF April would have taken passage in their
packe; ship, the Neio World with my esteemed friend
Captain Knight | have now secured my place in the
AskbEoH which will sail from Liverpool the 2lst Of
May, and Immediately after my arrival in New York
promise my self the qualification of seeing and thanking
you and my other friends for their great kindness
At farewell Temperance meeting held in Cork
a short time before his departure for this country
he said to the audience;
al 90 70 afford myself the pleasure and consolation
Of beholdng my eNled countrymen not here, lnger
ing through life Of proracted starvation and constsn,
misery but in the midst OF prosperity, enjoying the
Enumeration Of their industry and all the comforts that
plenty and domestic happiness confer. am anxious
20 visit that land where viii behold rishman or
Irshwoman deprived of the necessaries OF life, but
where viii all enjoying peace and prosperity
der the wisgs Of the American eagle
Long before Father Mathews name became IA
nous throughout Chris,endOm for his Temperance
efforts, his Chapel had become the fashionable re-
sort of the Catholics of Cork. while no confess
sional was besieged by the poor with the same
ardor that where he sat to rebake vice, assaage
grief, and console misery" IL was the character
OF bis mind to favor the extreme of devoton-he
believed as he taught-and the srtless sincerity Of
his manner, like the remarkable earnestness OF
Henry Clay in avery diAeren, field of human ex.
ertiop convinced thousands W no would have yield
ed up no prejudice to " coarse and unfeeling ter.
roriso.'
Whether in the situation Of great potentste or
humble Priest ii is the good done in proportion to
the means of doing il that impsrts merit 70 the in
dividusl, and a claim upon Society and that gives
which console and cheer under every vicisstude Of
life. Mr. Mathew has dedicated lifetime to works
Of sctve charity, kindness and love. His lot was
cast In land where much misery and wrong had
endured for centuries and his mission, to feed the
hungry, shelter the houseess, make glad the down
eas, moarner lead back to the path OF virtue the
erring wanierer elevate the chsrscterofhs people
rebske their besetting vices, plsce temperance 10
ali things before them in It's native loneliness, and
exhibit drunkenness and the crimes Of which Il is |
the fruitful source all their naked delormi,y, has
been noby fulfilled. Ireland in ls47. drank the |
cup OF misery even to the very dregs-bat had |
drunkenness and debauchery not been previously |
checked by the hesven-blessed efforts Of Thee
bald Mathew, how much more embittered would |
have been the drsught Thousands of Irishmen
have crossed the Atlantic after abandoning habit
that would have been destructive Of their welfare
In any country and found in the new world, peace,
freedom, and happy homes Millions Of men have
listened 10th words ofthe apostle Of Temperance /