Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-02-02
Important Speech from Thomas f.
Meagher.

/ Meagher.
| blr. Meagher, for some sentiment he has ex-
pressed, has incurred the censure of number oi
the Catholic Clergy, of which church, we be-
lieve, he is member. He alludes to this in a
speech delivered few days ago at Niblo's Gar
den in New York City. The views of Mr.. NJ.
on the question of intervention is what appears to
have given offence. We quote from a late
speech
81 have returned with stouter heart and bold
er spirit. I have returned yet more determined
than ever have been to act as becomes a citizen
who values his integrity and freedom above all
things else, and who will neither be tempted by
fraudulent solicitations, nor be deferred by vulgar
threats, from dealing with public questions as he
thinks fit, and pursuing an independent career.
This determination may incur the reprobation OF
some men, who would hamper and cripple that
power, to the courageous use of which all that has
been most useful, eminent and glorious in litera-
ture, the artsn science,in all departments and pur
suits of life-must be ascribed. But am willing
AYE, heartily and proudly willing to incur this
meek and sanctimonious reprobation. 1 have fac
past it, and left it mumbling its disappointed NAL.
ice in the dark behind me. Then had for it the
stormy passion and the crushing blow-now, as
stand on the height, where the gibbet was rear
ed for me, and when beheld the groups of our
martyrs, issuing from their uninscribed tombs, in
their crimson robes, ready to receive me as their
brother-now standing on this height, can look
down with complacency and silence upon those
who would mportune me with their pious admo-
nitons. repeat what said before the citizens
of Cincinnati, repeat it distinctly and deberate-
ly; for, in the first place, the report of what
said there has been cruelty confused and broken,
and, in the next place, am desrous that there
should be no mistake about my intentions in this
matter.
have been told that certain explanations have
been asked from me, respecting certain words that
l have spoken; and certain statements which have
been made concerning me in the public papers.
l disdain to give the inquisitors the slightest ex-
planation. They shall have no explanation; not
abject, not one penitent syllable of explana-
tion-however devoutly they desire it. But they
shall have something else-they shall have and
here bequeath it to them-they shall have my 81
lent and contemptuous Defiance! (All here rose
to their feet and waving of hats and handkerchiefs
continued forseveral minutes.) They threatened
me with diminuaton of the popularity enjoy
All: they threaten me with loss I never hesitatcd
to encounter. want no POPULARITY value no
popularity-I despise dscord, abjure the popular
ity which is to be purchased by one false look
If the good will and friendship of my countrymen
is to be obtained upon such terms, and such terms
only. thed, in the acquisition of their security
shall exult. Alone, deserted, denounced, defam-
ed, shall glory in the isolation that is sacred to
my integrity; and the only words of sorrow that
shall issue from these lips, shall be for those who
esteemed their freedom less than | did, and who
set higher value upon cheers and banquets than
upon the possession of an upright conscience and
untrammeled mind. The friend-the steadfast
friend, and faithful fellow laborer of my country
men in this republic, and elsewhere, 1 am anxious
to be if they permit me-but their slave, or the
slave of any portion oft them, never-never, though
they shook the sweetest perfumes on my humbled
head, and strewed my crooked path with gold
During the delivery of this speech he was cheer
ed vehemently, and among the most earnest was
Major General Sandford. 1t the close the audi
ence seemed wild with enthusiasm. He was pale
with excitement, and the calm and defiant dignity
of his attitude and demeanor showed that he was
a man who was not to be put down by the vulgar
appliances of spiritual terror Of any other kind of
intimidation that was ever invented.