The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-02-27
Smith o,Brlsn,s speech Last NIGHT.

sERENADE TO SMITH O'BRIEN AT THE ST. NICHOLAS
HoTEL-YOUNG AND OLD IRELAND IN FEVER OF
EXCITEMENT-IRlSH BULLS AND GOOD SPEECH
FROM THE PATRIOT, ETC.
Although IL was by generally known
that Mr. Smith O'Brien would be sorenaded last
night at the st. Nicholas Hotel the fact was known to
a comparatively large number.
The time for the performances 10 commence was not
officially announced, and many, to make sure Of being
present. took up positions in front Of the Hotel early
the evening, and remained there until the close. The
crowd gradually increased, blocking up the side.
walks and the street, and the evening ad
vanced, became impatient. Shortly after half
past ten Dodworth's band arrived, and with the
aid Of their excellent music, and sundry fireworks
and torches crowd Of about thousand persons
collected Immediately in front of the entrance, cheering
calling for Mr. OBren 70 come forth After the band
had performed Hail to the Chief" Mr. OBrien stepped
upon the balcony and received with vocerous and
prolonged shout of welcome One enthusiastic Cet in
his ardor called for Three cheers for the predecessor
Of Brian Boru," and when informed that Brian Boru
was the predecessor Of Mr.. OBrien persisted in his cry
In vain for few moments were attempts made 70 obtain
order Cheer after cheer rent the air. and the tumutuous
aseembage swayed to and fro like q surging sea. Hats
torches and hapdkercbefs waved, and was with
the utmost difficulty that order could be obtained.
Mr.. O'BREN at length managed to speak follows-
My FRIKNps-(A voice-"Three cheers for Smith
Obrien'-cheers)- IL saw in New York newspaper pub.
shed this morning. remark that my voice was low and
painfully made 10 feel that is too low TO be heard
by the immense assembage that surrounds me this even
ing. But although my voice Is weak and my powers Of
eloquence inadequate to express the feelings which
tain tonight UPON being greeted by with so affection
wanfis sentiments appropriate the occasion. (Cheers
and veiceWe believe t confess that little antici
pated TO have been thus received in land in which the
majority OF the people TO mo comparatively strangers
(Cheers) But that my own counrymen should reniem-
Der some OF the circumstances the antecedent circum
hot pr that a by a
Americana as well as by those Of nay own country.
men whom / have had the pleasure Of meet
which little expected and which may say did not de-
serve. Voce-" You are one Of them') As regards
them the deep sentiments Of admiration which ever en-
tertained for their country since the period Of my boy
hood. Amongst the earliest impressions formed upon my
mind respect for that ustrous man who the hero,
of this country alone, but who the type Of moral
ceence and military glory throughout the world
From my infancy, too have learned to admire the
struggle that carried by the native Americans Of
this country in vndicaton of their rights as the noblest
vindcaton of the principles of freedom have learned
also maturer years. 10 estimate the profound wisdom
of those great who framed tho constitution Of this
country have hesitation in saying that considering
the situation and circumstances of America the close OF
the century, believe impossible for human
wisdom to have framed constitution better
adapted 10 the exigences of this great people, Chcers
Such my feeling towards the native Americans at
time when Hooked upon this as upon any other foreign
land But during the last fifteen years has become the
refuge large numbers Of foreign lands and believe that
there present fully many Irish by birth and Irish
in the United States there Ireland ITSELF (Cheers
cannot forget TINT at the time of rcands greatest dis
trers at time when large numbers Of my follow
trymen were obliged, by what call msgovcrnment, to
fee their native land that they wore received with
open arms by all classes Of this republic tremendous
cheers) And felt at that time gratitude TO the American
contrast with the Influences which induced my Eel
low countrymen TO emigrate. Az all events, /
trust that among you adrS,,ns 0M r,aS
ation--.hat the sentiment Of gratitude to America
will DO efIacsd from your bosoms. (Cries Of
h) Gentemen, allow me TO say that, being introduced
for the frsl lime 10 this magnificent city, city which
not y surs hem have travelled over sne greater
part OF Europe and seen almost every captahat none
cxccs in magnncence this splendid city; say, gentle
from friends who well acquainted with all classes
of society in the city, that the Irish occupy, here
are acquainted with them. Amongst the richest
merchants many are Irish; amongst the leading
manufactares many are Irish amongst those who are
Voice They are sure.) Amongst the eminent lawyers
Of the State many are Irish (cheers) And lie! mo no
forget that in descending to those classes who have
hitherto been endowed with wealth. that they leas
conrbute TO the greatness Of this republic by the vgo
source Of upmxed satisfaction 70 me TO be able 70 report
when return home that amongst the population Of New
York have found the Irish Of all classes, including the
most humble respected as an clement OF that society
amongst which. they have found themselves placed.
Well, gentlemen, such being your position here,
you must feel that responsible duties belong to it.
Az Won have received shelter and home as you bavo hal
Of wealth IN this great city and In this
great State that you will cherish towards this country
that attachment and feay which wiser and more bene
cent policy should have directed " the Of you
native land viii say TO you and To the Irish In the
United Sates that trust that they will not forget that
they are minority amongst tho great American people,
and that they must be careful and avoid doing anything
which anything like Jealousy on tho part OF the
native Americans here. Pursue this course and sustain
the Union with hrm allegancean allegiance second
only the attachment To the land Of fathers Then the
statesmen and politicians and thinkers Of America will feel
hat there no element in the mixed population OF this
great country more important to the safety and glory OF
this country than tho Celtic (Choers voice
Bully for your Gentlemen, did not como to talk
about mysc Too much has been said with reference TO
mo, think. (Voccs--'s No, no. no.") But cannot
deprecate that exhibition OF feeling which indicates
part continued attachment 10 that der old land
which We claim "a the land of our aucesora Cheers