Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-12-22

ORPHANS FAIR AT THE CATHOLIC INsTI-
gUTE-The Hat of an Irish Patriot 10 be
DrGUn as Prize-One of the happiest incl
dents at the Orphans Fair, now holding at
the Catholic Institute, will be grand prize
lottery for the benefit Of the poor orphans.
The prize TO be drawn for is Hon. William
Smith O'Rnen's hat. A short sketch of the
old hat may not be uninteresting at this
time.
Many of our readers will remember that
some eighteen months ago, the Irish patriot
paid our Queen City short visit and much
10 the good taste of Mr.. 0Brien he very po-
litely refused to allow of the least manifes-
tation by the way of public reception.
While at the Burnet House Mr.. OBrien
expressed desire to provide himself with a
new hat, and for that purpose, accompanied
by a friend, stepped across to Mr. Dodd's
fashionable hat store, and, after selecting one
to his taste, he requested Mr.. Dodd, to "give
the old one to the first poor, honest Irishman
who might come in, as it was too good to
throw away" But this hat, with the initials
'Nm. S. OBJ written with his own hand
Oh the lining, was never destined to such an
uncertain fate. At this junCture one of his
escort, not wishing to sec that relic fall into
the hands that might perhaps carelessly
throw it into the street, said: "Mr. U'Brien,
| consider me that poor, honest lrishman-I
| will take care of that hat" This remark,
coming from the source it did, rather sur
! prised Mr.. OBJ; but the hat was handed over
rs requested, and the party returned 70 the
hotel. In the course of the day Mr.. O'Brien
was introduced to very many of our most
prominent citizens, and had a drive through
the principal streets Of the city, over to
Mount Auburn and out to Clifton; had also
"a pressing invitation rom Governor Chase to
visit the State Capitol, and on the return of
the party to tue city, witnessed with great
satisfaction the performance Of one our best
steam fire engines; at the close of which,
Hon. p. Mallon delivered an appropriate adj
dress, and was responded to by the illustri-
Gus visitor in a most eloquent manner, and
giving his countrymen most excellent ad'
vice, "hoping that they would continue in
the future, as they have been in the past
good American citizens"
But, while going to the depot, an inquiry
was made if any thing remarkable had hap.
pened to him during his ownership of the
old hat. ooh, no." he replied, 'nothine
worth relating" but understood him to say
that he wore It during his last days at Van
Dieman's Land, and since that time has
travelled with me nearly round the world
He then expressed desire TO know "why
we took such liking to his old hat" He
was then told for the first time, and asked, il
he remembered while at Clifton that morn.
ing of looking over Mlllcreek Valley, and
being SHOWN large Drlck Dullding anu 0
little church beside it, "that," said we, sis an
Orphan Asylum, containing nearly 4O(
orphans, who gre clothed, fed anC
educated by the contributions of the Cath
olics of this place, without any aid from
either city, county or State" And when hi
was told that he must not be surprised t
read in the Irish papers before long, that hi
old hat was sold in Cincinnati, at the frs
fair held for the benefit of the Orphans, for
sum not less than $780, and that such re
suit would accomplish two good things
first, the money will help to feed and max
glad the hearts of the poor and fatherless
and then it will be a satisfaction for thos
English Lords, who would liked to have hat
your head, to know how the people O
America valued your old hat. At this re
mark his moistened eyes could scarcel.
prevent the tear. The hat is now on tn
Sisters Table, and it is to be hoped that al
friends of the Orphan and admirers of MI
O'Brien, will patronize the old hat.