Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-09-26
THE ORANGEMEN.

The difficulties in Carada, growing out Of
| the Orange demonstration, on the occasion of
the Prince of Wales recent visit, have given
rise to the question in the minds of some
Who are the Orangeman This organization
was formed in Ireland, in 1895. AS all recol-
lect, an attempt was made by France near the
close of the last century to incorporate Ireland
with that government. This stirred up the
old feud between the Catholics and the Protes-
tants, the former being for France and the lat
ter for England. 1t led to quarrels which
were conducted with the bitterest animosity,
and gave rise to much bloodshed. For mutu-
al defense each party had its secret organiza-
tion. The Catholics formed society known
as ssDefenders,' and the Protestants organi-
zed under the name of Orangemen. The
name was assumed in commemoration of the
Prince of Orange, who conquered the Catholic
forces at the battle of Boyne, in 1889. The
skirmish which was the immediate occasion
of the formation of the lodge of Orangemen,
occurred between the Catholic and Protestan.
parties on the 2lst of September, 1895, known
as the battle of the Diamond. According TO
some reports, the first lodge was formed on
the field where the Battle of the Diamond was
fought, among the men who had been actually
engaged In it. According to other accounts,
a considerable portion of the routed Defend
ers escaping into the county of Tyrone, re-
newed the system of aggression there, and it
was more imme diately for the purpose of re-
SlStlOg t0lS DOdy lndt the nrSl lOuSe was 1Orrn-
ed, a village called Dian, on Lord Clatendon's
estate, in the county of Tyrone, claiming the
honor of being the first place of meeting. The
circumstances of the formation of the early
lodges, and the rank in life of its founders,
render it highly improbable that they had any
very comprehensive design. For the lodge
consisted at first of yoemen and few farmers
of middling rank of life. But it was found so
effective that it was soon encouraged by the
gentry. Other lodges were then formed, and
at length the institution spread over ireland,
England, Scotland, and, we have seen, into
the Colonies. 1t became in few years one of
the most numerous associations that ever ex-
listed. The organization has been the staunch
supporter of the English rule in Ireland. A
great deal has been laid to its charge by Cath
olics, ard doubtless it has been the means Of
no little oppression. 1t was owing to the Or
snge Societies, doubtless, that Ireland was
prevented from passing out, at least for a time
from under British rule. 1t is claimed that
but for this organization the rebellion OF 1875,
would have been successful. On this account
and the aid rendered England in her oppres-
sons, the name Orangemen Is most odious In
the sight of an Irish Catholic. The mere
mention thereof is enough TO awaken his Ut
most ire. But at length, in the year 1885,
this organization being no longer necessary,
and serving to ferment constant spirit or
hostility between the Protestant and Catholic
Irish, was suppressed by the British Govern
ment. The course pursued by the Prince Of
Wales in the neighboriDg Province, was only
refusing to recognize body whose organiza-
tion has been declared by the government at
home to be Illegal.