The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-09-06
Tho Great Irish Festival.
N HONOR OF THE GALLANT Goth.

Among all the speeches we have read from
Democrats, who have generously come for
ward in the support of the Government in
this great emergency, there is no one of them
which has touched our feelings by its gencr-
Gus. eloquence, pathos and power than one
made by the gifted Thomas francis MEAGnER,
at the Great Irish Festival in honor Of the
gallant Goth Irish Regiment of New York,
and ut which the soul OF the Irish heart
flowed out in full streams Of devotion to the
land Of their adoption and to which they
owed allegiance. More than 10000 people
It is said were present on this occasion. and
Irishmen with an alacrity which has not been
exceeded by the native born. responded to
the generous sentiments expressed by this
gifted son Of Erin.
The address is characterized throughout by
passages Of striking beauty of language and
that warm hearted fervor which is distins
guished mark Of the Irish Orator, and gives
him, II an educated man, great powers OF
persuasive eloquence. This speech of Mr..
Meagher is not only truly touching to the
feelings, in its references to the gallant dead
of the Goth but 1t describes with matchless
force of logic, in the following extract, the
Justice of the cause of the country and tho
momentous questions which hang on the re-
suit Of this contest to preserve the govern
ment.
What OF the cause In which our countrymen
fell that day! Was II urgent, was II just, was
II sacred Never was there n cause more urgent
more lust. more sacred. [liear, hear, hear,
and enthusiastic cheering.l The assertion OF
The national authority, derived rs il Is from the
FIRE will and votes Of majority OF the citizens
-fbear, hear, 1.-The conservation in its integ-
rity of that magnificent expanse OF country
over which n common Constitution has thrown
It's shield, and along the frontiers and at the
gates Of which common treasury has planted
forts and custom-houses, and the nag which no
foreign hand rs yet has questioned with impu-
nity-[hear, hear, hear, 1.-The enforcement OF
the laws of Congress, the sworn compacts of
The states, the inyiolability Of the bailot-box,
and the decisions that proceed from II, the sane
tify of official oaths, tile accountability of the
public servants, the most precious fruits ofth
Revolution. the claims OF posterity, the pro-
gress of Democracy. its consolidation and as.
cendancy, the glory OF the New World; loud
cries ofhear, hear.l Behold the cause in which
those lives we're offered up. Tremendous
cbeering.l Never, Irepeat 1t, was there cause
more sacred, nor one more just nor one more
urgent. No cause more sacred. for IL comprc-
bends all that has been considered most desr-
able most valuable, most ennobling. to po-
litical society aud humanity at large. Nc cause,
more just, for II involves no scheme ofconquect
or subjugation, contemplates no distranchis-
ment of the citizen, excludes the idea OF proyin-
calsm and inferiority, aiming only at the res
toration Of franchises, powers. and property,
which were enjoyed by one people and one re.
public, and which. to be the means Of happi-
ness, fortune, and Ienown 10 mill, ns, must be
exercised and held In common under one code
of national laws. one flag, and one Executive.
No cause more urgent, for intrigues, perfdies.
armed legions. the hatred and cupidity Of for
eign courts assail II, and every reverse with
which IL Is visited serves as o pretcxt for the
desertion Of the coward, the misrepresentation
OF the politicians whose nation Is his pocket,
the preferred compromises OF men who in the
name Of peace, would capitulate to treason and
accept dishonor, encouraging the designs Of
kings, and queens, and knayes, TO whom this
great Commonwealth. with all its wonderOus
acquisitions aud incalculable promise, has been
until within the last few weeks. a source OF envy
vexation, alarm, aud discontinue, presenting.
as II did, nobler scenes Ct activity and progress
than their estates could show-sheltering and
advancing the thousands whom their rods apd
bayonsts had swept beyond the sea. and like
the mighty gen US Of the ocean confronting the
shin ofvs.co di Cana, uprising here to impel
the intrusion which would establish on the seas
and Islands Of the New World the crowned
monopolies and disabling domination Of the
Old. loud and enthusiastic cheering.l viii
the Irishmen Of New-York stand by this cali
Enthusiastic and vehement cries of"We will.
No Will resolutely, heartily. with incxorable
6dility; despite OF ell the sacrifices Il may cost
despite VI al the dangers into which u may
compel them, despite Of all the bereavements
and abiding gloom Il may bring upon such
homes ~ this day miss the Industry and loveof
the dead soldiers Of the Goth. but In some meas