Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-10-04
The Patriotic Irishman.
The Thomas +. Meagher Demonstration
In Boston.
Correspondence Of the New York Tribune.


The Meagher demonstration tonight at
tracted an immense audience. Music Hall
was filled to its utmost capacity, and more
than two thousand we're turned away unable
to gain admittance. The audience, closely
packed, numbered not less than 4,ooO.-I
About $1,000 were realized. His Excel
lency, Gov. Andrew presided, and was re-
ceived with hearty applause. In introduc-
ing Mr.. Meagner he said:
should be alike unjust to this brilliant
audience and wanting in the courtesy which
is due to the distinguished and eloquent
gentleman whose name has attracted you
hither, were l to detain you longer than to
express in few simple phrases my sense of
the honor you have done me in inviting me
to take part in this most patriotic demon
stration. These are times in which we
should have but word and blow, and the
blow should strike as soon as the word is
spoken. Another is here to strike the blow
tonight, and he will strike with noble
strength and stalwart arm. Ny province is
only to pronounce the word and that word
Thomas Francis Meagher" Tremendous
applause followed which was continued with
the waving of hats and haudkerchiels, as
Mr.. Meagher took the desk.
When quiet had been restored Mr.. Meag-
her spoke. He commenced with brilliant
and eloquent sketch of the prowess and val
or of Irishmen in the battles Of the civilized
world The Irish soldier Rad left his foot
prints in every camp, and his blood had
moistened every battlefield until he has
found at last cause in which he can draw
the sword with honor unchallended and un-
impeached. He examined with searching
power the reasons which had induced the
Southern people to unsheath the sword in
fratricidal war-not against the government
simply, but against the people. So far
from being the wronged party the South
had been the ruling party. Butin this very
fact we find the only reason for revolt
The Southerner had become SO accustomed
to rule he could not reconcile to the will Of
the majority, constitutionally expressed
when that will took the reins Of power from
his hands.
In regard to President Lincoln he iocu
larly asked: "Was he not qualified for of
fce" "Was he not of the proper age l"-
"Was he not perfectly whites" "Was hi
blood attaintedr "Was there curl in hi
hair| No matter under what platform he
was nominated, or under what illuminated
professions his campaign was conducted
the moment he took the oath of President
of the United States, that moment the plat
form disappeared from his view; he belev
ed in nothing but this magnificent country
before him to preside over, and under the
constitution and the laws. He contended
that if individuals and States have stepped
aside from their duty to other States and
sections the Union had been faithful to the
South. So said the Emperor of Russia the
other day, and so will impartial history say
when it comes to record the events now in
progress. He examined the position of the
"Peace" conspirators with clear and search
ing sarcasm.
To talk of peace, he said, to such gov
eminent, with such harvest of insolence tc
thrash out, was treason to the country ant
civilization. He had been Democrat, anC
with peace would be Democrat again, bu
during the war he aOGS no Democrat. L
should not be written on his grave as wa;
written of an illustrious countryman, che gave
up for party what was intended for man
hood" He did not hesitate TO say that the
peace conspirators of the North were all
Democrats.
In the concluding portion of his address,
Mr. Meagher was especially eloquent, and
stirred the hearts of bis auditors as with the
sound of n trumpet, when he invoked them
by all they valued and all they held dear as
Irishmen, to rally for the defense of the flag,
and he would inscribe upon that flag,
"Death, if you will; victory, if God will give
it US; but no defeat and no retreat"
He paid warm ard feeling tribute to
the patriotism of the brave, enduring Col
Mulligan, which was received with warm
applause, and drew a vivid picture of the
return Of our armies to their homes-after
victory shall have restored the Union in its
integrity. After the meeting Mr.. Meagher
was conducted to the Parker House to par
take of banquet that had been spread in
his honor Patriotic speeches, songs and
sentiment mingled with the good cheer,
and every one enjoyed himself to his hearts
content.
Irishmen of Fremont! Fellow country
men of Emmet! Enthusiastic admirers O
the patriotic sons of the land of the sham
rock who listen to the burning words o
patiotism as they fall from the lips of th'
noble Meagher, who with his life in hanC
grasps the Stars and Stripes ofhis adopted
country and bears them gallantly wher
conflict is deadliest; or look with glowing
pride and enthusiasm upon the valororou
deeds of Corcoran and Mulligan, will no
you stand by this same flagl Will you no
say as does Meagher, that at this time yol
are "no Democrat" no partisan, but you arr
for Union with all and every true man L
sustain the honor integrity and perpetuity
Of this Union Of ours9 Partisan strife anC
animosity have no business in the presen
campain. Republicans do not ask or desire
it. True, loyal Democrats do not demand
it. Union men only ask that ALL the peo-
pie unite upon one common platform, and
thus sustain the Government and preserve
the Union. Will not the staunch, and
tue-hearled Irishmen Of this county rank
themselves beside Meagher in time like
this? The country demands it, vour oWI