Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-10-22
TIE HENRY A. WISE FUND.
Remarks of Mr.. Hanson and Prof.
Mitchell before tue Irish Literary

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Society.
Alta meeting held on Tuesday evening,
the 18th instant, for the purpose of con.
tributing toward fund to prucure res
idencs and suitable provision for the
Hon. Fl. A. Wise, the following remarks
were made, which, as they embody the
sentiments Of th,t important and infu-
entail class of citizens benefited by the
noble stand of Henry A. Wise, we wish
to lay in substance before the public.
S. Fl. Hanson addressed the meeting
first, and commenced by showing that
the objects of naturalized citizens in this
movement were two-fold-the repayment
Of a debt of gratitude to one who asserted
and maintained their liberties, and to
show that they are determined, at this
time, to adhere to the principles promul-
gated by that great lover of civil and
religious liberty, inasmuch as they are
in wide degree threatened in like man
ner at the present time.
Having wildly pointed out the vile
and unconstitutional objects which the
Kuow.Nothing party had in view; the
vast majority of that party in the State
of Virginia; their fell designs especially
against the Catholics, and the uDfinch-
ing stand Of Henry a. Wise against
such msjority, the speaker proceeded
to show that, in defeating Know-Noth-
ipgism in Virginia, he dealt the move
ment a death blow from which it did
not recover; that, of all others,
Irishmen owed most to the nehle
statesman, was then convincingly
shown; especially Know Nothingism
assailed them, for their religion was most
obnoxious to that party, And here the
speaker pointed out that at the present
day Henry A. Wise was needed as much
as in 1856; for the same spirit was once
again abroad, and the religion Of Irish
men was made scoff and plea against
their citizenship. Ia support of this the
speaker read extracts from the Chicago
Post, in which condensation Of all that
was vile, insulting and calumniating was
written against the Catholic Church,
after which it goes on to state: In this
country it Catholicism is adverse to the
progress of free ideas-to the spread of
truth-to the liberty Of the individual
and so it is everywhere" Farther on
the quotation read: "In q word, all
Catholics owe to the Pope higher allie
glance than they owe to the State Of which
they are citizens or subjects. Hence, we
hold that no man can be a good, obe-
dent and loyal citizen Of the United
States, and at the same time be good,
loyal and ebedien. son of the Church.
He must be false to one or to the other.
Hence, the speaker proceeded to develop,
this movement is one in defense of prin-
ciple, and our action is TO determine how
far we are prepared to show that we value
our principles, our freedom, our religion,
by rewarding him who in the hour of
need saved as from a fearful calamity.
This sketch barely embraces the salient
points of an address replete with earnest
and stirring eloquenee.. II
Prof p l.. Mitchell, more directly on the
part Of Irishmen, next addressed the
meeting. This speaker stated that he
had heard learned pbilologisis assert that
the term " gratitude " did not exist in the
Irish tongue; but, if not there, il truly did
exist in the Irish heart, and. being
universal Law OF Irish nature, required no
expression TO conveyit Proceeding to
show that whatever Of official position,
public trust or influence IrishRfn pos
sessed was owing to the stand taken By
Henry A. Wise. The speaker urged
unanimous action and unstinted liberal
iiy and that il was a good opportunity
% show our enemies the value we place
GU our rights. and our determination 10
maintain them in spite Of al opposition
and unconstiiutional tyranny. Dgelling
somewhat on this topic, the speaker
brought his remarks 10 close BY obscrv-
ing that determined as We were 70 stand
shaulder 10 shoulder in defence Of our
civil and fesisioos rirnts, rise Proyi-
de1ce would raise ne uen IN the future,
as in the past. 70 overthroS The uachina-
tons Of political enemies.
About two hahdrsd, dollars we're sob
sori5sj 81 De meeting, Which VAS adj
journed al thursday ersuing At I pm,
81 he hal Of the IEish Literary Ass0eia-
rcu.