The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1873-03-09
MORNING SUNDAY MARCH 1873

learned" is no fond fancy of vain and
IMAGINATIVE people, and that our Catholic
| monks-'sfossils of the thirteenth century
can meet in intellectual strife, the pride
and learning of the secular philosophers OF
eh!s age, aud without an effort can carry
away from the contest the homage due to
the victory of mind over simple presump-
ton.
We honor him above all else for the les
sons which his own example has taught US,
for while the fame of his illustrious name
could fill our largest halls to overaowing, so
that on one occasion he stood before 40, GOO
people, proclaiming the truth, and willis
his presence could fill the streets of our
nobiest cities with miles of men anxious to
DO him honor, and while every word that
fell from him was studied in the most dis
tant quarters of the globe where this lam
guage is read, by millions who can never
understand the electric inf uence of his spo-
ken words, he still preserved, as be6tsed
his monastic garb, the humility of q child
OF st. Dominiek, and he found his true
glory in regarding the honor pal dto him as
belonging not to himself, but to the land
from whose Catholic and national tradi-
tions he has drawn some of his grandest
inspirations: to the Order which had fos-
tered his genius and had set before him
the example of Aqninas-a giant in learn
ing, but still greater in humility; and to
the ancient Church yhicb had permitted
him to be q monk, aud which had laid on
him the burden ana surprising glory of
her priesthood. -
In response to- the calls from the mul-
titudes on shore for q farewell address,
Father Burke spoke briefly as follows:
"My Dear Friends.-I am leaving yon
with a heart full of gratitude and regret.
Time will mot permit me to say more, ex-
cept that1 will come back to you all in
short time expecting to find you all full of
kindness and friendship aud love for me.
I leaye you all, and in doing SO can only
leave you my heart and best blessing"
At o'clock the City ofParis backed out
and glided slowly into the stream. The
scene presented at this time was something
seldom before witnessed, the neighboring
piers were crowded to repletion with people,
while the rigging and yardarms Of the sur
rounding vessels were all occupied by men
and boys, who, with their hats waving in
the air, were cheering with all their might
To these salutes Father Burke waved his
hand, and seemed to be visibly affected by
this spontaneous outburst of his country
men. As the City of Paris glided down the
river, almost concealed from view by flags
which were floating from her mast, she
presented beautiful picture and every
steamer which she passed saluted her by
dipping their flags and blowing their steam
whistles. AT Pier 2I large crowd of peo-
pie were stationed. and as the City of Paris
came in view a large green flag was unfurl-
ed to the breeze, and the air resoanded
with the cheers of those around. The
recognized this unexpected hon
or and returned the salute. AS she passed
the pier of the White Star Line the "Cei-
tic," which was also decked wita bunting,
dipped her flag, and the crew, mounting
the ratings of the rigging, waved their
caps. 1t would be impossible for any pen
to describe tho great enthusiasm of thepeo-
pie, but sufficient to say, it was one which
Father Burke truly appreciated, and which
in his humility lie certainly did not expect.
On board the steamer, in answer to
toast Father Burke, said
II am leaving behiad me in this
such friends and warm hearts that
an filed with gratitude, and when con-
the kindness have received since
my arrival feel truly grateful. consider
that it is only what is due from my country
men, according to the customs of our
country, to expect them to receive an Irish
priest with friendship and in that warm
hearted manner for which Erin has always
been noted. 1t is the American element to
which l am truly thankful for the great
kindness shown me, and to them do give
thanks from the depth of my heart. / have
also to thank not alone the populace of this
great country, but the educated of it, the
public press-that powerful body of men,
free and unfettered, and yet enjoying that
peaceful freedom without in the least en-
it. The press was the educator
of the free, unbiased, and enlightened
American people. The American press is
not forgetful of it's duty as an Instructor of
the people. Speaking individually, 1, an
Irish friar, have received justice aud kind
ness and tenderness which l shall never |
forget. To tho press aud those of it's staff
in America l now return thanks, and
through them to the thousands thaG con-
gregated around this good vessel to say
goodbye to me. have left behind me a
legion of friends. assure you it will be
with feeling of great pride that l shall
again approach your shores, and when l |
arrive am certain of receiving a true and !
friendly reception"
To the generality Of mankind the fascina-
ton which leads 80 many to take part in |
,rctin axnlnrafinn Ia sihla |