The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-12-06
Deconinck slowly bent his knee, bowed his
head and prayed with folded hands.

Deconinck slowly bent his knee, bowed his
head, and prayed with folded hands.
When one throws stone into still water
the movement spreads in tremulous circles
over the entire surface, and awakens the ripples
of the whole lake; SO the thought and the act
of Deconinck communicated themselves to that
crowd of citizens, although but few could
positively see him. First, those who were i'm
mediately near to him, knelt silently down
then the movement extended itself further and
further amongst the moro distant, until every
head was bowed in prayer the voices Of those
in the centre of the vast circle were fret
hushed, and SO further and further spread the
silence. until it pervaded the whole multitude.
Eight Thousand knees touched the yet bloody
earth; eight thousand heads BUNDLED them
selves before the God who hath created men
for freedom. What harmony must have
swelled up to the Throne of the Most High In
that moment How grateful to Him must have
been that solemn prayer, which, like cloud
of fragrance, was waited upwards to His Foot
stool
After a short time Deconinck arose, and
ayailed himself of the unbroken stiffness to
address the following words to his assembled
| fellow-ci citizens:
"Brothers! this day the sun shines on Us
| with fairer splendor, the breeze of heaven is
| pnrer and more exhilarating in our city; the
the breath of the foreigner pollutes it no more.
| The naughty Frenchmen deemed that we were
| their slaves for ever; but they have learned,
| at the price of their lives, that our Lion may
| indeed slumber awhile-die it never can.
Again have we re-conquered the heritage of
our fathers and washed out in blood the foot
prints of the aliens. But all our enemies are
not yet overcome; France will send US yet
more armed hirelings, for blood demands
blood. That, indeed, is. of small moment, for
henceforth we are.invincible; but, neverthe-
less think not that you may sleep after the
victory achieved. Keep your hearts firm, bold
quiet never let the noble fire which at this
moment CLOVIS in your breasts WAIVER or wane
Let each betake himself now to his abode, and
rejoice with his family in the victory of this
day. Exult, and drink the wine of gladness
for this is the fairest day of your lives. Those
citizens who have no wine may go to the hall
there q measure shall be distri buted to each.'
. The shouts which gradually became louder
and louder, did not permit Deconinck to SOY
more he made sign to the surrounding deans
and went with them up the Stone Street. Th'
: crowds reverently made way for him, and OIL
him, above all, were bestowed the gladstone
greetings of the happy citizens. Every on
now pressed towards the standard which
reared itself up by the side of the gallows
each in succession gazed with ecstasy on tn
l Blue Lion, as friend who had again re
f turned amongst his brethren after long jour
: neyings in strange lands. They stretched on
i their hands towards it; and were SO ovel
8 powered, with joy, that they would hav
d seemed to the cool and dispassionate observe
d to have lost their senses.
T Soon came guildsmen with full cans back
l. the market place. and spread the joyful tidng
G that a measure of wine would be distribute
to each. Al hour later every citizen had
20 wins-glass IN his hand. And SO ended tt
rs eventful day, without confusion and withoI
rs strife; one and the Same feeling quieken'
N every hears-she feeling which fills tho hea
se of . captive when he once moro behelds Il
m light Of the sun, and the wide world is his on
IL prison.