The Portland daily press., 1875-03-18

The reverend lecturer then began to sketch
very briefly the state or condition of the irish
people as they were before and after the advent
of their great apostle. Before his arrival on
their shore, they were IN possession of peace
able and well organized government, undis-
turbed within, unmolested from without Ire
land was in the enjoyment of a civilization SUI
peror to most other nations and better sys-
tenn of morality prevailed than in any other
country.
The Irish people displayed beautiful COM
bination OF noble characteristics, even when not
elevated, purified and sanctified by the spirit of
Christianity. These qualities Were an unbound
ed generosity of heart, elevated moral senti-
ment, a gay, happy, cheerful disposition, and
an innate reverence for all that was deemed
noble, holy or sacred in nature or religion.
Never was there soil better prepared for the
sowing of that seed which is productive OF
eternal life.
/ The reverend gentleman then spoke of St.
Patrick's abors, his astonishing success and the
never.failing fruits of his holy mission. The
great impetus which his efforts gave to educa-
ton spread Ireland's reputation throughout
Europe. Its schools and monasteries became
famous, and attracted students from all arts.
These students not only eceived their educa-
ton gratuitously, but were also looked upon as
honored guests during their stay:
England's great King Alfred received his
dep, the historian, brought with him professors
for Oxford College. Scaliger, j., the German
author states that for two centuries after
Charlemagne nearly all the learned men OF
Europe, 'Jere omnes docti," were from Erln,s
shores. Ozanam, distinguished French
writer, declares that to the Irish race exclusive.
" belong tie great honor for the diffusion OF
knowledge and religion over the continent OF
Europe from the sixth to the tenth century,
The lecturer then proeeeded1tO speak of Ire
land in the days of its trial and persecution,
when its holy religion was prescribed and its
people deprived of all opportunity OF educa-
ton; the great number of distinguished men 1t
nevertheless produced-patriots, poets, orators
and scholars, besides the great number OF SAINTS
it numbers amongst its children, thereby
meriting from an impartial world the most
honorable of titles, 1.-The Island of Saints. -
The reverend gentleman then finished his DIS
course by an appeal for the preservation OF that
ancient faith which is the brightest gem III
Erin's crown, and for the cultivation of those
Christian virtues which are its adornment
At the close of the lecture the children fin
ished their concert. The entertainment passed
off very pleasantly, and reflects great credit
upon Rev. Father Bradley, who had the matter
in charge.
MONTGOMERY GUARDS.
The members of the Montgomery Guards,
with their ladies, met at the armory of the
company, which had been most elaborately
and tastefully decorated with national and
other flags, where the feeting hours were spent
in dancing to Chambers excellent music.
Supper was served at midnight, and it was we'll
along in the small hours when Capt. McMahon
dismissed his comrades and their ladies' 1t
was very quiet and agreeable affair, rejecting
credit upon the soldierly Montgomerys.
SHERIDAN CADETS.
This Company and their friends gathered at
tho armorv of the company, where a very
pleasant time was spent Dancing took up
mostof the time. About midnight supper
was served Dancing followed, and the party
did not break up until late hour. 1t was
very orderly party, and all hands enjoyed them
selves.
LANCASTER HALL.
The Young Mems Social Club gave an assem-
bly at Lancaster Hall. The company present
was not large but it was pleasant affair."
Cole furnished the music.