The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1875-08-10

On the Tuesday, the monster Repeal
meeting was To have been held in the pa
wilton, Catholics and Catholic clergymen
came in large numbers from all parts OF
Ulster, bought a ticket, and with con-
siderable difficulty worked my way in
through long lines Of military and police.
About two thousand persons were pres.
ent, On the platform about twenty
Catholic priests were seated; but business
had not commenced, for OCOnnell had
not arrived. A large green flag was un.
turled from the platform and displayed
before the audience containing the single
word, "Repeal." The priests on the plat
form cheered vocifeFously when the
green sheet was unrolled; but no response
came from the crowd, the multitude
gazed al the banner and its device with
solemn silence and looks Of SORROW. This
movement was made merel y to ascertain
the political complexion Of the crowd
to feel how the pulse OF the audience beat,
and it did so. No speeches were made
there. Mr.. Gavan Duiey Immediately
announced that the Liberator would ad.
dress the public from the balcony Of
Kerns Hotel. Thither the crowd pro-
ceeled in hot haste, The streets surround
ing the hotel were black with dense mas
ses Of people, surging to and fro, like the
angry waves OF the ocean. After much
struggling, squeezing, elbowing and crush
ing, | obtained standing position below
the balcony. Mr.. O'Connell soon after
emerged out Of q large window and
stood before the immense cOnGonrse. He
was then about sixty.six, His personal
appearance ia still fresh in my memory.
He was very COrpulent, with large
smooth ruddy face Overshadowed with
brown wig. He wore gray trieze frock
coat, ! heard his speech throughout with
profound attention; and although was
not convinced by his arguments, was
fascinated by his eloquenCe. His words
and mien showed plainly that he felt in
his own heart the truth Of the statements
he made, lie read from the authority Of
eminent Protestant statesmen, that the
act Of Union with Great Britain was cur
ried by fraud and corruption, He argn-
cd that the repeal Of the obnoxious act
would promote fraternal feeling between
all Glasses of British sub eCts,-that il
would be beneficial alike 10 Protestant
and Catholic, and that it would establish
on more solid and lasting basis, the
throne OF Queen Victoria in both Great
Britain and ireland,
During the delivery oil this speech the |
yells and whOOps from the Orange faction
nearly drowned the speakers voice, Loud
shouts Of "No Repeal, and "TO h with
the Pope" were re.echOed by the mob,
and answered by lusty shouts Of "lIurrah
for Repeal" and "To h with King
William"
When the great orator finished his
speech, he stood erect on the balcony,
drew on his blue cloak, and with his arms
folded on his bosom looked down upon
the audience. He was man Of noble APP
pearOHCe; and in that position he realized
to my eyes the numerous portraits have
so frequently seen Of him. can almost
fancy ! see him still.
So ended the first aud last public Re.
peal meeting ever held in Belfast. Excit-
ed crowds filled the streets till after mid.
night.
Early next morning tho square near
the hotel was lined with armed cOnstabn.
larry. post chase drove mp to the hall
door, Mr., O'COnnell entered II and took
his final leave Of Belfast. Escorted by a
strong guard Of mounted police, 10 left
the city and went by the public road to