The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1878-03-22
WHEN WAS sr. PATRICK BOnN .


The New York Herald Of the 18th, In
discussing the question, When was st.
Patrick bornf says: 4
But pin him Ian Trishmanl down. meiaphori-
eally, Of course, to the one question, When WAS
81 Patrick born AMI he will begin TO hedge. He
will make violent endeavors TO lead you into 0
labyrinth Of kings, and perhaps offer to sing
"Tara's Halls !" hold on TO him, however, and
he will at last confess that he is, at least. In
doubt when the sainted Frenchman was born.
Take up the ''Amefioan Alrsanac." which pro-
sesses to give the dates of tie birth and death
Of notable PERSONS" and you will find Martin
Luther, King William aud Julius Caesar all
properly accounted for. Turn to the letter r.
and this is what you will behold q
Born. Died.
Patrick, Saint. Observation-Disclosures? 1882
The writer Of the foregoing paragraph
should be Immediately dismissed from
the staff of the Herald for his woiul and
inexcusable ignorance on this important
subject. 1t Is true that some eight or
ten centuries ago difference of opinion
did exist Is to when the great Apostle OF
Ireland first saw the light; but the Diff
ference of opinion involved was only
twenty-four hours. A large aud at that
time influential element OF the population
insisted that his reverence was ushered
into being on the Sth of March, while o
small but turbulent minority were equal
ly positive that It was the day following,
or the 9th Of March, when the world was
first blessed by the presence of
the greatest of missionaries. De>
bate on the question waxed hot words
led to blows, and every part Of the Ems
erald Gem, from the ''center to the sea-"
became so violently agitated over this
absorbing question that war and "bloody
ruction" seemed inevitable. 10 escape
from this threatening condition OF
things, however, some OF the wisest men
of the nation came together, and after de-
liberating suggested that representative
convention (the first on record) be held,
to which the question should be submit,
ted, In the hope that some satisfactory
conclusion might be reached, that turbu.
lence and disorder might cease, and that
the country might again resume its
wonted peace. Although history is
somewhat obscure as to the place of
meeting, the tact OF the meeting itself is
placed beyond all doubt. After the
election OF president, vice>presdsnt
from each of the four provinces, and
secretary (the editor of the organ of the
minority, committee was appointed to
whom the subject was referred. This
committee failed to agree, and the efforts
of the public.spirited gentlemen who
conceived the idea OF the conven>
ton promised to end in utter
failure; majority and minority reports
were submitted, the adherents of either
faction refusing to bulge an inch; tumult
and confusion reigned; in vain did the
chairman beat the desk with his gsvel Ia
shillelah) in an attempt to bring the
nesting to order. But O'Connells In
embryo were there, even at that remote
period. The delegate from Glare (his
name Is wholly immsteriaD assumed an
elevated position by mounting bis desk.
The novelty of the action 1.-THE custom
has prevailed more or less in all civilized
countries since) Immediately arrested the
attention and excited the curiosity Of the
members, followed, naturally, by pro-
found silence throughout the immense
hall. Taking advantage of the situation,
and inspired, it is said, by the most verap
cious chroniclers OF that time. by the
spirit of the glorious apostle himself, he
moved, in the interest OF peace and con,
Citation, that compromise be effected
1.-THE first compromise measure recorded);
ana touO tills IL would not De neceSSaryfOr
either party to swervc an iota from it's
cherished opinions, for by adding the Sth
and 9th together they would have the
l7th-a common day which all could
celebrate, and common ground upon
which all could stand. The wilson and
ingenuity of the proposition
flashed upon the minds of the
delegates with the rapidity of light,
ming, and it was unanimously adopted
amid the widest enthusiasm. From that
day to this the decision Of that memoirs
BILE meeting has been sacredly respected,
and nothing but the do1sest ignorance
IN an editorial Omedan could throw any
doubt upon the birthday Of lreland's
patron saint. We hope this settles the