The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-03-24
st. Patrick's Day.

BANQUET.
Last Thursday was day long to be remem-
bered by our citizens, and especially by those
of Irish parentage, many of whom are among
the most prominent of our business men. Ii
was the occasion of genuine Irish celebration
one of the most successful ever held IN
Staunton and as handsomely gotten up as
could possibly have been. Of course the
weather was disagreeable, st. Patricks day al
ways is, but in pleasant contrast was the exc
cution of every detail of the celebration. Each
part of the programme was perfectly perform
ed, and throughout the demonstration was
tribute to the executive ability Of those en-
trusted with the management.
We mentioned last week, that on Wednes-
day evening many Of the houses were beautl-
fully decorated, festoons of evergreens, nags,
and notices covering the fronts, presenting a
tasteful and cheerful appearance. These prep
arations were made in honor of the occasion
and as a special reception apparel for the WIS.,
itors expected. The Hibernian Beneficial So
ciety of Staunton, an organization which en-
braces almost all of the prominent Irish cltl-
zens of the place, had invited the st. Patrick S
Society of Lynchburg, to join with them IN
celebrating the day set apart in remembrance
of the Patron Saint of the Green Isle. On
Wednesday evening the Lynchburg organiza-
ton reached here embracing the following
gentlemen
Father Lynch, of Lexington Va; M. Omea-
IA, President; j Hurley, 1st Vice President;
P Martin, Treasurer, ] D Sullivan, Recording
Secretary; Jas Fcaley, Financial Secretary :;
] T Shaner, DR. Lee Station, Eugene A Cassidy,
H C Tankersley, Jas G Ryan, P Cohill, Jno
F McSarley, VIM H Mclaughlin, VIM Nc
Laughlin, D B Kennady, McCarron, M
Kegny, James Slaven, Chas Boyle, Jr, Thos
O'Brien, Jno G Donovan, John A Cassidy,
VIM Dorsey, John Nolan, James A Nolan, nj
] Healey, R A Carter, E McKenna, P Dono-
van, T H Jiles, Jas F Mclaughlin, J w Ke-
ley, Jno T Wrenn, L P Ligon, and Dennis P
Morris.
At the c. s. o. Depot they were met oy the
Stonewall Band and escorted to the Armory
in the civ Hall, which had been handsomely
fitted up for their reception-the walls being
covered with elegant paintings and steel en-
cravings, about which were twined garlands
and wreaths of evergreen. Above the platform
fronting the entrance, was the motto "Caed
Millae Faelthe" Ia hundred thousand well
comes), and beneath it was a large gilt harp,
with Erin Go Bragh," ireland forever) encir-
cling the base.
| President Burns of the Stanton Society,
welcomed the visitors in neat and hearty lit
tie address, and was responded to by President
| Omeara of Lynchburg Father O'Ferrell then
spoke briefly, and Vice President Hurley, on
behalf of the Lynchburgers replied. Refresh
ments were served and an hour or two spent
in pleasant conversation, after which the visit
ors were taken to the Virginia Hotel for the
night.
On Thursday morning both societies assem-
bled in the Armory, and, headed by the Stone
wall Band, marched to St. Francis Church,
where high mass was celebrated by Father
Lynch, and most excellent address, suitable
to the occasion, delivered by Father McVerry.
The singing was exquisite, many of the finest
protestant and catholic voices of the city join
| ing in the sacred songs. After the service the
procession was reformed and paraded the
principal streets. 1t was handsome turnout,
the members of the order being uniformed in
elegant green regalia, trimmed with gold
fringe, white gloves and SLOUGH hat Topped up
on one side by gilt harp, with long white
and green ostrich feather flowing down be-
hind. As they moved along the band played
a number of Irish airs. 1t was fine looking
body of men, and under command of 1t. Nc
Quaide and Timothy Hounihan as marshals,
marched with the precision of regulars
When they again reached the Armory,
Mayor Balthis extended to them the hospitali-
ty of the city in most cordial address, and
President Burns added a few warm words of
welcome. Appropriate responses were made
by President Omeara and others. From that
on until evening the Armory was thrown open
| and speeches, recitations and toasts were the
order of the day. JAS Bowler, Esq, Superin.
tendent of schools for Allegheny county, and
young attorney who will make his mark
high up in the profession, delivered capital
| little address, Vice President Hurley of Lynch
burg recited poem of Father Burke, and a
number of others added to the pleasure of the
evening At nine o'clock the services Of the
Stonewall Band were again called into requi-
sition, and the procession reformed and
marched to the Virginia Hotel, where splen-
did banquet was prepared. The large dining
room was filed, there being scores of invited
guests in addition to the members OF the two
orders. The supper was simply elegant, the
bill of fare embracing almost everything that
could tempt the appetite. After meats, oysters
| &C., were the refreshments and fruits, and
then the champagne came on, and with it toasts
and responses President Burns was master
of ceremonies and performed the trying duties
of the position with more than credit to him
SELF The toasts were as follows:
"The day we celebrate" -Responded to by
j. Yost.
"Our invited guests-Welcome visitors."-
Responded to by President Omeara.
"Our city'-Respondedt to by Mayor Balthis.
"Ireland-from dscord may harmony arise"
Responded to by M. F. White, Esq.
MAY we as citizens be free without faction
Responded to by Fl. St. G.. Tucker, Esq.
MAY the enemies of America never meet
friend in our country to by Sec
rotary Sullivan of Lynchburg.
May the names of Emmett, Curran and
Grattan-Irelands illustrious sons, remain ever
fresh in our memories"-Responded to by
Chas. Grattan, Esq.
"The Bar"-Responded to by Capt. James
Bumgardner, Commonwealth Attorney.
"Our Representatives in Congress"-Re
sponded to by Hon. Jno. Paul. Congressman
elect from this district.
"Stonewall Band"-Responded to on behalf
of the Band, by H. St. G. Tucker, Esq.
"The Ladies Responded to by Capt Jas.
Bumgardner.
After the toasts President Burns and w. H.
H. Lynn, Esq. were called upon and made
handsome little speeches. The responses to
the toasts were all appropriate and happy, and
the evening passed off as pleasantly as posi-
BILE. The festivities were kept up until late
hour, but throughout the best of order was
preserved. We have attended number of