Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-03-24
CHICAGO LETTER
spseIai Corrs.go6dsnos PaBlIs IlsdssI.I

weather was concerned. If the da.
had been fine the parade would havI
been the largest and most attractiv,
demonstration ever witnessed in THU
or any other city. No expense hat
been spared by those in charge Of the
ceremonies to make them the grand
est display Of patriotic love and honor
for the patron saint Of Ireland eveI
presented to the public. Although
the route Of march was villainously
muddy, the parade would have num-
bered at least $4,000 persons--com-
posed of military, civic, and church
Societies: besides 800 Socialists, in
green and gold regalia. But the rain
coming down suddenly in torrents dis
PEELED the anticipated glory Of the
occasion, and hastily returned to their
homes and places of shelter, the
hundreds of thousands Of participants
and spectators who had assembled to
do honor to the day that Irishmen so
love to celebrate. However, as dis
appointing as was the anticipated de.
lights of the day, the festivities OF the
night we're surprisingly delightful in
banquets, balls, toasts, speeches and
sweet music. In every section OF the
city the several societies held reunions,
and the most enjoyable results fol-
lowed. The most notable OF these
events were the balls and banquets OF
the st. Patrick's Society, at the
Palmer House, and the Irish -Ameri-
can Club, at the Sherman House
The FIRST Of these organizations is one
Of the oldest in the city and embraces
ia its folds some of the best men Of
Chicago. The Irish American Club
is of recent origin, and is partly politi-
cal, but entirely wrapped up in enthu-
siasm for Ireland's independence from
England's despotism. 1t is composed
of the best men of the country
judges, lawyers, bankers, merchants.
editors, artisans, mechanics every
one of whom is rock rooted in his
determination to see ireland free from
England's cruel bondage. This was
the first entertainment Of the club and
it was a grand and glorious affair.
Over 400 guests sat down to the ban
uuet-every chair at the four very
long tables being full Of persons only
who had received invitations, your
correspondent being among the mum
Der SO honored. The hall was appro-
priately draped with the American
flags, the "sunbursts" Of Ireland, and
the orange and green" entwined,
these falling gracefully around fine
painting Of Ireland's grand patriot,
Charles Stewart Parnell, by Miss
Leonore Young, a beautiful young
genius of Chicago. The large gather
ing represented all walks of Chicsgo's
best society. The rich toilets
of the ladies were only equalled
by the countless lovely faces
that lent a charm to the joyous
occasion, and whose sweet smiles and
happy laughter made the hearts Of all
present beat louder in sympathy for
poor Ireland. The banquet was sim
ply unsurpassed in all its appoint.
ments from soup to champagne, and if
it we're not that the day was Friday,
the feast would have been immeasur-
ably more enjoyed by many scores
present. When the napkins were
folded away, the band struck up "St.
Patrick's Day" At the conclusion
Of this stirring air, the President of
the club, Hon. w. ]. Hynes, late
Congressman from Arkansaw, an
nounced the first toast THE Day
We Celebrate, and responded to
it himself in his happiest vein. The
next, THE President Of the United
States" was replied to by Hon. W. X.
Sullivan, Of the Chicago Evening
Journal. Mr.. S. is an educated gen.
tleman of high order, consequently
is was no surprise to the
company that he discussed his subject
in SO happy manner. Mayor Harri-
rison replied to THE City Of Chicago"
In his usual eloquent style; Hon. j. j..
Fitzgibbon to "The Women OF Ire
land aud America" In his role he
paid a fitting tribute to woman's
beauty, virtue, loyalty and love. The
Press" was set for Hon. w. E. Stone,
Of the Chicago Daily News; but as
that gentleman was unavoidably alb
sent, Hon. w. X. Sullivan had to do
the honors. The third toast of the
evening was ireland and Her Ma
tional Aspirations" This was re-
piled 10 by Hon. John f. Finerty,
editor Of the Chicago Citizen, one Of
the abless advocates of Irish national
sentiments in the country. Mr.. I. is
striking figure, being tall, well
formed, with fine forehead, aud truly
oratorical Of speech, with q COM
maud of language amounting to the
marvellous, and voice as attractive
as rich toned instrument under con
troll of master musicians hand. His
speech was the GROWING effort of the
evening. His just arrangement Of
England for the cruel wrongs COM
mitted upon ireland, was like thun
derbolt from heaven upturning a
charnel house and exposing to view
the hideous pictures presented there,
caused by the foul tyrants and hellsh
persecution Of his countrymen. His
climaxes we're simply grand, and as
their last notes died away, he was
greeted by thunders of applause, such
as the most gifted orator in a patriot
ie cause might we'll feel honored BY
receiving. The banquet being over,
the guests promenaded the corridors
and splendid parlors of the hotel until
the evidences of the past had disap-
peared, when they we're sum-
moned by the band to
the court of the Dance" there
to revol in the blissful and intoxi.
eating mazes woven by woman's love
illness, gay laughter, smiles from loving
/ II a