Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-02-18
The 81. Patrick's Day Parade.

To the Editor Of The EVENING STAR:
A short time since an announcement was made
in the daily press to the effect that the ST. Pat
rick day parade Of Irishmen of thecity had been
abandoned this year. This was done it was
said SO aid the funds Of the land league No
doubt TO support the land league is merftori-
Gus action: and, as such il would not have called
forth the remarks subjoined. But il goes fur
Their and yainly assumes to abolish the obnoxious
parade.
There are certain Irish societies who usually
make up the membership of the St Patricks
day parade. and ii appears that the oflicious
gentlemen who desired 10 abolish il did not CON.
suit their wishes at all. On the contrary. il in
Wen known that the societies will parade and
that the citizens who usually meet on that fes-
tive occasion viii again do so: and
'Tosstold Ireland dear old Ireland: Ireland boys,
hurrah !"
There is no good reason why the parads
should be abandoned; and there are many for
the parade that ought to gain the appreciation
OF the community. and the Irish in particular
There is no nation in existence that has not set
apart one day of the year and denominated it
lie nationdl holiday. 1t matters not what mis-
fortunes ensue, in war. inpeace. and even in the
dire calamity of famine. the national heart IL
capable OF one feeble thr0b then reyives to
worship at the altar oflbeIty. and celebrate it's
national existence. Hence it is that freshmen
celebrate nationality that was founded moro
than fourteen hundred years ago St Patrick con-
verified Ireland to Christianity in the fourth CEN
fury; and. although for a long time the 18th Of
March was religious anniversary TO commence
rate that event. it has now become a national
holiday in a political sense
Many bloody day; many a long night OF
sorrow and oppression lis embraced in that long
period: but it is the boast of the Irish race that
all the sacrifices which have distinguished pee-
pies more fortunate. have been made by them;
that they never for moment abandoned their
claim, by ceasing to struggle, and have not for
feitj their right to national existence; and ii is
TO be presumed they never will do it.
Those who oppose their aspirations look not
with favor upon demonstrations which act az
bonds OF union to lrishmen, and are besides
sources Of pride and recreation. Whether i'm
Dublin or London; i'm France or the United
States, the demonstrations are orderly and in
nearly every instance. where there is street
parade, it lis picturesque and beautiful sight,
affording great deal of pleasure.
There are some people vine, although not
inimical TO the Irish national cause. do not view
these demonstrations with kindly eye. They
argue that being American citizens. lrishism is
an intrusion here. Such people Do not reflect
that it is a most natural and proper thing for
Americans when i'm London and Paris to cele-
braee the Fourth of July; and that the Irish are
entitled to follow what nature prompts every
brave and liberty-loving people to do-to love
their native land.
In Doing this their fealty to their adopted
country is not diminished. Because the Irish
brigade celebrated st. Patrick's day at F:ll-
mouth, Va, it did not cause them 10 falter at
the charge on Marye's Heights. There is no
man bold enough To assume that any contin-
gency can arise that would weaken the fidelity
OF the Irish to the government Of their adopted
country.
The enemies OF Irish nationality expend an
nually great deal of valuable time i'm denoun-
cling st. Patrick's day parades i'm the vain en-
deavor to abolish them. They threaten and
sheer at and ridicule the idea. Why2 Because
they know it is a demonstration in favor Of
Irish nationality, and they know il it could be
abolished the aspirations of the people i'm Tint
direction would be dead or dying. But they are
not dead nor sleeping, and the Irish Americans
will parade through the snow and the sleet a
usual, each bold, strong man in the ranks hum
ming as he trudges through the mud:
tour scorn and hatred TO our foes
We're Paddles ever more"