National Republican., 1882-02-21
THE CLAN-NA-GAEL.

To the Editor Of THE REPUBLICAN,
letter appeared in Saturdays RErUBLIcAN con-
demning the parade and banquet on ST. Patricks
Day and signed "Clan. ma Gael" As that COM
munication has caused considerable feeling
among the members Of the societies who will
parade and among those who have made arrange.
ments TO attend tho banquet l am reluctantly
constrained to say at the request and on behalf Of
the members Of the Clan. ma Gael Association Of
this city, that they have no wish whatever TO in
tormcddle WITH crtiolse, or condemn tho action
of their sister societies that of the banquet
mttee. They believe thatthe fullestllberty ofacon
should be allowed to all interested, and repudiate
any attempt TO compromise them by anonymous
writing. They are grateful for the support re-
ceived from the societies-especially at the recep
ton of Mr. Parnell-and will always exert them.
selves to promote and perpetuate unity aud good
feeling and to prevent tho success Of efforts to
produce mischief and create dscord II is said that
mere ought to be no frttering away of resources
In idle and vain pnrades aud bnnQucts" The
same remark appHfSHyth equal force to almost
EVERY SORT or DEMONSTRATIONS
to balls for instance, in which very large amount
Is expended on hall rent music, refreshments
and other matters, and which are moreover very
strongly disapproyed Of at that season, by those
whose position and calling give them the right to
speak with authority and be heard with respect,
a well-ordered procession has, In the opinion Of
many, good effect, not only on those participat.
Ing, but upon the general public. The news of
these demonstrations Is heard with pride and
pleasure by those who nre face TO face with their
OuemleS ana gives them confidence anu bOldncSS
PROFESSIONS have played an important part in the
efforts and success of the Land League in Ireland,
ana even here last summer those who are now
condemned for intending to parade were re.
quested to do so III aid OF the movements and
when we read In the latest Irish papers that pOpu-
lar professions are still continued II will be plain
that no impropricty can fairly be charged against
those Joining In them here. ST. PatriCk's Day Is an
American as well as an Irish annivcrsary--that of
the first
GREAT TRIUMPH OF WASHINGTON
over the British, the evacuation Of Boston, and no
citizen VIII object to see II hOnorcd IN a becom-
ing manner. From period commencing many
lrishmen and their descendants and friends have
celebrated the day by banquet In this country,
nnu II would not be well now aud here ut the Cap.
ltul OF the Republic to abandon the almost uni-
veIsnl custom. 1t would be taken TO indicate
dccadence of national spirit, and have no doubt
Day here would give more satisfaction to the Brit.
ish government and its friends than 10 any one
else. do not believe that those who take part in
pufadcs arc inferior In generosity to others. Here
they give literally TO the Orphanages and other
charitable institutions on their route, and have
given out of their treasures aud their pockets
freely for the relief of their suffering
KINDRED BEYOND THE SEA.
III felt at liberty to offer suggestion IL would be
that the members of the societies parading and
those attending the banquet contribute something
on that occasion to the Land League or prisoners
maintenance fund. The amount raised would
not perhaps compare unflvorably with that OBJ
taiued from other sources and all cause NS cRvil
would disappear. i earnestly trust that thGspirit
ofjeaousy and Of fault-tinding will b0 replaced by
one of kindly feeling and generous emulation, and
thus mischief viii be prevented and peace and
harmony insured.
ED OMEAGHER CONDON