National Republican., 1883-06-21
TIE WOLFE TONE CLUE.

Celebration OF the One Hundred and
Twentieth Anniversary OF the Birth OF
the Irish Martyr.
The Wolfe Tone CLUB celebrated the one
hundred and twentieth anniversary of the
birth of Theobald Wolfe Tone last night at
Clan.na. Gael hall. The hall, which has been
lately enlarged, was draped with American
and Irish flags and presented most attrac-
tive appearance. Capt, James Plant presided
and Mr. J. McAvoy conducted the vocal and
instrumental performances. Capt Plant on
opening said:
birthday Of the illustrious patriot and martyr
whose principles aud memory II is the object Of
this club to maintain and perpetuate. Here at the
capital, where the wife and son Of Wolfe Tone
sleep their last sleept Is especially fitting tnat
should cherish his fame and revive the Iecollec.
ton Of his indomiteble, unremtting efforts for
the freedom of Ireland. 1t is Unnecessary
for me TO say anything TO. you OF the brief
though bright career OF the gallant founder ot the
the pleasure Of introducing will do full justice to
the subject But venture to hope that all pres.
eut. especially tho young-the risiug manhood Of
the nation-wil take the lesson his life to heart
and seek TO emulate his example.
DIR. l. Cleary then delivered an able and
eloquent address on the life and efforts of
Wolfe Tone. He spoke of his early life aud
tho difficulties by which he was surrounded,
to unite his countrymen of all
creeds He traced his career from
his boyhood, and portrayed foelingly
and foroibly the obstacles which he had to
encounter, and the noble perseverance with
which he surmounted them. His progress in
promoting the union of all sections of his
countrymen, his tact, gentleness, and con-
ciliatory power were dwelt on with fervor.
His endeavors to secure the assistance of
France and Holland, and the success which
crowned them all, were detailed with vigor
of expression which never tagged, and
listened to with the keenest interest. Ap.
plause greeted the speaker quite frequently,
and when he dwelt on the obliteraticn of
differences arising from religious views be-
came enthusiastic. After some splendid Sc
lections of American and Irish songs by
Misses Plant. Torrens, and several other ladies,
and by Messrs. McAvoy, Sullivan, McCabe, and
other amateurs Capt, Condor congratulated the
Wolfe Tone club on the success which had
marked its celebration of the one hundred
aud twentieth anniversary of the hero whose
name IL has assumed. He said that the story
of Wolfe Tones life, so ably told by the
speaker who had preceded him, taught a most
important lesson which ought to be taken well
toheart, ofhow much one u an, almost unaided,
could accomplish for his country when
actuated by the purest motives and bending
his whole energies to the task. He said that
as American citizens they felt pride in re-
membering how much of the patriots success
in enlisting the aid of France was due to
the advice of President James Monroe,
then minister Of the United States
to the French republic. 1t was not
the first time, nor would not be the last, that
American help wiuld prove beneficial to Ire,
land. He said that IL was to be regretted
that no descendant Of Tone or of his gallant
brother remained, his surviving son, who had
been a soldier Of France and the United
States, being buried in Georgetown, and his
brothers having died childless.
After the singing of God Save Ireland u
by Mr.. McAvoy, in which he was joined by
tho, entire audience, Capt Plant announced
that on July 2 a meeting would be held at
that hall to express sympathy with the fami-
lies Of the men recently executed in Ireland
The audience then separated.