The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-08-14
IRISH LEAGUE.

Opening Day of the Convention i'm Rostou
BOSTON, Aug. 13.-The delegates to the Second
Annual Convention of the Irish National League
began to assemble in Faneuil Hall, at half-past IL
this morning. By noon, the body of the hall was
pretty well filled with 800 delegates and the gal
leries were crowded with spectators. Among the
delegates and spectators were great many ladies.
Among the delegates are representatives of the
woman's branch Of the Irish National League re-
Gently established by Mrs. Parnell.
Inc delegates present a fine appearance, and I'M
doubleday form representative body Of Irishmen
Throughout the body of the han are MANY gentle
men whose habilments indicate their priestIy call
ing,
would be called to order at O'clock the delegates
had not all arrived at 1915
taneuil ball was never more profusely or ele-
gantly decorated than 1t was this morning The inte
rior was mass of color.
At II 30 o'clock, when the Hon. Alexander Sulli-
van enIeTe9 the hail. leaning upon the arm of John
Boyle O'keilly, his appearance was the signal for
prolonged and enthusiastic cheering which was re-
peated when the chairman shortly afterward took
ms place upon the platform. Hats and handker-
chiefs were waved and delegates rose to their feet
in their enthusiasm.
When silence was restored, Mr. Sullivan advanced
to the speakers table and called the convention to
order.
Mr.. Sullivan. in opening, alluded to the birth.
progress and aims of the Irish National LEAGUE TX
was born, he said. in an hour of woe, when the
specter of famine appeared, brought on not by The
breath of God whitening the harvest but by the
~.
the banner Of the League, earbedewed in its native
bed is the symbol of the glorious union of that race
in those homes separated by the that divide the
continents, but united by the determination of
race to achieve the independence of nation. The
League aims, not merely at a reduction of rents not
merely change from idle proprietors to
alton Of complete, national life and
the development of all diversified industries
which render people self sustaining and prosper
Gus. The work of the League in the United States
has been directed first to sending aid the treasury
sence of any emergency have been fairly met and
to the enlightenment and solidfcation of
American opinions and the results of this labor is
frankly admitted by the English press. 1t
is now apparent, the speaker said, on both
sides of the that the interests of the American
republic are identical with the interests of Ireland
Every year that witnesses the denial of self govern
ment to Ireland is year of taxation upon consid-
cradle portion of the American people for the sun-
port OF the English Crown in Ireland. The speaker
then referred to the action of the League in regard
to pauper emigration from Ireland, and the pledge
received from the two great political parties
against English landlordism in America The fuI-
flment of these pledges will be exacted until the
enactment of national and state constitutional
amendments shall insure the republic against the
American SOIL The only credentials recognized on
this floor, the speaker said, those of the Irish
National League. ION yonder threshold we
dropped our character as members of American
parties. The only demand the Irish National
League makes in American politics is the demand
for elevation of American citizenship at home and
abroad and makes the demand Of ali parties. and
it makes it go determinedly that every
party must respect it. It makes the demand not
for lrishmen alone but for every American citizen
native or adopted. The speaker closed with a rev.
lips.
The enthusiasm during the delivery of the chair
mans address was unbounded and frequently del
egates stood upon their chairs waving their hats
and shouting. The applause began in alrost the
hrst paragraph of the address and the speaker was
compelled several times to await the subsistence of
the tumult of enthusiasm before he could continue.
When the speaker referred to the work of the
National League in Ireland the convention rose en-
masSe and cheered, which was repeated when the
chairman accused the English government of bring
ing famine upon Ireland. When the speaker said
"The Shamrock on the banner of the Irish National
League tear-bedewed in its native bed, is the SYM
Dol of the glorious union of that race in those
homes separated by the that divide the conti-
nents united by the determination of the race to
achieve the independence of the nation, the ap-
pause was tremendous and it was q long time be-
fore quiet was restored.
At other points in the address these scenes were
repeated particularly when the eloquent speaker
referred to the spirit of liberty which lowered over
the hall in which the convention was assembled
and when he spoke of the great work in freedoms
cause performed by Wendell Phillips in that same
structure hallowed by liberty.
The secretary then read the call by which the
second national convention of the League was as
sembled, after which Chairman Sullivan announced
that by unanimous vote of the national committee
the following gentlemen were recommended as tenn
porary officers of the convention, and they were
elected by the unanimous vote of the body: For
temporary chairman ex-President of the National
League James Mooney of Buffalo secretaries,
Charles McGlane Of Pennsylvania, NJ. j. Gibbin Of
Iowa and Thomas j. Flatley of Massachusetts.
Father Mooney then made brief address. Com
mttees were then appointed on credentials, resolu-
tions and rules and permanent organization.
A recess of fifteen minutes was then taken. I'm
on reassembling John Boyle O'Reilley read tele-
gram frem Mr. Sexton stating that he would arrive
in Boston at p. m. The committees chosen were
then announced, after which the convention ad-
journed until p. m.
The League elected M. " Cannon of Iowa, per-
manent DreSident he tran se1,0
receipts of $43, 529 with $12,766 on hand and
$4,000 more to be added to the Parnell fund to-
morrow. The secretary stated 553 branches in
good working order
Adorned to IL a. m. tomorrow