The Portland daily press., 1885-12-10
IRISH NATIONAL LEAGUE.
Revival of the Branch in this City
Last Evening.
Address by Hon. Richard Sutton of
Quebec.

The public meeting in aid of the Irish National
League at the L A. r. A. hall on Plum street, last
evening was largely attended, and resulted in the
revival of the old branch of the league in this city
The meeting was addressed by the Hon. Richard
Sutton of Quebec.
The meeting was called to order at shortly after
eight O'Clock by General John j. Lynch. Gen.
Lynch said he was glad to see so many present,
and would announce that this was revival of the
old league which has not been dead but sleeping.
The news from the other side of the water is
cheering but those there need the help of their
friends in this country. The chairman then said
that the election of officers was in order.
Mr.. Looney thought the first thing to do would
be to elect officers in order to procure charter
from the Irish National League, thus forming
branch of the league.
On motion of Mr.. Charles Mccarthy, Jr Messrs.
Mccarthy, Looney and OConnell were appointed
a committee to submit list of officers. The COM
mittee after deliberation reported as follows
President-James Cunningham.
Vice PreSident-Gen. John j. Lynch.
Secretary-W VIM. III. Looney.
TreaSurer-ThomaS Mcmahon.
The secretary was instructed to cast the vote of
the association for these gentlemen and they
were duly declared elected.
Mr.. Sutton was then introduced and greeted
with applause He is man of prepossessing APP
pearance, apparently between 40 and 80 years of
age and spoke with ease presenting his subject
forcibly. He spoke in brief as follows:
Mr. Chairman and Gentlenaen:-It may seem
presumptuOus in me to address you upon the Irish
question which has called forth the efforts of
ators and statesmen, but the question is so great
that the humblest words are welcomed for it.
What is this Irish question:? 1t is that Ireland
shall be crowned with the diadem of nationality.
/ think this demand of Ireland for her nationhood
fln0fr Aln To-
were born in Ireland alone her very name is
sufficient to stir our hearts, and you who were
born in America, the sons OF those who early
crossed the stormy ocean, do you need any elo-
quence in the presentation of the question? In
such language as can command then, will pre-
sent the question and speak OF the objections ad-
When England was inhabited by savages, Ire
land was the home OF civilized people, to whom
worthy of freedom? They were the greatest foes
of the Danes finally delivering all Europe, from
their degradation. Now what claim has England
to rule Ireland? The King of Leominster flying
from his outraged subjects sought the aid of King
Henry IL of England and Ireland was conquered
other unfounded claim is that the Irish people
were willing parties to the union with England.
The first argument against Ireland's right to
for it. When God stamped his image on this peO-
pie he made them able to govern themselves and
intended that they should.
The next claim is that the Irish Professionals
will suffer under self government. 1t is poor
compliment to the Protestants of Ireland to say
that their religion can only exist under a foreign
rule. Ireland has never questioned the faith OF
her people and the .Protestants are safe in their
| belief. Who asks the creed of Emmett or the be-
| lief Of Towle?
| The third argument is that Ireland is in the
| same position as the Southern States in the war
| of the rebellion There is no analogy between the
| cases. The union between the States was the re-
suit of the work of all and the attempt to with
draw any part Of that A., union cemented BY blood
into the union with England did not represent the
Irish people and they, therefore, did not become
parties to it, think these answers will suffice to
show you that Ireland is justified in her demand
for separation and self government. / have men
toned lreland's demands, we now come to the
question OF the location OF the powerto enforce
them. Ireland's strength is providential
strength. In 1876 during the terrible famine
many Irishmen were driven from their homes
across the = ocean, where they have
acting in cooperation with their brothers across
the water The English recognized this power
and adopted cruel and abusive methods with
League and its work the Irish people stand
triumphant. The central committee in Dublin
receives reports from all parts of the country, and
by communicating them throughout the land
been established both in Australia and America.
Effective work must be done through the league
when the work of all counts. need not appeal
to the men of Portland to send a good delegation
to the convention in Chicago the goth of next
month.
In concluding, Mr.. Sutton said that he hoped
the time would come when Ireland would be a
free republic recognized among the countries of
the globe.
Remarks were then made by Mr.. Mccarthy and
others. Mr.. Mccarthy spoke of the need of CO.
operation and thought the time at hand when
Ireland would be granted legislative independ-
ence, which is all that is asked.
Contributions uore than mazda foIloyva.