Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-08-19
THE FIRST DAY.
MEETING OF THE IRISH NATIONAL
LEAGUE CONVENTION.
Extraordinary Scene in the Hall Great
Ovation TO Mrs Parnell aud the Irish
Delegates-TempOrary 0rgani-
cation, &c, &c.
lBy telegraph to the Dispatch. !

]
town hotels this forenoon were not IN
like those preceding a national politica
convention. The delegates to the IrisI
National League Convention present il
the city number about fourteen hun
bred, and when not engaged in obtain
ing their credentials to admit them t
the floor OF the Convention hall and il
obtaining tickets Of admission for theii
friends we're actively caucussing in be
half Of favorite leader for the presi
dency.
DR.. 0'Reilley, treasurer Of the
League. arrived this morning, and
assisted by the secretary, began to pas,
upon the credentials Of delegates. liz
completed his labors shortly after ]
O'Clock, in time for the opening Of the
Convention at o'clock.
The four Irish members Of Pariia.
ment here were made members of the
Committee on RESOLUTIONS, so that the
platform adopted may be in harmony
with ParDell's views.
At Central Music Hall the notableS
attending the Convention began to
gather in small groups about 2 O'Clock
this afternoon. A good-sized band sal
in one Of the galleries directly opposite
the stage dlscOursing stirring airs. I'm.
medistely over their heads was a vide.
stretching banner inscribed III bold let.
tiers, "The Man Dies, bat His Memory
Lives"
The scene presented in Central Music
Hall this afternoon was in many re-
spects extraordinary. The beautiful
auditorium was crowded TO its utmost,
the delegates occupying the lobby aud
seats on the lower floor, while the boxes
and galleries had their full quota Of la
dies. There was a tremendous out
burst Of applause on the entry OF
Michael Davitt, and again wild cheer
ing when the presence Of Mrs. Parnell
VAS recognized.
The entire audience rose to their feet
like one man and cheered themselves
hoarse when Michael Davitt, leaning on
the arm Of Patrick Egsn and followed
by the remaining Irish delegates and
other officers Of the National League,
entered the hall. The visitors and
officers made their way to the stage
amid the shouts and plaudi.s Of
the crowd, and the first move was spOn-
tsneously towards Mrs. Parnell. Dsyitt
and others warmly shook her by the
hand, while the cheering of the Ameri-
can delegates and the audience seemed
10 know no bounds. An cxquisitely.
wrought floral harp was brought in and
placed before the presidents chair.
As President Egan arose there was
another wild outburSt Of cheering, to
be renewed again and again.
Mr.. Egan rose and addressed the
Convention. The applause during his
address was frequent. The mentions
Of Gladstone were enthusiastically re-
ceiycd. but when came the phrase
peacefully if we can, otherwise il we
must" the very galleries and roof
seemed to shake. Three cheers for
Washington, Gladstone, and PsrDell
were given at the close of Mr.. Egan's
address.
Then Secretary Sutton read the call
for the Convention. lie also read q
letter from Rev. Father Conaty, Of
Worcester, Mass, who was unable to
be present on account Of pressing en-
gsgements. A telegram from the
Democratic State Convention of Michi-
gan, now in session, wishing the League
and Parnell gOdspeed, called forth signs
Of warm approval from the audience.
Judge James II. Fitzgerald, of Gin
cinnati, was made temporary Chairman
OF the Convention, and John p. Sutton
temporary secretary. Judge Fitzgerald,
upon taking the chair, made brief ad-
dress. In the course Of his remarks he
said :"You have telegraph instruments
here in your hall. From them let the
electric flash pass from here to the At
lantic and across it with the velocity
that it is proyerbial for, and lot every
word that goes from this hall be words
Of disappointment to the enemies of Ire
land. CHEERS
q" On the other hand, let the words be
words Of cheer and consolation to the
people that for seven centuries have
waited for freedom. How many OF you
Are thousands Of miles away from your
happy homes? You came not with any
selfish motives in view. You came not
or any personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. The
highest and hottest hopes and aspira-
ions that could inspire the human
leart have inspired yours as you Left
wives and kearthstones. You came
here not paid by branches or inspired
,y rivalry. You came here as honest, |
patriotic men, loving the land that gave
'ou birth-hating her oppressors. We
COX to the future with the hope that
he Irish race throughout the world Is |
on Charles Stewart Par
lell. Cheers
- Mr.. Parnell has sent you good ne rs
md glad tidings by his trusty liedten-
.nts, who are now before you. ZAP |
.lause.l You start up, and with your
'oice give utterance to the sentiment !
# your heart in cheers for the chosen |
of the Irish people who
re present. ICheers.l | regret, and |
10 doubt you too regret it, that
or the last day or two you
nay have been in the city
,ou have read in the public press sug.
.estions Of terrible fight and disaster
n this Convention. [Cries Of No, no y
Nothing on earth would give greater aid
nd comfort to the enemies Of our race
nd to the enemies Of free government.
beg Of you to be sober and earnest;
o BE- forbearing with one another TO
rant the rights to your brother
bat you demand for yourself, and
q the discussion Of any legitimate MAJ
ers that come before US, oh, look
ack through the last two months and
axe an example worthy of emulation
ist, from the parliamentary band Of
rothers that sat there in that Parlia-
lent House aud listened day after day
nd night after night TO the
lost vicious, violent, malignant
,lsehoods that could emanats from
he heart or 20 in expression by |
he mouth of man. How did these msn
81 a..t...I %, o,oauto MA