Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-08-19
CHICAGO, Aug. is.

CHICAGO, Aug. Is.
| The convention of the Irish National
League, held at Chicago, was opened at .
o'clock this afternoon.
About 1900 delegates form the deliberative
body. New York has 200, Pennsylvanis LIS
and Massachusetts 100. Among the lesser
delegations Louisiana, Minnesota and Ne
brsska figure with 80 each, and Iowa with
about 40. Other States have still smaller
numbers.
1t is expected that one of the first measures
to be introduced in the convention ill be the
enforcement Of the unit rule. Hence the rep
resentation OF the three frs. named States
is of the greatest Importance. The Pennsyl-
wanna delegation caucus last night instructed
the chairman to cast the whole vote of the
delegation in favor of Hugh McCsffrey for
pres ident and Charles McClare of Pennsyl-
vania tor secretary of the national league
! There seems TO be no doubt that some bit
terness will prevail at the convention. 1t is
supposed that this will be shown when the
name of Alexander Sullivaa is proposed tor
the presidency TO succeed Mr. Egsn. Mr.
Sullivan does not desire the office and his
name will be proposed merely to give him an
opportunity TO refute the charges that NAV be
brought against him. Among the other can
didates mentioned are Congressman Firerty,
John Boyle O'Reilly and Congressman Col
| Inns of Massachusetts, but il is stated that
neither of these gentlemen would accept the
position.
A train on the West Shore road, bearing
Mrs. Parnell, the mother of Charles 5. Par
nell, the New Jersey and part OF the New
York delegation arrived this morning.
The scene in Music Hall shortly after 3
O'Clock was an animated one. A huge stream
er stretched across the stage bore the words
''God save Ireland" The beautiful audito-
rum was crowded, 5000 persons being pres
ent. Delegates, wearing green, gold fringed
badges on the coat lapels, occupied the lobby
and seats on the lower floor, the women and
others filling the galleries and boxes. The
stage was reserved almost exclusively for
officers of the League, lady friend. of Mrs.
Parnell and Irish visitors. The band in the
gallery played patriotic airs. The entrance
OF Mrs. Parnell was signal for tremendous
applause. No one was admitted to the hail
but by tickets. The entire audience rose to
their feet and cheered themselves hoarse,
when Michael Davitt, leaning on the arm of
Patrick Egan and followed by the remaining
Irish delegates and other officers of the Ma
tional League, entered the hall. There were
fully five minutes of welcoming cheers and
hand shaking and three cheers more for the
great Irish ambassadors.
| AS President Egan arose another wild out
burst of cheering rose from the convention,
to be renewed again and again as almost the
first words from his lips were an enthusiastic
reference to Michael Davitt. Egan cordially
welcomed the delegates from Ireland and re-
ferred to the progress made by Parnell and
his followers in securing legislation favor
able to Irish hopes, since the convention
years ago. He said the entire civilized
world was watching the affairs of Ireland
and he predicted that it would not be long
before home rule must be granted. He said
that dissensions could not be allowed to
break up the harmony in the League, which
was working in harmony for Irelands cause.
He concluded as follows;
81 see emblszoned on these walls the
motto, 1--WE are for Irish liberty peacefully
il we can, otherwise if we must. This is
true. The national position its the position
which every true born American can apprec-
late. the only position which England can
respect, and maintain it is the position and
spirit which has placed the cause of Irish
nationality where it stands today"
The applause during Egsn's address was so
frequent that it seemed to break forth at the
end of most every sentence. The mention
of Gladstone was enthusiastically received
but when near the close of Egan's address
came the phrase, "peaceable If we can other
wise il we must" the verv galleries and roof
seemed to shake. Three cheers for Wash
ington, Gladstone and Parnell were given at
the close of Egan's address.
President Egan announced that at a meet
ing of the national committee last night
Judge James H. Fitzgerald of Cincinnati,
had been selected for temporary chairman of
the convention and John 2. Sullivan for
temporary secretary.
Judge Fitzgerald upon taking the chair
made briei but patriotic address which was
enthusiastically cheered. Among other
things he said, the future hope for the Irish
race wa. concentrated on Charles Stewart
Parnell. He spoke Of the reports that there
would be dissensions in the convention, that
it was intended by some to introduce reso-
luton directing Psrnel as to his policy. He
predicted that if any man were crazy enough
to offer such resolution he would be forci-
bly, elected from the hall. He pleaded with
the delegates to forbear with one another and
not by dividing on issues defeat the cause a,
stake. He closed by giving a cordial vel.
come to the Irish delegates.
When Judge Fitzgerald concluded, Alex
Sullivan offered resolution that delegates
from each State and Territory. from the
District of Columbia and from Canada be
instructed to report as soon as soon as posi-
ible representative for each of the commit
tees on credentials, resolutions, finances
constitution and permanent organization
VIM. O'Brien. JBo. +. Redmond and Michae
Davitt also to be members of the committee
on resolutions. The resolution was unani
mously adopted and then after the commit
tee on credentials had been named, the con
vention took recess until 8 to give the del
egations time to deliberate on other appoint
ments.
The New England members of the creden
tials committee are:
onnecticut-Thomas Buckley.
Massachusetts-Ed~in Lynch.
New Hampshire-Thomas Cushman.
Rhode island-Thomas OBrien.
Vermont-B. +. Kelly.
The convention reassembled at $50, some
of the delegates, notably those of New York
having had heated and long discussions ovei
the appointment of representatives.
Davitt spoke briefly, introducing VIM
O'Brien. editor of the United Ireland, who
made the speech of the evening.
The call of States for the reports of delega
tions on members of the committee was ther
begun, but just before it was finished ths
convention adjourned until 10 tomorrow.
Schooner Detained for Alleged Violation
of the Customs Laws.