The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-03-01
IRELAND MUST BE FREE.
Last Evenings Meeting OF the Local
Branch Of the National League
Address by W. II.
Gest, Esq.

There was large attendance at Turner
hall last evening, considering the inclem>
ency of the weather. The exercises
opened with music by the Misses Mary
Mcdonald and Kittie Cary. and a banjo
solo by Messrs. Bender and Cahal. The
president, Thomas F. Cary. then in
troduced the speaker of the evening, W.
II. Gest, Esq, in The following language
In the inception of the now noted Irish
question il had but few persons to speak
for il, or lend il their assistance but the
Irish people themselves. but the business
of their cause is now being espoused BY
the leading men not only of America, but
the thinking people of Europe as well,
The American people being liberty low
ing people, have eylnced particular
interest in the cause, and are lending
their active support in words, and by
their acts and with their finances. And
so tonight it is my pleasure to introduce
to you an American born citizen, who is
known to you all as careful, considerate
and thoughtful man, and whose character
is guaranty shat what he does is done
sincerely. and with patriotic purpose; a
man whose influence, on Whatever side II
may be cast. will be a power for good,
aud who has so kindly consented to lend
his assistance 10 our cause by delivering
an address I'M eveuing-Mr, W. H.
Gest. ("
Mr.. Gest said he had not heretofore at
tended these meetings, but he sympa-
t1zei with the leaguers and the cause
advanced When William of Normandy,
from the north Of France, came over to
Ireland. be confiscsted the country and
divided up the lands among his followers.
Who are they that are opposed to home
rule today? Not the working people of
England but the ruling classes, the de-
scendants of William. While Irishmen
love the land of their adoption, he who
would not aid aud assist the land Of his
birth is not worthy the nan e Of citizen.
Mr.. Gest, after describing the wretched
condition Of the Irish peasant today, said
that L0r Randolph Churchill went over
10 Ireland lately for the purpose Of ex.
citing the passions and preiudices Of
the hostile Orahgemen to commit
acts Of violence and to oppose the
people in their right to rule their own
country. His mission proved to be fait
ure, as was subsequently, exemplifiet il
the house OF commons Mr. Gest assured
the audience of his entire sympathy with
them and with the cause, and urged them
TO keep up the agitation and render
all the all IN their power; that in 1S43 il
Connell had kept up the agitation
for the repeal of the union the result
might be different, but il was allowed tC
fall People should take example By Mr.
Connell's disaster, aud see that Mr..
Parnell does Eot meet a similar fate.
Next was a song by Henry Hengstler,
who responded to an encore. Mr.. VIM
McEniry was introduced, who delivered
short address. and in conclusion urge
all to go and hear Senator Duncan. at tn,
opera house on the nth of March, tina
the St. Patrick's society will hold bal
that evening for the benefit of the Irisl
cause, aud as the lecture will be over d
about $50 o'clock, there was plenty 0
time for ali to go there and enjoy them
selves Then there was sOag and banjt
accompaniment by Messrs Geo. Mar
shall and Mclaughlin, who responded II
TO an encore.
Mr. 0Mara followed with some inter
esting remarks, followed by a song b,
Alderman Cavanaugb, which closed III
evenings entertainment. Treasurer Da
ly reported door receipts $10.s5.
Rink Attractions.