The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-01-09
ENTHUSIASM FOR ERIN.
A Large Gathering Of Patriotic Irish.
men at Armory Hall Last Ey-
ening-..H0n. j. f. Fin
erty's Address.


weather, there was large and enthus'
iastic gathering at Armory hall last even>
ing to hear Hon. John F. Finerty, of
Chicago, espouse the cause of Ireland.
The meeting was presided over by Mayor
Murdoch. and there were on the platform
besides the speaker of the evening and
the chairman, James v Mahoney. ESQ.,,
of Chicago. formerly of this city. M. V.
Cannon. ESQ. p. j. Haggarty. Esq, and
Hon. Geo. H Parker, of Davenport, and
Hon. P. O'Msra, of this city. About the
stage were festooned the national
colors and the flag of Ireland.
The Rock Island glee club sang
the Irish song, The Green Old
Flag" and then NJ. V. Cannon. ESQ was
introduced and made one of his usual elo-
quent and patriotic addresses. speaking
of Capt. Finerty's gallantry on the battle
field, his work for the cause of ireland,
and denounced any attempt at controls
ing the Irish people by martial law, as
had been asserted ny London paper.
Mr. Cannon said the Irish people in
America dared England to proclaim
martial law.
The speaker of the evening, Hon. j. F.
Finerty, of Chicago, was then introduced
by Mayor Murdoch. Capt. Finerly COM
menced his remarks by giving brief re-
view Of the Fenian movement from its
beginning twenty years ago, the tyran-
nical rule of England which had caused
1t, and the hardships the people had ems
dured, and the success they had attained
in their patriotic endeavor. Parnell was
alluded to as having entered the cause as
a private soldier, and for some time he
was alone in his endeavors in the House
of Commons, to get for Ireland the rights
she so justly deserved. At first he was
hooted, but he was not to he put down,
and he was persistent until he received a
hearing Home rule was the foremost
question of the civilized world today, the
demand for self government being the aim
of the Irish people, second only to the
lentire separation from the country which
sught to Cypress her. The speaker de
scrihel Englands iron rule in Ireland
and expressed his qualification at the fact
that so many American citizens had sym
pathized with the oppressed people or
the little isle across the waller, ant
had expressed their sympathies II
such an extent that they had been
felt. The English flag said he lis the
representatives of MI that is bloody aud
peIIidious, and ii England is not les
ready now to resort to force il 10 beeaus,
she dare not America would not con
denim any act OF reprisal that her Irish
born citizens carried out, il martial Law
should be proclaimed in Ireland. as hi
London Times suggests But there is NJ
danger of such extreme measures. Par
nell, with SO Irishmen at his back, bold
the balance of power in the British Par
lame mt"
Captain Finerty wildly pictured the
extent OF patriotism in Ireland to,day ii.
rapid growth in late years. He spoke Of
the uniting of faiths which had attended
the promotion of the cause. Said he
"ihe Protestant Parnell has the entir,
confidence of the Catholic people; Cath
olc counties have elected Protestan
home rulers to parliament, and no longe
, can it be said that the North of Ireland
even Is loyal to the union with England.
Ireland has every reason to be prouC
! of her present position. All that she nov
needs is a continuation of the encourage
ment she is receiving from America, t
conquer the tyrannical power which i
grinding her into the dust and if tn
united effort is continued under the abb
leadership of the patriotic Paruell. HON
{ rule will be accomplished, if not liberty
The world will yet see the green aboy'
red on Ireland's coat of arms. As Capt
Finerty retired he was greeted with
storm of applause, and he was continual
interrupted during his eloquent remark
by manifestations of approval on the par
of his hearers. The glee club sang Com
Back 10 Erin" and The Wearing Of III
: Green" and after brief remarks by Hor
q. Geo. II. Parkor, of Davenport, and j. '
a Mahoney, Esq, of Chicago, Hon.
O'Mara returned thanks to the Assem-
y blage for their attendance and attention
: and the meeting adjourned. Capt. Fir
# erty and Mr.. Mahoney returned to Oh
5 cago By the late night train.
9 BIOGRAPHICAL.
h John F. Finerty was born in coun
y Galway, Ireland. September, 1916. H
: father was editor of the Galway Vindic
n tor. He came to America in 1868, enlis
ing in Col John o. Mahoney's regimen
l. Goth New York infantry. and rose to Il
rank of captain. He was one of the chi
. organizers of the Fenian movement, al
~ went to Canada to help ront the Queen
. Own. After the United States COVER
+" ment interfered, Finerty made celebrs
: ed speech in Buffalo in defense of h
" countrymen, and prevailed on Gen. Mea'
" to furnish transportation for the men
" their homes. Then he became connect,
" with the Chicago Times, was sent west
= its correspondent in the Indian war.
the battles which ensued, Finerty was {
ut h., frapt r,fla in tanI althnn