The Irish standard., 1886-08-21
FRESHMEN IN CONVENTION.
A Tremendous Gathering in Chicago
President Egan's Address

CHICAGO, ILL.,, Aug. 1s.-Ihe scene
presented in Central Music Hall short
" after 3 o'clock this afternoon was III
MANY respects extraordinary. The
beautiful auditorium was crowded TO
the utmost. the delegates occupying
the lobby and the seats on the lower
floor. while the boxes and galleries had
their full quota of ladies. There was a
tremendous outburst of applause on the
entry of Michael Davitt and again wild
cheering when the presence of Mrs.
Parnell was recognized. She was gwen
a seat in the center OF the stage in the
! first row of seats. AS if the appearance
of the mother of the great Irish leader
was the signal for the opening of the
convention, delegates and spectators at
once began crowding into the hall. The
second gallery and the Top tier Of pr-
vaste boxes were available for those 9TH
er than delegates. While the members
Of the convention were taking THEN
places, Mrs. Parne], plainly attired in
q well fitting silk dress with handsome
white lace fishn crossed over her breast
and her matronly head surnlounted
with small bonnet of light blue satin,
sat quietly conversing with a group Of
ladies at her side. at 3 O'Clock none Of
the officers OF the league had yet put in
an appearance and the delegates were
beginning to manifest symptoms of
res tiessness. TIE band stationed in
the gallery played with redoubled en-
ergy The delegates and male specta-
tors wiped their perspiripg brows while
che ladies piled fans and the reporters
sharpened pencils and arranged great
pads Of white paper. Central Music
Hail can comfortably hold 5000 people,
and by 3p. m. Just about that nutnher
were already in the hall. The entire
audience rose to their feet like one
man aud cheeral themselves hoarse
when
MICHAEL DAvITT.
leaning on the arm OF Patrick Egan and
followed by the remaining Irish dele
gates and other officers OF the National
League, entered the ual! The visitors
and officers made their way to the stage
amid She shouts and plaudits Of the
crowd, and the first move was spontan-
eously towards Mrs. P;rnell. Davitt
and others warmly shook her by the
hand while the cheering Of the Ameri-
| can delegates and the audience seemed
to know NO bounds. The stage was &C.
cupied almost exclusively by the officers
of the league, and the Lady friends of
Mrs Parnell and the Irish visitors.
After fully five minutes Of welcoming
cheers and handsh&king, and three
cheers moro fox the great Irish embags~
adoxs, wait Of some time ensued; then
an exquisitely wrought Horal harp was
brought in and placed before the presi-
dents chair.
PRESIDENT EGAN-
Patrick Egan, president Of the
league, called tie convention to order,
and delivered the following address:
Once more tins elected delegates Of
the Irish National League OF America
have come together III national conven-
ton to adopt such measures us may
seen! best for the furtherance Of the
great and hoiy cause III which we are
engaged. We shall lie inspired by the
presence and aided by the counsel Of
the IMAM. who. Of all others-not even |
excepting our great leader himself |
holds the Warznest place in the hearts {
of the Irish exiles, the man whom !
Charles Stewart I'arnell has called the
father of the land Ieague-honest,
fearless Michael Davitt. We shall also |
have the inspiring presence aud aid of !!
the patriotic, brave and faithful dele /
cation from Ireland-nay friend, Viii |
LIAM O;Brien, who has banished more |
snakes and reptiles from ireland than
any other man since The days of St. |
patrick,) John Redmond and John
Deasy. In your name, in the name of
the Irish National League OF America,
/ welcome these gentlemen to the con-
vention. 1t is my privilege and pride
to be able to congratulate you upon the
glorious progress our cause has made,
and upon the splendid work you have
helped to accomplish, foI Irish nation
ahtv since we lass met in Faneuil hall.
Then the infamous crimes
act was in force in Ireland.
Every mans liberty and life were at
the mercy of the hired and trained per
jurers of Dublin castle, Out Of 1913
members OF parliament returned from
Ireland, less than thirty could be relied
or to follow Mr.. Parnell; While both
English parties were solidly combined
against Home Rule for Ireland. To
even the most sanguine amongst US the
realization CT our hopes for the restol,a-
tion of our national parliament seemed,
indeed. a long way Off, Such, however,
are
THE STRIDES OUR CAUSE HAS MADE
since then that but months ago victory
seemed within Our very grasp. Mr. |
parnell can now count, instead Of