The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-08-19
Night Session.

At 1886 the hall was filled to over.
flowing, and ss Judge Fitzgerald let
fall the gavel, a hush came over the
convention, while the tall form OF
Michael Davitt was seen making his
way to the stage. Davit was called
on almost as soon as he entered the
hall, aud despite a protest audi
ence rising to their feet aud cheering
wildly--he rose to say that he had
been heard often and that he would
simply introduce his friend, Mr..
OBden, editor OF United Ireland.
Davitt spoke OF Mr.. O'Brien in I'M
stinted terms OF praise as a patriot
Mr.. 0'Briep was then introduced,
and in the course Of his remarks said:
MR.. o'BRIRN's SPEECH.
This days proceedings have, thank
God, shown that they did not exag-
gerate your patriotism and self eacri'
flee in the Gauss of Ireland. l thank
you, again and again. | thank this
great assembly of the Irish National
League Of America, for what has hap
pened today, and l thank you all for
the years OF labor and the noble and
generous work in the cause OF Ireland,
accomplished by you, and / thank
you not merely on our humble
part, but because we are here as am
bassadors-v humble ambassadors
of Ireland and OF Charles Stewart
Parnell [cheers], and IL is hardly nee
ess ry for me TO tell you that what
ever is extended to Us in this hall and
during our short visit in this country
we will accept it, not as rendered for
our obscure selves but as in
tended for the leader of our cause,
under whoss banner it is our pride
and cur privilege TO carry a musket
in the ranks. Cheers. There seemed
10 be a disposition on the part Of some
In the convention to have all the dele
gates from Ireland at once, and hear
the peecheI they were down on the
programmes for, and that the reptesen-
tatives OF Parnell should precede the
public reception of the Ilish. American
cause
This disposition was ditcouragedl SO
much as possible by Chairman Fitz.
gerald, who finally stated that such a
course was contrary to the wish Of the
men from Ireland.
AT THIS POINT
Alexander Sullivan arose 10 say that
the Committee on Credentials were
still in session, and that contrary to
tho seeming impression OF some 1t
was not expected by them that they
we're 10 report Immediately upon the
assembling OF the convention; that
the other commi tees were to report
& list.
A delegate moved that Mr.. Sullivan
be called to q place on the platform.
Sullivan promptly declined the
honor, and being called on from all
, sides for q speech, said that 1t was un'
necessary. The business OF the con.
vention should proceed in order and
} when II became essential that he
should address the convention they
. would find him ready.
Mr.. Sullivan turned slowly ground
| and gaz I'd at the audience steadily {
} moment in silence. He then moved
, that the roll of States be called for the
various delegations to present the
. name OF their representative and com
r mittees ether than that on Credentials
t The motion prevailed, and without
I further opposition q call OF States wal
3 begun and proceeded without incident
perhaps an hour.
= A motion to adjourn was here
: made, but before IL was announced
Father 0'Brien OF the Ohio dele
l CATION, rose to ask II at this stage
!, Of the proceedings it would b'
. proper to send cablegram OF CON
= gratulations TO Mr.. Gladstone. Fathel
; 0'Brien proposed the following draf
| OF the cable:
| CHloA0o, August 10, 1885.
To the Hon. W, n. Gladstone, House o
1 Commons, London.
: The Irish National League OF Amer
lea, in convention assembled, sent
! you greeting and wish you God speed
5 In your efforts to secure home rule anC
= justice for Ireland. The Irish o
America send greeting and will rendel
, you prompt support in your efforts FOL
home rule.
: Alexander Sullivan arose and said
!. 81 submit that under the rules adopt
! ed today that all matter OF this sor
: should be submitted to the Committee