The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-19
THE MOTHER TONGUE.
1IRIsH-AMER1cANs TO REVIVE THE
GAELIC LANGUAGE.
Small Glass OF Patriots Organized for
the Purpose. and Cordial Invitation
Extended to All Who Desire Mem
bership.

The Memphis Irishmen cannot be sur
passed by those in any other part of the
World in love Of their native country and
livery memory clinging about it. Gre
and' is word that needs but to be
poken in their hearing to make their
hearts burn with patriotic affection. Ev-
Pry call for sympathy and aid from the
Emerald Isle meets with hearty and liberal
response, and so promptly that Memphis
s held in almost sacred regard by those
who share in the munifcent contributions.
The latest effort on the part OF local
rish-Ainericans TO perpetuate this patri-
btic love OF mother country is the organi-
Eation of o Gaelic class, the object Of
which is 10 revive the Gaelic language
Che first meeting, held last Sunday after
boon, is thus reported in the Catholic Jour
Pdl of Amafcd:
'sIhe meeting was called to order by
Gr. McNally, who briefly stated the OBJ
Bet as follows:
"Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens-We
have assembled here today for a noble
purpose, that Of reviving an interest in the
lfnost forgotten language of dear old
Erin. Wheresoever the exile OF any
country may wander, the cherished mem
Pries OF his childhood will ever linger in
bis heart, and, unbidden, spring forth
Ike the purling brook from the mountain
ide, in response TO the innate power OF
hature's law. Thus IL is with us, far from
he beloved land OF our forefathers, we
ipl retain in memory's casket recollections
II other days and scenes long since gone
BY, wherein the mellifnous Celtic Ian
(uage was won't 10 greet tremendously
pon our ear. Let us endeavor 10 resusci-
bite II from the oblivion into whichit has
ilen, so that even in Memphis we may
gain listen again TO the dear old Gaelic
ongue. The only disgrace that can be
harged 10 the Irish people is the neg
ct OF their language. No other coun-
ry has so beautiful language and
peaks it less. l have asked myself the
uestion, why is ii that people who sui
sred for 700 years for love of creed and
ountry--God alone knows the extent.
ould allow their language TO decay? The
plution was not hard to find; the curse OF
.ngland is the neglect OF the Irish Ian.
uage. England well knew the surest
Jay to subjrgate people and ruin a
puntry was TO destroy its language, and
ell has she succeeded, for one-half the
eople of Ireland today cannot speak the
alive tongue"
At the conclusion OF Chairman Nc
Fally's remarks Prof. Cream, OF Chicago,
as called upon and delivered an able adj.
ress in Irish, Of which the following is an
.nglish version:
THE IRISH LANGUAGE.
As We hope 10 witness the restoration OF
ur industries, 80 do we expect that our
alive language shall be saved from ex.
notion. The promotion Of Irish manu-
sctures is national work OF the very
reatest Importance But cannot we spare
little time TO learn the national tongue,
nd spread the knowledge Of il where It's
seet accents are unknown? II needs no
rcat effort 10 study Irish so far as 10 read
in print and manuscript. IL requires no
ersonal sacrifice TO assist in preserving il
ON the neglect under which Il will surely
10 II not rescued by united national 81.
- While acquiring sufficient mastery
H. >qaRage TO enjoy It's beauties in
4 nc and story. need not disregard
ar lose one rational pleasure we may be
hclined TO indulge In for the preservation
bodily health. II is compatible
,creation 10 spend an hour each
ay in taking the fnst steps to-
ard the attainment OF that power
yer our native speech which enables us to
iscoyer the treasures We inherit from our
rish ancestors. To those who know not
Ne tongue Of their fathers these precious
eirloons are inanimate matter; but "a
nose who have had the courage and
be devotion 10 lit the veil that
eparates them from the glorious past,
eroic struggles, OF pure and truthful love
genuine ieeling--iertile in sweet fancies
nd rich In the glowing images OF the war
ke and bardic ages. The wealth OF oul
alive speech Is deprecated, because II Il
Unknown. The ignorant undervalue IL
csources OF thought, because they cannot
GO them with eyes opened by the key
rhich leads 20 knowledge. The vain dc
pise II, because Il Is not the language Of .
reat nation, with Its flags, and lis armies
nd its commerce upon every sea. They
corn II, because II Is not fashionable. Il
grand TO converse in French, 10 speak IL
ierman or Italian, but II II considered
iferent with Irish. Snobberyis one OF In,
reatest foes 10 our language, the enemy
tN't hAahANH h1htHt
Against snobbery and vanity we hay,
o contend, and these we should assai
With merciless, unsparing scorn. We car
hardly expect TO sec Irish re-cstablishc,
Is the language Of every day life. Bu
National pride commands us 10 make, n
least, n reading acquaintance with II
national honor forbids us 10 ignore or con
IIGfnn II. French Is more profitable, Il I
0b6lectcd 10 by some; and others say tina
'eticrman n more useful for young person
who have 20 work their way In the world
Ihese may be granted, but they are no
ngurnents against the study OF the lrisl
language. A youth may look as far rs h
likes n his utilitarian requirements, bu
10 will still find time enough, II he wishes
p become intimate with his own tongue
" for the value Of onc or the other iof
IN languages 10 tho advancement o
IN, II II much ovcuated. OF IN
tousands who spend time and none
Earning french, not per cent are wort
plking about ~ French scholars; not pc
init ever make living by their know
lgo OF II, whereas II one-quarter Of Oh
lmo had been given 10 the Irish, III
larnen would know enough OF that beau
nj tongue 10 read and understand IN
hlogue between ~. Patrick and Ossiar
Tell as the great annals Of tho iou
Mtcrs.
atrick HALEY was the next speaker
those who were competent OF judgn
lauded his proficiency in the Irish Ian
81 Il a. 4