The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-05
EMMET'S BIRTHDAY.
HOW 1T WAS CELEBRATED IN MEM
PHIs LAST NIGHT.
The Very Eloquent Eulogy by Mr.. Byrne
Stirring Responses to Appropriate
Toasts--A. Fine Banquet and Patriotic
Music. NV

%>NN 'sahtb tiittFdttu nun ohhA'Na'sft
OF the birth Of Robert Emmett, the heroic
young Irish patriot and martyr. The hall
was beautifully decorated with flowers and
cyergreens and the walls were adorned with
portraits Of Representative Irishmen, Parnell
and Others and around them were appropri-
ate notices. among which GOD save Ireland"
and "Caid Mile Failthe" were conspicuous.
Hon. II. A. 0dlum acted as chairman and
delivered short opening address OF welcome
to the assembled Knights and guests, who
numbered some 200 ladies and gentlemen.
The address Of the occasion was by Mr.. #.
j. Byrne, the subject being Robert EN-
met" II was well delivered and was re-
ceiyed with unboundod applause. In the
course Of his address Mr.. Byrne said.
"Robert Emmett was born in the year 1878,
short time before that tremendous up
hcaval in continental Europe that nearly
shattered the fabric Of monarchial power
when the fierce passions Of men goaded 10
madness by the eXaotions, expressions and
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF the governing classes and
the aristocracy, famed into flame, swept
IKE fearful tempest over nations carrying
~ us path some OF the good with a great
deal that was bad and corrupt. Only two
years before there had issued from the brain
OF one OF the greatest opponents Of the rights
oil man aud the sources of governmental
power-Thomas Jeilcrson--the immortal
Declaration OF Independence which was
adopted by the Congress OF the thirteen
States, and at the time of his birth the
patriot Americans stalking their fortunes
upon the success Of the principles ennunci-
atcd by the fathers of the Republic, were
undergoing the horrors and miseries Of war
Ia annlitaf tuffl. n.
tried 10 perpetuatc tyranny and TO stamp out
by fair means or foul any attempt TO assert
the right OF self government Under the
circumstances IL Is not surprising that
Robert Emmett early conceived notions In
harmony with the spirit of the time The
very atmosphere he brenthcd was laden
with the spirit Of freedom. IL was waited
across the ocean from the struggling Ameri-
can colonies on the west and from the east
and south OF his beloved country the
smoldcring fire Of revolution was bearing
on every breeze indications Of the coming
storm. lie grew into young manhood dur.
ing the brief period that his country enjoyed
legislative independence which gave such
an impetus TO the material pros
perty Of the country and rcsultcd
In such an unparalleled advancement
In her moral and social well being
that the cupidity OF her old enemy was
aroused The gloom that had for so long a
time overshadowed his country had given
way TO the light OF partial freedom. Her
dormant euergies had been quickenod into
action, that was an awakening from a long
night, and the mists aud fogs were grad
ually dissolying before the light and heat
OF a glorious day. The American colonies
had achieved their. Independence. France
had overthrOwn the Dastile and the mon
archy and torn up by the roots the useless
growths that had sapped the sustcnancc VI the
nation. Eycn.staid aud philosophic Germany
had felt the shocks that rcsoundcd in the
ears OF tyranis with portcntious doom.
Emmct In common with his countrymcn
felt the thrill Of delight az the regeneration
OF his country. lie very naturally at such
time had high hopes OF her ultimate scpa-
ration from England. What then must
have been the emotions Of such man when
the hascst, yilost and most prohlgatc act OF
trcachery ever heard of-the sale OF Ireland's
legislative independence by the act OF union
In isO0-wns effected by notorious
wholesale bribery, perjury and corruption.
The reaction must certainly habe
been proportionatc 10 the ascension Of his
hopes. What course was open 10 young
man Of his ardent. honest nature, high.
minded, intelligent and patrioticl 10 see his
country sold by dchased, pcrjurcd set,
borcit OF every yirtuous and manly scnti-
mont and principle Of honor, and wealth
aud sotalled honors showcrcd upon for
their yillainy and periidity by England was
something that no honest man could look
upon with indifference. Surely 70 one could
effect one like him 90 affiliate with such
matridial cut-ihroats. At such a time lac
believed that the only hope for his country
lay IN allying himself with the aggressive
section that had at last the courage 10 a..
scrt, not alone the opinion, but tie we'll.
grounded conclusion, that absolute scpara-
ton was the only cure for the ills she sui.
lcrcd. lie Joined Il with a willing heart.
he gave his whole time 10 propagating and
fnrthcring the doctrines 81 The cause he had
undertaken with all the zeal Of which no was
capable. lie had social position, high order
OF mind, talents which, II applied In the Oh.
posilc direction, would have brought him
ample rewards and honon. But lac had too
much nobility Of soul 10 barter honor aud
principle. or be guilty ~ the most foul and
Infamous crime Of selling his country for
base greed. His soul was up IN arms aeninst
the opprcssor o. bis country, which was
again IN chains lie saw her lying bleeding
and prostrate-n0t through fair aud honora.
ble conflict. from which even a fallen foe
might derive some consolation. but through
schcming. subtle craft aud hascnoss: through
the arts 81 the midnight assassin and cut.
throat who steals stcalthily on his unsus.
pcciing victim 10 strike the cownrlly aud "a
tai blow. Ills well maiurcd plans 10 free her
irum her foe failed not through any fault OF
his, but because his enemies were too we'll
Informed Of them aud prevented their con
summation and because those upon whom
he rclicd 10 further their execution failed 10
DO their part owing, perhaps, 10 ina
billy OF the hopclcssness Of sue
cess. Ho might even when his
schemes had been thwartcd and all horc hal
vanished, have made his escape by 'hight
which he was advised 10 do: hut he preferred
~ face the consequences, relying on the
righteousness Of his cause aud scorning To
flcc from what he had every reason 10 know
would be hls inevitable doom. II Is needless
for me a. refer 10 the closing chapter In the
drama OF his lifo England thirsicd Tor his
blood; sho must have H. She would tolerate
none but the mean aud contemplate. the
dcspiscd OF all just men. those who sell
friends honor, counlry-all that man holds
dear aud sacred Emmett was too much of a
man and n patriot 10 be allowed 10 live. Itis
said that the dying notes 81 the swan are
the sweetest, ~. too, the last words of I'm.
met In the dock when cncirrled by bay.
oncts aud all the terror Inspiring panopiy
OF highlands power, was lifting close 10 q
life that illustrated the shining virtues Of
his race, blending With a nature 70 sweet and
gentle a. n womans, qualities that impcllcd
him 90 the highest aud noblcst aims. His
blood was shed upon the Scaiiold for the
highest virtue that man can possess but,
u i only by sactiilccs that any great good
has bcccn accomplished in the world. Things
here are 10 ordained that We iind this element
the suhstntufo ne all grcat religious, moral,
or social truthsTthc undccurrcnt OF the
great ocean on lite. Many men are
but the instruments Of a higher
power that .haPc. tho dcsiinies