Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-03-17
THE PATRON SAINT.
How THE Feast OF ST. PATRICK WILL
BE CELEBRATED.
ehort Parade OF Catholic Societies and a
Panegyric This Morning-Theatricals
Tomorrow Night.

To-day ~ the feast OF 81. Patrick, better
known as st. Patrick's day, and is observed
in sll parts Of the world by the loyal 5ish-
men aud their descendants In commemora'
ton Of the death OF the patron saint.
The anniversary falling this year ON SUM-
day the celebrations where they are to be oil
festive character will have TO take place on
some other day. In Richmond, however,
the Observance will consist Of a very short
street parade aul q psnegyric this morning:
Incidental 90 the occasion the drama OF
Robert Emmett will be produced at the Ihe-
atre tO-morrow night by the Richmond
Dramatic Association under the auspices OF
William O'Brien Branch, No. S16. irish
National League OF America, for the Deneut
OF the PsrneIl defence fund.
10 years gone by It was the custom at
each recurrence OF this anniversary to have
a great street parade during the day. follow
ed az night by a banquet, at which the his
tory OF Ireland would 10 told in song and
story. The banquets have been pretty well
kept III, but the parades have grown to be
insignificant as compared with what they
once were.
A distinctive feature OF the celebrations
has ever been and stih Is the wearing on
the green." Small twIgs OF shamrock usually
adorn the left lapel OF the observer OF the
feast, while bright and belming smiles hight
up the countenance, and the patriotic heart
IS made 10 thrOb with pride by the balloWed
memories that the day revives.
ST PATMcK's LIYE.
"The early liie OF st. Patrick says the
Petersburg Index-Appeal Of yesterday in
speaking OF this anniversary, "is obscure,
and little is known OF him until he made his
appearance in Ireland on his famous mission
10 the success OF which h. is indebted Tor the
warm place he holds 10 this day In the hes'ts
OF all true Irishmen. Even the exact dates
Of the main events in The life OF this notable
character are not known and various au-
thorites give different years for his death.
though it I. allowed that II took place on
March tue 18th by all. Theyear OF his birth
Is put down at 372 or 313, and that OF death
at 493 or 40j, which shows that he lived TO a
ripe old age.
% Both France and Scotland are clsimed IS
his birthplace but, like many other things
connected with his life, the exact place is
uncertain. It ia said that he WIS twice cap.
tured and sold into slavery in Ireland, but
managed 10 make his escape back to Scotland
both times, and after the last he determined
to enter the priesthood, and alter long
preparation began his mission In Ireland.
lie preached the Gospel vito such extraordi.
nary effect that be Is said To have converted
nearly tho whole island. While not the FIRST
one to Introduce Christianity into Ireland,
be is credited with its general conversion.
Among other things which he is said 10 have
done was the freeing OF ireland OF all snakes
end reptiles. That he was piOus man and
given TO good work is undenled."
TO-DAY's EXERCISES HERE.
Promptly at ball.psst 0 O'Clock this morn
Ing all OF the Catholic societies and others
" no wish TO Join in the celebration will as
semble at the school,house at the corner OF
Twenty-sixth and Grace streets, where the
line Will be formed, and under command OF
Mr. Thomas w. Cox, the chief marshal, the
column will proceed 10 81. Patrick's church,
on Twenty-hfth street near Broad, whe'e
divine services will be held at 1890 O'Clock.
High mass will be sung, with descons and
sub doacons assisting in the service, and i'm
mediately after singing the Gospel Rev. Pat
rick DonOhue will deliver the panegyric
AT the conclusion OF the service the societies
will be informally dismissed.
THE SOCIETIES.
The following societies will participate IN
the celebration, and their respective presi-
dents will be the assistant marShalS In charge
OF their organizations:
Catholic Beneficial Society, John NJ. Hig-
gins.
Irish National Land League-William
O'Brien Bianch, William Dafiron; Thomas
Brennan Branch. james Capston.
German Catholic Societies, Lewis Fox.
Wesl-Eud Catholic and Beneficial Society,
William +. Reddy.
Catholic Knights Of America Branch 142,
John II. Dinneen; Branch l63, Charles KEEL
ley.
sodaity Of Sacred Heart, Joseph Melon
aid.
Conference OF st. Vincent de Paul-St.
Peters Cathedral, j. III. Witty; It. Pa
tricks Conference OF the Society Of St. VIM
cent de Paul, a. l.. Masurier.
Calvert Club, Andrew Da1'ron.
McGll Catholic Union, DR.. Daniel Cole
man.
ROBERT EMMETT.
This drama will be presented at the Thea
tire tomorrow night, aud the advance sales
indicate that there will be large attendance.
The proceeds viii be sent TO London for the
benefit Of the Parnell defence fund. The
east. which includes many OF the best anna.
teurs 10 the city, IS As follows: Robert En-
met Frank j. Antilotti; Darby O'GAf with
songl John NJ. Ryall; sergeant TOpfsl,
Lord Norbury, George w Schlief; O'Leary,
John II. Campbell; Dowdall, Frsnk J. Reil-
"; Herman, Henry T.. Tresnon; Corporal
Thomas, f. T. Campbell; Conner. W. Law
renee Flnegan; O'DaIy, G. K. Green; Ma
ria, Miss NJ. Glliard; Judy O'Trot, Miss
Mary Mortimer; villagers, soldiers, jury.
men, etc. Incidental to the play Mr.. j. VI.
Ryall will sing Irish Founteuoy, " Remem-
her Rnv Ynn,re IrisnV " Wearing Of the