The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1891-10-02
IRISH NATI0NALISTS.
The Meeting Called by President Fitz.
gerald Opened at
Chicago.
A Large Representation, But Few OF
the Old Wheel Horses
Present.
A Blood Stained Irish Battle Flag
Among the Deeorations-Su
toms Speech.

CHICAGO, Oct. 2.-Irishmen from
nearly every section of the country be-
gan to gather in the large auditorium of
the Central Music hall shortly after 10
o'clock a. m. They were assembling in
response to the call issued something
over month ago by President Fitzger-
aid OF the Irish National League of
America. 1t was noticeable at the out
set that the convention would in the
main be composed of men hitherto un-
known outside of their own particular
localities, to the Irish movement. Very
few OF the old war horses who were seen
in the same hall on similar occasion a
couple OF years ago, were visible.
The Decorations.
The decorations of the hall were con-
fined to rather liberal display of ma
tional colors in flags and streamers, in
terlningled with the green flags and harp
device, so dear to patriotic Irish hearts.
Over the big organ depended a life-like
Oil painting of Robert Emmett, while
above the foot-lights lowered pike that
did valiant service ON the soil of the old
country in the stirring times of 179s.
Around its staff was circled tattered
and blood-stained Irish flag, that, could
it speak, might unfold a tale of the
struggles of Erin's sons on the battle
field in the closing days of the last
century.
The precautions against any possible
packing" were ample. A broad shoul-
dered police officer stood guard in the
lobby and the doors were kept locked
and barred on the early arrivals, pend
ing the arrival Of the leaders of the
movement. 1t was not until nearly II
o'clock that Secretary Sutton put In an
appearance. He was fanked by Mayor
Somers, of Milwaukee; Judge Donnelly.
of the same city; Mr.. Thomas O'Reilly
and ONeil Ryan, of st. Louis; John T.
Morriss, Baltimore; ex-C Congressman
Ford and Judge Steinart, of st. Joseph:
Timothy Moroney, New Orleans; Rev.
DR.. Mckay and DIR. Dan O'Brien, of
Nebraska; David Fitzgerald, of Lincoln,
Nebraska, brother of the leagues presi-
dent; John Finerty and Rev. Father
O'Dwyer, Illinois,
The Convention Opened.
Secretary Sutton called the conyen-
tion to order few minutes before noon.
He expressed his regret that painful cir
cumstances prevented the attendance of
President Fitzgerald, and the first vice
president, Patrick Marsin of Baltimore,
both OF whom are on beds of sickness.
He went on to say that they had assem-
bied from all parts of the country in
spite of a hostile public opin-
ion created - God knew and God
help them - by men themselves
Irish. They had met, however, for a
sacred purpose. They should think
only OF the land that gave them birth.
but for Gods sake" concluded the
speaker, as he brought his fist down on
the desk, don't let the old cause die.
Keep the movement going, keep it on a
business basis, keep it in line for VIC
tory" Secretary Sutton concluded by
reading the call for the convention.
ONeill Ryan, of ST. Louis, was chosen
chairman by acclamation. He made an
earnest address, which was repeatedly
punctuated with applause.
On the motion of DR.. Gallagher. of
New York, committee of one from
each state represented, and one peter
Boyle, of Ontario), from Canada was ap-
pointed on credentials and recess was
taken.