The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1893-10-07
r. Ell N DIS DAY.
Successful Celebration the Out
come Under Most Adverse
circumstances.
AN ALL-DAY RAIN PREVENTS

An Attendance on the Grounds Un-
precedented in the History
of the Fair.
Special to The Irish Standard.
A more unpropitious day than Satur-
day, September 30, could not we'll have
been selected for the celebration OF Ire
lands Day at Chicago. It began to ram
on Friday night and continued through
out the following day without anv par
ticular abatement until late in the even
ing. Great preparations had been made
by Erin's sons and daughters in Chicago
for the event and there is no question but
what 100000 would have visited the
erour dis on September 80 had it been q
day Of sunshine instead of clouds and
rain. It was meant for the browning
day in every respect thus far of the great
fair and it would have been SO under more
favorable circumstances. Even as it was
the attendance was remarkable and the
enthusiasm unbounded.
In the afternoon Festival hall was
crowded to it's utmost capacity. Ten
thousand people were present and thou
sands were unable to gain admittance.
Dublin's Lord Mayor was among the
number and men and women from every
state and territory in the Union were
there applaudipg the old songs and the
eloquent speakers. The hall was decor
ated with Irish and American flags, with
shields and bunting, with silk banners OF
all nations hanging from the supporters
and around the gallery rail. Folds OF
green interviewer with red, white and
blue gave an air of patriotism to the
scene. The Elgin band played lot OF
familiar Irish selections that aroused the
people to high pitch of excitement.
Archbishop Feehan officiated, the Lord
Mayor made a speech, the immense
crowd sang God Save Ireland" and all
through the program young men and
women sang songs and played on Irish
harps to the great delight of all.
The speeches, Of which extended alb
stracts are given elsewhere in this issue
! of The IRISH STANDARD, were eoul-stir-
ring and elected rapturous applause from
Celtic throats. e-
LETTER FROM GLADSTONE. n
One of the most interesting features of
the speechmaking part of the exercises
came out in Edward Blake's address in
the shape of letter to him from Mr..
Gladstone, dated September 2, 1893. In
the closing passages of the letter Mr..
Gladstone said:
"It was unanswerably observed during
our debate that the recent success has
been brought about by changes of opin-
ion where opinion has been most hostile,
namely: change of opinion in England.
Scotch, Irish and Welsh votes were with
MS in 1886; but we stood in minority of
nearly 12O. It has been the signal and f.
vorable change in England that has con-
verified this minority into majority of
forty for Home Rule.
Yet England still exhibits her reduced
majority to intercept one Of the greatest
benefits ever conferred not only upon
Ireland but upon her. In this attitude
she is alone among all the people of the
Engl1sh-speaking race. She has not yet
quit. ed, but she is quitting it. Yet the
last struggle still remains, and like the
former struggles it will be great; and it
will demand the friendly efforts of all
those, wherever placed, who under God
have lifted this great cause out of the
abyss and set it on an eminence from
which there remains but a single step
into the promised land
I cherish the most sanguine hope that
the conduct of the Irish nation, when
their great object has been attained. will
fulfill every reasonable hope cherished
bv those who have aided, and will con-
vert it's present enemies into friends.
Believe me, very faithfully yours
THE PARADE.
Even in the midst of rain the parade
was one of the great features OF the day.
The process sion started from the west end
of Midway and everywhere along the
line was cheered to the echo. The Hi
bernian Rifles of Minneapolis, under
Capt Doyle, secured marked attention
and received the special plaudits OF the
people for their efficiency in the different
drill tactics. The Associated Press made
special mention of their slalwart ply
sioues and military discipline. On Sun
day the company attended services at
st. James church in body and attracted
much attention. They are proud of their
success in Chicago as they naturally de-
serve to be. Whatever encouragement
the Rifles have received in the past
should be redoubled in the future by
Minneapolitans. They will soon be able