The record-union., 1894-03-09
IRELAND'O PATRIOT.
Turner Hall Crowded to Its Full Ca
pacity Last Night.
The Robert Emmett Club Celebrates
the 116th Anniversary of
His Birth.

Turner Hall was full last night. 1t
overfowed up into the gallery and the
hall and ante-rooms.
The occasion was the celebration by the
Robert Emmett Club of the 10th ami
versary of the birth of that distinguished
Irish patriot. Enough seats were pro-
vided for any ordinary entertainment,
but hundreds had to stand up. and it
spoke well for the merit of the pro-
gramme that they stood for nearly three
hours to listen.
First came the overture, Irish airs. by
Jones, tisch IL Watson's orchestra, fol-
lowed by some introductory remarks by
the Chairman, John P. Dalton. "A Hand
ful of Earth" was sung in good style by
j. j. Laracy. followed by the reading of
"Emmet's Speech in the Dock" by
Charles f. German, which stirred the
hearts of his audience.
"Come Back to Erin" fine solo by
Mrs. j. d. Moynihan, came next, and
Albert Hart gave one of his inimitable
recitations, 'Erin's Flag" which was
complemented by flute and piano duet
by Mr.. and Mrs. G. a. Neale, which was
loudly applauded.
Then came the address on the Life
and LaborS of Robert Emmett by Il. L.
Devlin. He adverted to the fact that he
had had no time to prepare an address,
as 1t had been intended that another per-
son should deliver one, and he had told
the committee that they would have to
be contented with impromptu remarks.
All had met here to celebrate the BIRTH
day OF patriot who stood the peer of any.
He gave a sketch OF Emmet's birth,
parentage and youth, followed him
through his college career to his expul-
sion, visit to and return from France, his
trial and execution, alluding to his en-
gagement 10 the daughter of John Phil
pot Curran.
Quoting from his speech, he said it was
OF manly defiance, the outburst OF con-
sciouS rectitude and patriotism against
oppression. Emmett had requested that
no one should write his epitaph, but the
speaker thought he saw the day near at
band when it should be properly written,
when the green flag Of Erin, flying over
a prosperous nation, would be hailed by
the nations OF the world.
On the Fourth of July the American
people read publicly the Declaration of
Independence. The cares of business and
everyday life cause them to forget it
throughout the year. But when the day
rolls round again it again rouses our
patriotism and brings back the memory
OF our fathers. So, on occasions like
this, love of country is stirred in all
hearts and love of Ireland quickens the
blood of Irishmen. He hoped that he
might yet see Ireland occupying place
amongst the proudest nations of the
world.
Killarney" was then sung in excel
lent taste by Edna Inez Ficks, and the
Battle of Fontenoy' was recited in
style far beyond the ordinary amateur by
Newton Dana Perkins. When Emmett
Phillips and John Hanlon got through
their Italian specialties the sides of the
audience were sore from laughter and
the two were worn out with encores.
Richard Cohn sang Kathleen Mavour-
neen" in his best style, which is saying
much, and Mrs. Ida -Ritner fol-
lowed with a beautiful ballad, 'Once,"
and in response to an enthusiastic encore
gave the ''Cruiskeen Lawn"
Miss 10 Lucey gave fine recitation of
1.-THE Limerick Blacksmith and Miss
Blanche Eicks was forced 10 respond to a
persistent encore on her comic song. DR..
George Hirzu and Steve Carroll created
much merriment by their songs and bal
lads, and closed the entertainment.
The floor was then cleared, and the
dancers took possession of it and kept it
in good use till they were tired out.
The officers of the club are: John P.
Dalton, President; James II. Devine,
President; Thomas e. O'Halloran,
Recording Secretary; Edward Walsh,
Financial Secretary; Bartholomew Lu-
cey, Treasurer.
Following are the committees: Ar
rangements-J. p. Dalton, James II. De-
vine, j. III. Hogan, D. Keefe, j. O'Con-
nell, E. Walsh and z. Gavin. Floor Di-
rector-Daniel re Riordan. Floor Commit
tee. Walsh, S. Carmody, D. l.. Sulli-
van, j. McCarty and P. Gavin.