The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1895-09-26
Great Enthusiasm Marks the
Gathering of the Sons Of the
Emerald Isle
For the Purpose of Organizing a
New Movement for Freeing
Their Country.
No Attempt to Transact Any
Business at the Opening
Session.

CHICAGO, Sept. 25.-Stern earnest
ness marked the Inauguration Of the
"new movement" for Ireland's indie
pendence. In q great gathering of men
of Irish blood from every quarter Of the
United States. the preliminary steps
were taken for fresh worldwide effort
of the race in behalf Of their mother
land.
The. convention was held In the mag
nifcent new Y. M. G. A. building on
La Sale street, and started with the
unique distinction Of being the first as
semblage of the kind held in America
within 90 years not linked with the idea
of main reliance on parliamentary agi-
tation. A return to what they termed
first principles, seemed to be the idea
permeating the delegates. The "com-
pacts" and treaties" with British
statesmen through which the forces of
Irish revolution have been held in check
for definite period, are, it was the talk
among those in attendance, now at last
at an end by limitation, with
Nothing for Ireland to Show in Return.
Dwelling on this, no small portion of
the delegates We're inclined to discuss
anew the possibility, military and other
wise, Of the famous Fenian maxim
"England's peril is Ireland's opportu-
nifty"
/ \ The chief definite purposes of the con-
vention, as far as they could be gath
cred in advance of the proceedings, were
the formation of new national organi-
cation, to be made international if prac-
ticable, and the taking of action of some
sort in behalf of Irish political prisoners
still in British jails.
Quite a Martial Appearances.
The spacious association hall, dedi-
GATED to peace ON Earth, Good Will
Towards Men," where the sessions were
held, took on quite martial appearance
with its elaborate decorations of the
Stars and Stripes interviewer with green
and gold. The most conspicuous decor
alton was full length portrait Of Rob-
ert Emmett, the centenary of whose ex-
ecution in Dublin may not unlikely be
decided upon by the convention for a
demonstration to be as historic as the
death of Emmett itself.
Some Prominent Delegates.
Among the first arrivals in convention
hall was Mayor Fitzpatrick Of New Or
leans, General M. K. Kerwin, ex-col-
lector of the port of New York, came in
with William Lyman of the same city,
treasurer of the Irish National League.
Shortly afterwards followed in the
steady stream of delegates, O'Neil Ryan
of st. Louis, Judge Savage of Califor-
MIA, James Killilea Of Nashville, and
others equally well known.
The convention was called to order by
John T. Heating, state president of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians of Illinois.
He introduced as temporary chairman
Congressman John F. Finerty Of
Chicago. Mr.. Finerty was given rous-
ing reception.
Intense Enthusiasm.
The opening of the convention was
marked by intense enthusiasm. The
formal opening of proceedings was long
delayed by the reading of kilograms
from Irish sympathizers from all parts
of the world, and the delay was in
creased by the great care taken to pre-
vent other than authorized delegates
passing the doorkeepers.
Chairman Finerty's spirited address
calling for prompt and efficient action
in behalf of Ireland, was frequently in
terrupted by the cheering of enthusiast
tic delegates. No attempt was made to
transact business at the opening session,
and at the conclusion of Mr.. Finerty' g
speech the convention adjourned for