The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1895-09-28
Assemble in Behalf of the lnde-
penjence of Ireland.
A GREAT CHICAGO MEETING
Ex-Congressmau Finerty Declares That
Irishmen Are Neither Defeated
Nor Disheartencd.

Chicago, ILL.,, Sept. 24.-In the great
gathering of men of Irish blood from
every quarter of the United States
preliminary steps were taken today
for a fresh worldwide effort of the
race in behalf Of the motherland.
The convention started with the
unique distinction of being the first as
semblage of the kind held in America
in 20 years not linked with the idea of
reliance upon parliamentary agitation.
A return to what they term the first
principles seemed to be the idea per-
meating the delegates. The chief and
definite purposes were the formation Of
new national organization, to be
made international if practicable, and
action in behalf of the Irish political
prisoners still in British jails. Among
the first arrivals in the convention hall
was Judge Savage of California.
CALLED TO ORDER.
The convention was called to order
by John J. O'Connell Of Chicago, chair
man of the committee.
Mr.. O'Connell, rapping for order,
explained the causes leading up to the
calling of the cOnvention-that the peo-
pie of this country had faith in the
Irish parliamentary party. Requests
came from all over the country urging
the new movement could get down to
business. For three days the dele
gates would be called on to devise
means for furthering the object for
which the gathering had been called.
The speaker hoped the day would not
be far distant when an Irish republic
based on the lines of the greatest re-
public on earth would be established,
to which end this convention would
lend invaluable aid if it's work were
fittingly done
Mr.. O'Connel introduced as tempo
rary chairman ex-Congressman John
]. Finerty of Chicago, who was given
rousing reception.
Every seat in the hall was occupied
The delegates were seated by states
all the states in the Union being repre-
scented, as were also Canada and
Australia.
One of the scenes was the welcome
rendered ODonovan Rosa when he
took a seat among the New York dele
cation.
One of the most interesting events of
the day was the presentation at the
door of the certificate of a delegate
to the convention of Fenian Brother
hood held January II, 1865. in Cincin-
natl by owen insolvency. Mr.. Nc
Sweeney was not elected to the present
convention, but owing to the fact that
he held in his hand a certificate of ELI
gibility to the second annual conven-
ton of the Fenian Brotherhood of
America he was admitted.
FINERTY'S ADDRESS.
A feature of Chairman Finertys ad-
dress. which evoked enthusiasm, was
his reference to Cuba.
IT am as good a citizen as any man,
said Mr.. Finerty during his speech,
"but would welcome the sight of 100,
900 Americans breaking the neutrality
laws in behalf of Cuba and doubly
would 1 welcome the sight OF 00C
armed Americans breaking the neutral
ity laws with England in behalf of Ire
land"
Mr.. Finerty said the extinguishment
of the nationality of Ireland by fraud
ulent means had placed the smaller
country at the mercy Of the larger
The act of union was passed by a sec
tartan assemblage and had been cursed
by every true fervent Irishman since
the day of it's birth. The various at
tempts of Irishmen to make the En-
glish government listen to reason wer,
recapitulated by the speaker. the frs
and the only one that accomplished TIT
desired result being, in his opinion tn
Fenian movement.
There are those that fear that w
may do something here against tn
laws of the United States. Our loyalt.
TO the United States is shown in tn
stars and stripes on our platform here
but our loyalty is a matter entirel
Independent of and separate from neu
trality laws.
whenever has England paid an
attention to neutrality Laws? Certainl
not in Ireland, where her presence is
standing memorial Of ner breach q
neutrality laws. Although there b
comparatively few Irishmen left in Ire
land to bear the blows of the Espresso
there are 100000 Irishmen in ever
part of the world, ready and anxiou
TO strike the blow that shall make tn
old country free. When Cuba raise
the flag Of freedom 1t should hav
been the duty Of Americans to haste
her deliverance, neutrality or no net
trality.
"And when the power of England
used against the United States it woul
be our duty as citizens Of this great r.
public and our pleasure as childre
of old Ireland to bear arms for OF
country against the oppressors. W
want to hear the rebel yell at the gate
of England. That rebel YELL while
was confined to American soil Englan
did SO much TO encourage and fost,
despite the neutrality laws"
In conclusion Mr.. Finerty said: "W
are here to proclaim to the world thu
the Irish race is by no means defeate
nor disheartened."
There are more Irishmen today this
n ~