The San Francisco call., 1896-03-18

read letters of regret from Governor Budd,
Archbishop Riordan and Rev. P. G. Yorke
at their inability to be present at the meet
ing of the Knights.
1.-THE Day We Celebrate" was drunk
with fervor, and James r. Kelly respond
ed to the toast. He said "In every por-
ton of the globe, wherever the children OF
the Irish race are found, they will this day
turn longing eyes across the ocean and
with longing hearts think of the green
fields or Erin. : 1t is day on which the
holiest and noblest emotions spring up in
the Irish soul. Memories come back to
the Celt wherever he may be-"
The lesson OF fidelity to faith and father
land presented by the Irish people, Mr..
Kelly said, was a shining mark to the
world, and something of which Irishmen
might well feel proud. Turning to the
political aspect of Ireland, he declared that
the scene was changed. and had changed
from one of dire oppression OF 100 years
ago to the dawn of liberty of to-day. But
Ireland has not completely freed herself
from the grasp of her despoiiers, much as
her condition has improved. Ireland,
however, will never rest until, through her
indomitable courage and will, she becomes
the mistress of her own destiny.
The speaker held that Irishmcn should
not forget the past because 1t was en-
shrouded in gloom and sorrow. That
made it dearer, and it would be power
fUl factor in the trend of the future for
Ireland's advancement and freedom.
Never has the feeling been more unani-
nous throughout the English-speaking
world than to-day that Ireland should
have emancipation, that she should be al
lowed to govern herself and be nation.
May God hasten the blessed day, and when
1t shall come cry of Joy will go up from
the nations and Erin will throw off her
mourning robe and become what blessed
Patrick intended she should be-the pride
of civilization of Western Europe. Mr..
Kelly was enthusiastically applauded as
he sat down.
When "The United States OF America"
was proposed as toast by the chairman
the hall rang with loud and hearty hur-
rahs that were repeated and grew in
warmth and enthusiasm until the toast
was drunk. Colonel Thomas f. Barry re-
sponded. In his Introduction the speaker
declared that when the first great struggle
for American liberty came the Irish were
to be found with Washington. The Irish
regiment in the War of the Rebellion had
as its motto, mo retreat"
He paid many high and eloquent trib-
utes to the United States for her greatness
All that is noble and sublime in civiliza-
ton and advancement is to be found in
the United States. But the material quail
tiles alone were not enough to sustain a
nation in her high place. there was some
thing more-the spiritual. The noble
quality that made Americans fight at Val
ley Forge.
America owes it to freedom, to peace, to
justice, that she stand for Cuba's rights,
for Venezuela against the oppressors.
Colonel Barry, continuing, said that it was
due to. Ireland that America stand up
against England and thereby give the suf-
fering country, if not absolute independ-
ence, at least home rule.
The orchestra played "Hail, Colum BIZ" J"
while the merry party gave three rousing
cheers.
James D. Phelan spoke in response to
the toast "The Poets and Orators of
Ireland"
''Civil and Religious Liberty" was pro-
posed and James II. Barry in an able ad-
dress responded.
California" was the next toast, to
which John ]. Barrett replied.
"Celtic Unity" was drunk with great
cordiality and received responses from D..
r. Mcneil. chief of the Caledonian Club
and Thomas Price, president of the Cam
brian Society.
''The Ladies'" the last toast, received a
response from Colonel John O'Bryne.