The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1896-03-25

country, than in the whole world up TO
the foundation OF this nation. Whyy
Because in this country, by the ANAL
gamaton Of different nationaliiies. we
get cross that develops the very high
est intellectually; and under our free
government and the American flag all
are free To employ their intellects un
trammeled, To improve and utilize the
forces of the universe as given To us by
the Great Creator for our use, ii we
but have the intellect To grasp them"
Judge Heckert then reviewed the pro-
gress made in this country, particularly
ia inventions. noting that the most inn
pOrtant inventions of modern times
have been the product of American
brains
Rev. l.. p. Goldrick of Mortified re-
lated n humorous story and sang a
couple of songs. lie was the funny
story teller of the evening.
Richard Rowland of Decatur toasted
1.-THE Irish American" He paid a
special tribute to the Irish soldiery in
the Union army during the "late un-
pleasantness."
X +. Jennigns, accompanied 10y Prof.
l.. z. Sherred, sang THE Holy City,"
and responded To an encore.
Miss Gertrude Barrows of Lawrence
gave one of her inlmitable whistling
solos.
A" Ireland's Heroes" were toasted by
A. Lynn Free. he commenced by pay
ing a tribute TO the chief of Irish he
roes, St. Patrick himself Through
whose influence" he said ireland was
converted from paganism to christian
ity and became known as the home of
the saints" He reviewed the effect of
this religious work, its influence spread
ing over all Europe. Eloquent tributes
were paid to Robert Emmett and Dan
iel O'Connell, rs representative heroes
of down-trodden Ireland. In closing,
Mr.. Free said: "If courage could have
freed Ireland, long ago she would have
been free; and believe l voice the SEN
timent of every one present when say,
God speed the day when Ireland shall
be free and Independent nation ,"
MesSrs. Chappell then rendered an
other selection and responded to a
hearty encore.
Misses DeGraff and Wall gave an ex-
ceedingly well rendered instrumental
duet, after which the toastmaster in
troduced San Irish hero" who had been
forgotten by Mr.. Free, Prof } A.
OLeary. n man with the courage to
toast 1.-The Ladies'" 1t would be unjust
to the speaker TO try To give the sub
stance of his remarks on such subject.
He spoke at times with good natured
raillery, and again with delicate com
plments, which were evidently heart
felt offering of poetry and praise.
The Nordican quartette closed the
program, and Rev FIR Wall thanked
those who had taken part in the pro-
gram and those who had attended, as
well
The occasion was a most successful
one, and the frequent expressions of
strong American sentiment and patri
otto love of country, with the hearty
applause accorded such expressions,
can leave no doubt that the Irish Amer
leans are as closely joined to the coun-
try of their adoption as ever they or
their ancestors were to the Emerald
Isle. The union of the green flag and
the stars and stripes in the decorations
of the stage was prettily emblematic of
the manner in which Irish Americans
have merged their old nationality into
the new, and these annual occasions of
assembling together of our citizens, re-
CARELESS of race or religious belief, to
express sympathy for oppressed Ireland
and 30 glory in American ascendancy,
will broaden the views of native Amer
leans who attend them, and improve
the Americanism of those who are citi-
zens by adoption.