The Irish standard., 1897-01-09
He Explains the Duties He Owes
to the World and
Mankind.
Celtic Influence i'm Literature Ex-
ceeds that of all Other
Nations.
England Claims the Best Product
of the Ould Sod as
Its Own.

tLS. OWH.
DR.. Conaty was a guest Of the SUPPL
clan Fathers in Montreal on Dec. 21. In
the evening he spoke to a magnificent
audience, the title of his address being
Celtic Influence in English Literature .
On the stage were most of the prominent
clergymen and many Of the leading busi
ness end professional men Of the city.
Rev. Father Quinliyan, S. S., pastor OF
St. Patrick's Church, presided and in
troduced DR.. Conaty in these glowing
words:
DR.. Conaty is NO stranger amongst us.
He is an old and valued friend, whose
face and eloquent voice have long been
familiar. The formality, then Of an In
PRODUCTION to you of the distinguished
churchman is not only unnecessary, but
would be sort of ignoring Of the past.
1t is said that promotion to exalted posi-
tions makes some people forget their old
friends. The presence here tonight OF
our honored guest proves that he be-
longs to very different class. TO have
others share in ones happiness is one Of
the prerogatives of true goodness and
nobleness Of soul; and DR.. Conaty, after
receiving from the holy See one OF the
highest honors which America could Of
fer, comes mere, at much personal in
convenience, TO share with hts friends
the joy which is common to us all. One
of his very first visits after his promo
ton has been to old Montreal, where he
has so many and such warm friends;
and certainly We highly appreciate this
new proof Of his affectionate friendship.
1t is especially in the name OF the clergy
of the different parishes, rs pastor OF
the old mother parish representing the
different English speaking ccngrega-
tions, that I offer these few remarks,
All these gentlemen. and many OF their
clerical brethren of other nationalitics,
are here this evening to offer their
warmest congratulations and hearty
God-speed to DR.. Conaty in the great
work that has been entrusted to him.
But the laity desire also to be heard, and
it is only proper that the expression OF
their sentiments and of ours should take
form of an address, which the Hon.
Judge Curran has kindly consented to
present
The Hon. Justice Curran then read an
eloquent address to DR.. Conaty on behalf
of the laity. ..... 49,.
The Rev. Dr. Conaty, who was greeted
with loud and prolonged applause, said:
appreciate more than words can tell
the kindness Of the welcome which has
been extended to me tonight by my Mon
treal friends. I come to Montreal as
child would go to his fathers house.
felt that before taking upon myself the
responsibilities of the Office to which
have been appointed it would be good
for me to come again to the scene OF my
early and later instruction.; to speak,
once more to those vino had the guidance
of much Of my priestly career, not TO
seek their congratulations, but to ask
them for their advice and their prayers.
Montreal, my parental educational home
has always held, and will always hold
a good place in my affections, because it
is characteristic of the authorities OF the
seminary that they establish between
the students and themselves a tie which
grows stronger as the years go by. !
would be ungrateful If did not go to
what is my fathers house in an educa-
tional sense, and ask for his blessing be-
fore / undertake to discharge the ardu-
GUS task which lies before me- This
meeting and this address which has been
read to me have come upon me as sur
prise. Had I known that these would
await me 1 think would have put of
my visit until a later time. Judge OF
nv surprise when learned this morn
ing ON arriving here by train that was
expected to deliver public address.
don't know why this should have been
expected of me except on the ground
that, being an Irishman, am supposed
to have speech always ready (langhter
and applause.) No one knows better
than the priests who are present how u
solemn and difficult are the duties that
lie before me. enter upon them, how Il
ever, in the spirit Of disciple Of st. Sui
pice. determined as Christian soldier
to do my duty to the best Of my ability n,
in the post to which God has called me 4
(appaluse). / ask you to help me BY
your prayers to carry out my resolve. q N n
Father Conaty then delivered ansseio-
ouent lecture on Celtic Influence iiiSs
Engush Literature II was STRANGE.
he that anyone should clairn M l1'. that ~ sS M
the, tls. had exercised any fnfl,lsncsS q s
oys lterature, tor we had Sbsllss a1e'|
ta kt the Irish celt AZ M. mA1ss II
oppfessa sraded and ,gnso1| y |ss \ n
there aay Csltie aaaae Il 3 Ell s'aI
ma d { stsI lgs
lI1||