The Irish standard., 1897-10-16

Britain and the United States as we'll.
In 1888, in the 47th year of his most
useful life, Theobald Mathew signed a
solemn pledge of total abstinence, and
devoted the remainder OF his career
to the labor Of propagating the car
dinal virtue of temperance. He became
in very truth missionary, and his
efforts met with splendid success. Not
even a twelvemonth had elapsed before
100000 Of his countrymen had needed
his burning words, followed his priest
ly example, and placed their binding
signatures underneath his own. The
number of his following increased with
a rapidity that filled his soul with pious
exultation. In the year 1910 he visited
famed Maynooth, not this time as an
humble seeker after education, but as
a great father of the people, as friar
whom many men loved, whom all re-
spected profoundly. Professors and
students hearkened to his ardent ap-
peals, and pledges were taken by 8 of
the former, by $50 of the latter, and by
10000 Of the laity in the surrounding
districts on whom the example Of May
nooth had, necessarily, telling effect.
By this time all the United Kingdom
had learned whom Father Mathew was
and applause was la,vishly bestowed on
him. Daniel O'Connell found to his glad
surprise that his own great work was
receiving an immense benefit from the
fruits of the Capuchin's extensive mis-
sion, and paid to him the tribute of his
homage. From Cardinal Wiseman.
from Protestant in addition to Catholic
divines throughout Great Britain, from
persons of the English aristocracy and
magnates Of the English press, Father
Mathew derived both admiration and
encouragement-not that either was
needed. To Scotland he directed his
course in 1847, knowing well that in
such cities as Glasgow and Edinburgh
there was chance for the accomplish
ment of incalculable good. In the year
following he went to London and to
Liverpool, Leeds and other English
cities, everywhere creating an inde-
scribably salutary impression. Careful
calculators had stated that more than
100000 men, women and children-some
place the number at 6O0,0OO-took the
temperance pledge from his hands in
England alone. Then came 1849 the
year of famine. Back in his native land
the beloved friar helped with all his
might to succor hapless victims of
dearth and fever. In the summer he
made up his mind to visit America, de-
spite the fact that an attack of feeble
ness, caused by his exceeding exertions.
had untitled him for the fatigue of
oceanic travel. New York was the place
of his landing, and he was welcomed
with extraordinary courtesies by mem
bers OF the municipal government, va
rlous societies and vast throng of cit
izens, the foremost being, of course the
men who hailed him as their country
man. In these states he travelled many
thousands Of miles, and several hun
dred thousand persons, of both sexes.
and OF every age, followed his council.
and became sworn teetotalers. And let
1t be said here, Of all who took Father
Mathews pledge in this country and
abroad, the majority kept it with re.
ligious perseverance, and all other prof
ited by the teachings that they heard
from the most famous of Irish Capu-
chins. Even prescinding from the ac-
tual number of thcNe who took and for
ever kept the pledge, it is fact in his
tory that the moral influence of Faith
er Mathews mission was tremendous
and abiding. He returned to Ireland in
1851, and after few years of retirement
that was necessitated by severe illness.
he died at the age of 66 in the forty-
second year of his priesthood. No Eng
lish speaking churchman or layman has
done SO much work in the cause to
which he dedicated the best years of his
career. Cardinal Manning is the onlv
name that can be placed near his.