The Irish standard., 1897-11-27

This is the chief object of the Hibernian
society. and this is the reason that
heartily commend the organization.
II now present this flag. 1t is the
greatest thing that a nation can possess
Monuments, libraries, tombs of great
men, are inferior to 1t. 1t is the diploma
of nations authority and glory, and
l need not tell you, for you know it,,
that never did flag, float upon the
breeze or was kissed by the winds of
heaven, around which were twined such
great heroic memories as are twined
about the stars and stripes. The hunt
ed foes of despotism have found ref
uge beneath it's folds. The democra-
cies of the old world saw it's star glim-
mer from afar and caught the hope of a
better day. 1t was the first and most
beloved child of freedom.
"'When freedom from her mountain
height
Unfurled her standard to the air,
She tore the azure robe of night,
And set the stars of glory there
May those stars never grow aim.
May the Hibernian society never carry
them except for an honorable cause. May
the society increase and prosper be-
meath it's folds. l know there is no race
of men on this continent who will guard
1t more jealousy and look on with glad
der eyes and prouder hearts while inc
eagle of the Republic floats upwards
and upwards toward the SUM-"
When the applause had subsidized, Mr..
N. c. O'Conor, the popular county presi-
dent of the A. o. H., came forward and
in ringing tones that resounded through
the hall made the following eloquent
response:
"Rev Father: In taking from your
hands at this time, this beautiful ban
ner, as have been allotted to do on be-
half of our organization, l know shall
comply with the wishes of my brethren
if I on their behalf say few words in
appreciation of this beautiful gift and
the patriotic feelings that inspire it. I
however feel how weakly at BEST l,
simple layman, can hope to respond to
the earnest and stirring words which
we have just heard fall, Rev. Father.
from your eloquent lips But the oc-
caslon demands that we as an crganza-
ton, speaking through me as it's i'm
perfect mouthpiece, should at least at
tempt to express to you and those pres
ent here tonight the patriotic love OF
the beautiful banner that floats DER us,
which we hold in common with you.
We are proud to stand under the grand
star spangled emblem and would all OF
us say With Edward Everett: May it ever
wave in honor in unsullle1 glory and
patriotic hope on the dome OF the capt
toll, on the country's stronghold, on the
tented plain, on the wave-rockcd top
mast! Wherever. on the earth's sur
face, the eye of the American Shall be-
hold it, may he have reason to bless it,,
On Whatever spot 1t is planted, there
may freedom have a foothold, humanity
a brave champion and religion an al
tar! Though stained with blood in a
righteous cause, may it never in any
cause be stained with shame.'
1--WE can but feel pardonabe pride
when we look back over the history of
the Ancient Order of Hibernians, IN
realizing that the gift is appropriate
Organized originally as we were to pro-
tect and defend the downtrodden and
prosecuted Of our religion, continuing to
exist that we might strive for the free.
dom and independence of that beautiful
Emerald Isle where many here tonight
first saw the light of day, and from
which many more of us are proud to
claim our descent, and which stands sec
ond only in the love of all present to
our own beloved America the land of
Gods pure freedom; continuing to ex-
list, say, for the good Of Ireland and
existing today in this beautiful land for
all these causes. and yet further to in
still patriotism and love of country in
every heart and to give aid to the sick
and suffering. to sympathize with l..eir
misfortunes, to compassionate their mis-
cries and to restore peace to their
troubled minds. What, / say, can DO
more appropriate than that such n flag
should float over an organization win
such history and such purpose
May freedoms torch illuminate tho
world,
And flash on fields by tyrants trod;
Like the red shafts of lightning hurled
BY the unerring hand of God
'The stars and stripes! A thing of
beauty is it not? Look at it! and look
ing let the patriotic love of the country
that boasts of it fill your breasts Is there
man within the sound of my voice
who would not feel it an honor to fight
under its starry glory? l think not
The spirit of the heroes of old Ireland
is not stagnant and dead, but rather
finds new life and new inspiration in the
glorious life,,giving air Of freedom in
which that flag waves. And 1t is no
lack of patriotism or lack of love for our
own country that prompts us when we
say that it Is our hope and conviction
that the day is not far distant when the