The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-03-06
ROBERT emmett.
An Eloquent and Patriotic
Lecture by Rev. Mr.. Pepper
Mayor John w. Davis introduced
the Distinguished Guest.
f" ireland and Irish !" the Subject of Discourse
and the Theme Was Ably Handled.

1t is to be regretted that the inclement
weather last evening prevented larger
audience than that present from attend
ing the lecture delivered by Rev. George
w. Pepper of Cleveland, Ohio, at the Audi
torium. For it was treat to those inter-
ested in the history and characteristics of
the Irish race.
The lecture was given under the auspices
of the Sarsfield Association, and their ef-
forts in securing a speaker as interesting
and learned as the reverend gentleman
were praiseworthy. The audience, how
ever, made up in enthusiasm what they
lacked in numbers, and the speaker was
interrupted at frequent intervals by the
applause of his audience.
Rev. Mr.. Pepper is a Methodist clergy
man of Irish birth and iDclinations. He
is above the average height and remark
ably vigorous for his years. In appearance
he bears somewhat of resemblance to
Senator John Sherman OF Ohio His de-
livery is emphatic, but somewhat difficult
to follow until the listener becomes famil-
lar with the speaker.
Mr.. Pepper was escorted to the platform
by His Honor John w. Davis, and the fol-
lowing well-known citizens followed and
took seats upon the platform: Alderman
J. Ellis White, Lyons Delany, Councilman
Frank J. Farrell, John Jolly, Hugh j. Car
roll, Rev. Samuel Nj. Beale, pastor of
Thomson Methodist Church, Patrick Nc
,Crory, Frank f. Fitzsimmons, Patrick
Duffy, Patrick McAleavy, Patrick Curley
and Vincent j. McAloon.
The meeting was opened by Vincent j.
McAloon acting as temporary chairman,
who announced that the opening number
on the program would be bass solo-"Let
Erin Remember the Days of Old" by
Dominic Bryan Mr.. Bryan rendered his
number acceptably, and was followed by
Miss Mary O'Neill of Providence, who
sang 'Believe me il all Those Endearing
Young Charms" i'm Irish. The solo was
received with applause. Mr.. McAloon
then introduced Mayor John w. Davis,
who had been chosen to preside. Mayor
Davis said the inciemency of the weather
was to be regretted, and the small audi
ence were doubtless disappointment to
those present as well as the speaker. The
DSch SlNNi VIC ptoDlS VI
Pawtucket to hear of the characteristics of
the speaker of the evening, who was re-
ceived with applause. Mr.. Pepper lost no
time i'm entering into his subject, "Ireland
and the Irish People"
The speaker spoke of the various charac-
teristics of the race, incidental to the
various parts of the Emerald Isle from
which they came. In connection with
this part of his subject Mr.. Pepper spoke
of the special traits of various nations,
Ireland was divided into three distinct
colonies.
Regarding the origin of the Irish, the
speaker said "that a large margin had to
be left i'm the various accounts" He then
told of the origin of the race, aud the
different dispositions incidental to various
parts of Ireland.
1sThe rebellions of the last 100 years."
said the speaker, shave been instigated in
every instance by the Protestants of Ire
land" The reverend gentleman then paid
his respects to the land owners, and said
that similar condition of affairs i'm any
country would lead to the same state Of
destitution and famine, as occurred every
10 years in Ireland The Queen of Eng
land had withdrawn from the revenue of
the island the enormous sum OF r, 800, ,0OO,-
Co., The speaker then said that there was
no such race as the Scot-Irish.
Mr.. Pepper then described the various
traits of the Irish as apparent wherever
they made their homes.
The remainder of the lecture was de-
voted to discussing the great men of
Ireland, their various characteristics and
the condition of affairs in Ireland, polit-
ical relations of the island, and interesting
stories OF the great men of the race.
Mr.. Peppers remarks regarding the
action of the British government at va
rious stages OF the administration were
both entertaining and instructive. Inter
mingled with serious thought during the
course OF the lecture, numerous amusing
stories were told, and the audience en-
joyed the keen humor of the speaker.
When the applause which greeted the
close of the speakers remarks had sub
sided, Miss Maggie Mcnamara rendered
"Killarncy," and Robert j. Casey sang
''The Green, White and Gold"
Mr.. Pepper could lecture with equal
huency on many men and events of i'm
terest, IA he has come I'm contact with
many noted men I'm his time. lie was a
personal friend Of exPresident Harrison,
and from him received the appointment
OF Consul to Milan, Italy.
At the conclusion Of the lecture the dis
Nnguishcd guest was escorted To the
Benedict House, where he stopped over
night, by the patrons OF the lecture, and
upon reaching the hotel held an informal
I