The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-07-31
OLD ERZN,S CENTENNIAL REUNION

ireland Is going to have centennial
celebration. Early next year the sons
OF Erin will gather on the green isle
10 commemorate the one hundredth an
niversary OF the revolution OF l79S.
This reunion of the Irishmen OF the
universe will glorify the time and the
occasion when II required 10000 British
troops to quell the rebellion at historic
Wexford, where mob or peasants
fighting under Father Murphy were
armed only with pitchforks. pixies and
scythes.
The invasion OF Ireland next year will
be a peaceful pilgrimage to the graves
OF heroic ancestors.
The story of how Ireland fought for
freedom in 1898 and how England quell-
ed the rebellion Is yet to be written In
the light of truthful history. In six
weeks the struggle was over, and Erin
from Wexford harbor TO Antrim and
Swords was a desolate waste. Whole
counties were one great cemetery for
the slain and camps for shelterless peo-
pie. Robert Emmett youth in Trinity.
was already suspected and marked for
martyrdom. The nformer system was
firmly established in British favor. The
United Irshmen were disbanded. and
the Orangemen organized TO be allowed
10 flourish for years and give cause for
the making of wounds that are not yet
healed.
But for the mishaps to two French
fleets which were going to the rescue
Ireland might have been free and the
history OF the world changed. AS 1, was,
'9S was a hard won victory for England.
and she lay back exhausted. terrified
for years at every foreign ship that en-
tered the channel, compelled for her ma
tonal life TO resort TO measures by
which thousands died or languished In
prison.
The idea of Irelands resort to arms
was only four years old. In iIsO-l the
Irish parliament suddenly woke up in
obedience TO a widespread sense OF ma
tional life. The Irish volunteers had
been armed to repel possible invasion
of the French, and there grew up un-
der the subtle influence of the posses
sion of arms feeling OF pride that per-
meates all classes and sects. Harbors
were improved ships built and com
merce encouraged. Public spirit and
amity and prosperity were everywhere
manifest. The parliament was filled
with men OF eloquence and daring. The
English aristocraey in Ireland were ap-
prehensive Of their power and stirred
up feeling OF alarm in England
Ii was at this crisis that the United
Irishmen came into existence. Samuel
Nelson. Belfast merchant, was the
originator. Theobald Wolfe Tone.
DISTINGUISHED and brilliant lawyer, was
the organizer and orator The object
OF the society was to combat English
influence in the native parliament, TO
reform that body and TO unite Irishmen
OF all creeds for these purposes. The
widest publicity was sought. The
Northern Star was published in Bel
fast and in 1871 The Press was started
IN Dublin. The society grew slowly
and attracted but little notice. 1t was
ignored by the government. There was
no secrecy. and sedltion was not ad-
vocated. yet In 1872 the Hon. Simon
Butler and oliver Bond were summon
ed before the house of lords and con-
demned to fine and imprisonment for
having acted as chairman and secre-
tary Of a meeting of United Irishmen.
Some smolderng fires were famed
into flames, and in 1893 parliament pass
ed the relief bill, and then having paci-
fed the mass of the people. the govern
ment bore down on the United Irish So
ciety by prohibiting the importation OF
arms and ammunition into the island
and the holding of unauthorized con-
ventions. The most celebrated club
was in Dublin, and on the night of May
4, 1894, the officers of the club were ar
rested, the papers seized and the meet
ing dispersed.
1t was in the Liberties" OF Dublin.
that great picturesque section Of the
city deserted of fashion, filed with old
mansions, with beautiful carvings and
oornices. filled with poverty, haunted