Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-11-06
FATHER MATHEW.

The following is synopsis 0 the ad-
dress delivered at Lyceum Hall in this
city on Wednesday night last by Rev.
Father 81. ]. Cutler before the St. Math-
ew Total Abstinence Society:
Theobald Mathew is familiar name
t. all lovers of virtue and social haI :
piness. In 1888 he unfurled over the
cities and town of his native land under
which millions fought and won for
themselves peace, respect and happi-
ness, the white banner of total absti-
nence. His zeal and piety won for him
the love and admiration of all classes
and creeds, but his indefatigable labors
in the cause whose banner floats above
us tonight, soon earned ior him d
world wide fame and made him every
where known as the Apostle of Tenn
perance." From the depth of his great
soul he called on all countrymen to raj
ly round his standard, and soon his fol-
lowers were numbered by thousands
and hu0dreds of thousands. Iu two
years after the movement started he
was the recognized moral leader of two
millions of his countrymen. To accom-
plish this happy result he travelled
through the length and breadth of the
land aud established branches of his
temperance organization wherever he
went. The highest authorities in the
land bore testimony to the astounding
effects and results, in public and priva te
life of the labors of this devoted man.
The tidings of the great reform that
had taken place in Ireland were spoken
of far and near. From all parts inv
tations came begging visit from the
good priest. From England aud Scot
land and even across the broad Atlantic
came words of enthusiastic praise, aud
welcome extended to wherever the
English language was spoken. a meet
ing was convened in the Theatre Royal,
Dublin, to give expression TO the vast
results of Father Mathews abors, over
which the Duke of Leinster presided.
The first resolution was proposed by
the Marquis of Headfort in the follow
ing terms: Resolved, That the bene
its resulting to society from the labors
of Theobald Mathew entitle him be.
yond ali living men to the immeasura-
ole gratitude of all classes and ranks in
the British Empire" The enthusiasm
of the vast throng that filed the i'm
mense building representing every clas-
aud shade of religion and political
opioion was in itself stupendous and
eloquent expression of the feelings
which brought it together. HeDow be-
gan to think of extending to other
lands, where millions of his country
men and women had fled from poverty
and persecution, an oganization by
which 80 much good was accomplished
at home. Scotland first and then Eng
land became the scenes of his labor.
An account of his work in England,
the cities and towns he visited, the ad
dresses ne received, the replies he made,
the speeches be delivered, would fill
many volumes. "The attraction OF the
procession" says the Leeds Mercury.
'.was the carriage in which with uncov.
cred head stood erect the great apostle
of temperance, the object of ten thou
sand greetings Though very much
impaired in health in 1S49 he deter
mined to visit America to fulfill his
long-standing engagements. On ar.
riving at Castle Garden he was met by
the Mayor of New York who in beau
tiful address welcomed him TO America
in the name of the Common Council
of the Metropolis, and happily referred
to the claims Father Mathews labors
gave him to public reception, States
men, said his honor, bearing the high
est glory of their country and the vic.
tor fresh from the field of his proud
have been greeted here OIL
this spot, with the saluta'ions of the
most elevated in authority, AID with
the general welcome of the citizens of
this great city. But you, sir, come
among US with a highly different and
peculiar distinction. The honors you
wear have been accorded you by those
who revere you for your deeds OF love
and benevolepce. Your titles are writ.
ten in the heart of the uncounted mass
es. Your victories are not made up OF
the dead and dying left in your path,
but of living thousands you have res
cued from the most remorseless fate"
In Washington he was received with
the greatest distinction. Congress ad-
mitted him to seat on the floor of the
House and the Senate passed similar
resolution, an hour which up to that
time had been conferred only on Gen.
Lafayette, who brought his name and
sword to fight for our freedom and
liberty. After two years and half be
returned to his native land, hav.
ing administered the pledge to 600,-
900 persons in the United States.
Previous to his setting sail from our
shores he published his farewell address
to the citizens OF America from which l
must quote one or two passages. My
m 'ssion amongst you, he says, closes
t, day. cannot take my final depar.
ture from your great country without
publicly recording my final deep and
grateful appreciation of the generous
sympathy, the delicate attention and
the unremitting kindness which have
received in every section of this great
union. The noble reception you have
freely rendered to a stranger, known
merely as an humble missionary in the
cause OF q moral reform. proves the de-
votion OF your people 10 the interests
OF humanity, and has endeared America