The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1898-01-22
A RECITAL OF IRISH HEROIsM.
A Grand Nephew of Robert Emmet
Presided at the Meeting.
A MOST THRILLING LECTURE
Butchery In Wexford Town By
Cromwell's Soldiery.

That the Irish in America are as en-
thusiastic as the people of Ireland in
the coming celebration of the '9S CEN
tenary was fully indicated by the re-
ception given to Mr.. John E. Redmond,
M. P, in New York city. Mr.. Redmond
has come here for the purpose of STIR
ssring up enthusiasm for the coming
great Irish national celebration. His
stay will not extend over a few weeks,
as he intends to be in London to attend
the opening Of parliament Feb. 8. MIR.
Redmond delivered his first lecture on
Sunday evening in the Broadway Thea
ter. That large house was literally
packed as 1t never had been filled before
by thousands who desired to listen 10
the STORY of '98," which was the SUBJ
ject OF Mr. Redmonds address.
Before o'clock Broadway, in the vi.
cln1ty of the theater was almost impos-
sihle, and at 8 o'clock 1t was strug-
gle to get into the house, even with
reserved seats. But those who got ia
We're amply repaid for their presevence,
FOR the story of Ireland's struggles was
told In way that went straight to the
hearts OF all present. Mr.. Redmond was
IN his best form, and as he dramatically
recited some pathetic features of the
great rebellion scbs were heard in all
parts of the house.
There were representatives present
from all parts Of Ireland and among
them were some of the foremost citi-
zens OF the Observation-Disclosures lawyers,
merchants and professional and busi-
ness men. In the boxes were Mrs. Kate
Maxwell and other descendants of EN-
met and Wolfe Tone, while on the
stage We're many men who have in later
years suffered imprisonment for tie
cause for which Emmett gave up his
life
The chairman Of the evening, Robert
Temple Emmet, the grandnephew Of
Robert Emmet, was introduced by Ed
ward O'Flaherty, the chairman of The
arrangements committee. He said he
considered 1t a great honor to have the
pleasure Of introducing one of the ia
nous Emmett family which Is revered
and honored wherever the Irish race
exists. He said he was worthy in every
respect Of the great name of his familt.
and 1T was very appropriate that he
Should preside at the lecture.
Mr.. Emmet, who was given a hearty
greeting, said: "We have come here
tonight to listen to the story of 98 told
by a man who needs no introduction TO
an audience composed, as this is, of
lrishmen and women and sympathfzers
with the cause of Ireland. One of that
devoted band of Irish members of par-
lament on whom has descended the
mantle of the leaders of 'SS. Who can
better tell US the story of Ireland's great
fight for liberty?"
When Mr.. Redmond advanced to the
front OF the stage, he received an oya-
tion.
lie began his lecture by paying trib-
ute to the memory of Charles A. Dana
who presided at the lecture given last
year in the same theater by Mr.. Red
mond Then he plunged into his sub
ject. He told the story Of Ireland in
'9S' with wealth Of language, brilliant
coloring, variety of detail, and in such
an interesting way that the audience
was held spellbound for several hours.
When he stopped speaking no one made
a motion to move. The audience want
ed more of it. No pen can adequately
describe the manner in which Mr.. Red
mond told the story. To be fully aD-
preciated it had to be heard. Here are
few Of the more striking things he
said:
''To Americans, whose own successful
struggle for liberty gave the first in
spiration to the Irish revolutionists of
the last century, and men of Irish birth
Or blood, whatever their creed, cannot
review without emotion and pride the
chivalrous devotion with which our fore
fathers-Catholic and Protestant alike
laid down their lives for the liberties
OF Ireland. In my native country every
sod may we'll be termed martyrs sep
ulchre."
He paid tribute to the memory OF
Wolfe Tone and Robert Emmet, the
foremost among the figures in that "a
nous struggle for liberty.
He said that the rising of '9S was mis-
understood by many, and had often been
termed a Popish rising. Mr.. Madden,
ono Of Ireland's historians, the speaker
said, had amply refuted this when he