The San Francisco call., 1898-05-28
SPOKE FOR
 AMERICA Patriotic Addresses by St. Mary's Gradutes. OUR FUTURE STATESMEN
YOUNG SCHOLARS COMMENT
 ABLY ON THE TIMES.
Interesting Exercises at Macdonough Theater-His Grace Archbishop Riordan Presents the
 Diplomas.
Oakland Office San Francisco Call

Oakland Office San Francisco Call
 sos Broadway, May 27.
 The Macdonough Theater was crowded tonight with the friends of the gradu- ates of St. Mary's College. Archbishop Riordan presided and presented the di- plomas to the graduating class, consist ing of Thomas H. Donovan, Leo F. Tor mey, James J. O'Dea, W. P. Sullivan, An drew P. Finan. Edward T. Mallon. Frank A. Silva and John A. Young.
 The class essays were on interesting topics and showed much study and thought on the part of the orators. ". P. Sullivan dealt with 'The American Re- public," and in his remarks said: The unity and liberty of our republic must be preserved in order that we may attain to the elevation that Providence has des- tined for us. We must be ever mindful of our motto, 'E pluribus unum, for in unity there is strength We must ever keep in mind the grand idea Of true lib- erty which 1t has been given our nation to realize and ever strive to reach po- sttion that the God of nations intended we should occupy-the peer among the nations of the earth"
 "Who Fears to Speak of '98?" was the subject handled by Andrew F. Finan, who said in brief: Far from being ashamed of that eventful period of Irish history known as the insurrection of 9S. we find much in it to commend and admire. The history of Ireland has been checkered one for centuries. Still the shadows have been frightened from time to tune by the light of faith and hope Most other coun- tries have had seasons Of prosperity and progress. But Ireland, from the landing of srongbow has had no such years this devoted island, appropriately termed first flower of the earth and first gem of the sea-, has been the scene of cruel prosecutions and atrocious misrule. In consequence rebellionS have been of frequent occurrence, though mostly un- successful, but hope has never died out in the Irish heart
 Leo F. Tormey, in a clever thesis, re- ferred to the Monroe doctrine and said: Our republic has reached a point in its development where fear of European az gression may be disregarded Away, therefore, with the purpose of those who from from which we we broke in the glorious days of the Revolution. Base is the i'll disguised purpose of those who would rious flag of independence. Long may 1t wave over us and our posterity, symbol izing. on its genial folds no base or de; and unpolluted, let 1t be transmitted to posterity. upheld by principles American in their origin, their nature and promul-
 Pope Leo XIII and His Pontihcate.' was the subject chosen by Thomas w. Donovan. He said:
 Fired by the holy and ardent desire of drawing the human race nearer to their Creator and aided by his remark able abilities as a statesman, Leo XIII has performed prodigies in the cause of religion. He re-established the Scottish hierarchy, secured the pardon and return of the Polish Bishops who had been ex- lied from their hocks, and secured for German Catholics the right to practice their religion in peace.
 'Of a remarkable personality, he at tracts with a magnetic force which IS almost irresistible. His manner, though kind, is firm and adamant and he displays a remarkable force of character in all his undertakings; the ardor with which he performs every duty is infused into although he has reached the grand old age of SS years he continues to perform the duties of his high office with an en ergy little short of supernatural"
 'The American Navy, Past and Pres ent." is a timely subject upon which James I. O'Dea found much to say. He compared the navies of 1872 and 1898 and closed as follows:
 And now we are in the midst of a conflict with a European nation untried before. We have taken up the gage of battle in behalf of a starving, perishing island-an upward striving nationality. 1 However opinions may differ as to the business of the motives, Congress has de- clared for war; and if present omens au- gur anything of the future, the United States will achieve one of her greatest naval triumphs Already the skies are ing victory and peace. The mantle of the old commodore has fallen on one gai- lant man, the hero of Manila. The echoes of Dewey's cannon have gone reverber- ating around the whole world astounding the nations at American pluck, ability | and triumph.
 "Our destiny, in great measure, Is in the hands of our seamen and we feei confident that 1t is in good keeping. The | history of the American sailor makes | us trust that wherever national interests may place him, they will be bravely, he- | roically and triumphantly safeguarded.'
 John A. Young presented an elaborate | review of the pioneers of missionary work in America. He paid particular atten- | ton to the work of those pioneers of re- ligion who laid the foundation of civil | ization in the Spanish territory that is now the State of California.
 Frank A. Silva dealt with the life and | work of General Rosecrans, who recently | died in Southern California. He referred | to the Christian character of the dead | warrior and of how religion dominated | his action both in war and in peace.
 In dealing with public opinion Edward | Thomas Mallon said some very trenchant things He stated that much that Is &C., cepted as public opinion does not deserve | the name, but is the worst form of dem agogy. He also said that able editor can mold public opinion to a great ex- tent and that such opinion possesses power enough to even compel vice to hide it's head, or if 1t persist in living 1t shall only do so under the mask 0f |