The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1898-09-03
FOUNDER OF "1HE UNITED IRIsHMEA'
GRAND EXHIBITION IN HONOR OF
THE BELOVED REBEL.
FROM Qua SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
n. G. O'CoNNOR's DESCRIPTION OF
THE HISTORIC EVENT.

dated Dublin Aug. 1G:
Probably the largest demonstration
ever recorded in the annals of Irish his
tory has passed and gone. Thanks to
my good friends who made it possible
fot me to be in Ireland today, had the
honor of participating in the demon
stration. The occasion was the laying
Of the foundation stone Of the monument
to be erected to the memory OF Wolfe
Tone and the United Irshmen. | will
no! attempt to give an extended descrlp-
ton of the demonstration, for, indeed,
if | did. the columns of your paper
would not be sufficient. 1t was one OF
the finest demonstrations that ever
manifested a nations feelings OF honor
for all illustrious son. From all parts
of Ireland came admirers of Wolfe Tone
to do honor TO his characte" and his life
long efforts for his native land. An
hurdcrd years have rolled around since
the mortal remains of Wolfe Tone were
placed beneath the sod, but time has
people had for him. Tone never stood
so high in the estimation Of the Irish
people as he stands today. If the grave
could only open and allow its victim
sion of stalwart Irishmen as they
marched to martial music through She
crowded streets of Dublin. he would in
deed think that the dream of his life
Pie of Ireland, after a century of appar-
ent neglect, are at last doing justice to
the name of Wolfe Tone and the United
Irishmen. They have at last realized
that he was a great and wonderful man,
that his objects were OF the highest, and
that lie had in him the qualities requi-
site to success. The name OF Tone has
passed into history, and side by side
held sacrcd to the memory of Irishmen
the world over The demonstration in
Dublin on the 18th inst. tore into atoms
the claims OF the English press that
lie to every word they have penncd in
The last few years. When ono finds
such widespread appreciation of Wolfe
Tone as WIGS manifested on the 18th, it
is time for The most Respondent to take
heart and admit that there is still reason
| to hope for the future.
| The appearance of the procession was
| inspiring in the highest degree. Richly
| colored banners and flags abounded
everywhere. So numerous were the
bands that the air was filled with sweet
strains of music, now and then one
drowning the other. The most popular
Boys of Wexford.' To one who has
the cause Of Ireland and her people at
heart, it was grand day, and one not
soon to be forgotten. The writer, after
| ing, felt several years younger. One
significant feature of the day was the
appearance of SO many young Ireland
ers. ranging in age from 6 to IA years.
had no musical instruments but tin
whistles for flies and tin cans for drums.
They sandwiched themselves into the
procession everywhere they could. and
although not assigned position in the
line Of march, they elected much APP
plause for their novel appearance ne
they brought up the rear, singing 1--WE
are the Boys Of Wexford" The Catholic
Boys Brigade sent about 500 neatly
dressed youngsters, who marched with
the air of young soldiers. The boys stay,
ed with the procession to the very last
The appearance of SO many youngsters
on this occasion has no small amount OF
Significance. 1t demonstrates beyond
any question of doubt that the proper
spirit is engendered in them, and that
although boys today, the patriotism is
in their breasts that may some da!
prompt them to strike a blow for the
freedom of their country. instruction
of the youth in the past and presen
condition of Ireland is something the
father and mother of Irish blood SHOULD
not neglect. Upon the youth Of toda,
Ireland will have to depend for support
They will have to fight her battles fol
her after the present generation are
gone; upon them will depend the future
of her deslinies.
The procession started promptly at
o'clock from O'Conncll street. AS far n.
The eye could stretch up from Hutlant
square to the north. tho ranks of the
procession before it started. could b,
seen. Tho procession was headed by
party of mounted Forcsters with pixies
These served as an escort for the me-
mortal car. handsomely decorated an,
bearing the foundation stonc owe
which floated the two handsome flag
presented by the Daughters of Erin, o
New York. These flags are of very ar
: tistic design, one being the America,
colCrs and the other the national Irisl
flag. Next in line came the foreign del
egates, the American contingent on car
bearing the stars and stripes, whic]
were cheercd to the echo at every point
Following the foreign delegates cam