The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-02-18
AT THE LlND-GRAY BANQUET
Leaders of Allied Forces Dine at
the West Hotel.
SOUND AMERICAN PATRIOTISM
Magnificent OutburstS of OratOry
From the Speakers.

The banquet rendered to Gov. Lind
and Mayor Gray at the West Hotel,
Minneapolis. last Wednesday night, by
the League of Democratic Clubs OF Min
nesota. was a grand success in every par
ticular. About 600 of the leading MEM
bers of the allied forces attended from
all parts OF the state, and a 2oodly num-
Der of patriotic ladies graced the festive
board with their presence. The lion of
the evening and the most distinguished
guest was Col. William j. Bryan, of Ne
braska. Never before in its history did
Minneapolis witness such an enthusi-
astic gathering of prominent Democrats
at social function than that of We'd
nesday night. the first sad anniversary
of the destruction of the Maine in Ha-
vana harbor.
The decorations of the banquet hall
were confined to flowers and the ma
tional colors, the walls being hung with
hundreds Of flags. and the floral decora-
tions on the tables being particularly
fine.
1t was 8 O'Clock before the guests
were seated, and few moments later
President Baldwin, of the League, ac-
companicd by Mr.. Bryan and the
speakers of the evening were escorted
to the hall. The applause which greet
ed MI Bryan's appearance was hearty,
and for the moment the music of the
band, which was playing Hail to the
Chief was drowned out.
The banquet was interrupted at pre-
cisely $40 o'clock, the 600 guests rising
and drinking TO the memory OF the
sailors of the United States navy who
lost their lives in the blowing up of
the Maine a year ago.
Father James NJ. Clearly responded
feelingly. saying:
This is, indeed a sorrowful anniyer-
sary to all classes of American citi-
zens regardless of political affiliations
or political creeds. One year ago to-
night one of the most unfortunate ac-
Cured and 296 we'll trained and efficient
seamcn found sudden and unprepared
death. AS Americans and Democrats
we are too loyal to assign any other
cause for the disaster than has been as
signed by the official board of inquiry
appointed by the president After 90
days of labor this board OF inquiry ex-
onerated the officers of the Maine from
any responsibility and declared its ina
bility to hold any person or persons re-
sponsble for the disaster consider it
unwisc and unjust to lay the blame at
the door of any nation or class of men.
While we remember with pain and sor-
row and heartfelt regret the brave men
who found Il grave in Havana harbor,
we should not forget the clap trap cry
of Remember the Maine" as a cause for
the recent war. Our administration cX-
ecutive never said this was the cause
for the wa. II we differ in views from
the executive or administration we
should show our patriotism and not 90
further than the board Of inquiry has
gone. The war with Spain made
history fast last year-history which
will be studied and is eventful to the
American nation, and ii shows three
impressive inllllences-the calm and de-
liberate temperament of Our govern
ment, the generous and broadminded
n A m
resourceful strength of the greatest re-
public on earth. We should, in rcmcm-
bering the men who went down on tho
Maine, bear in mind that this war was
not undertaken to avenge an imaginary
wrong. 1t was undertaken to libcrate an
oppressed people and not in the interests
OF gain. Yet some now say that we have
done enough for humanity and should
now reap the harvest. | think you will
do your duty to the republic best by OK
erting all your influence to spread the
belief that after the war for humanity
is over no war for conquest should be
undertaken
Here Father Clcary referred in terms of
eulogy to Mr.. Bryan for volunteering
his services in the cause of humanity ot
the outbreak of the war, and elected the
heartiest applause when he said tlla,
Mr.. Bryan would have received a mill
ion more votes for the presidency in 1896
had the people dared to vote for him.
Besides the speeches made by BRYAN.
Lind and Gray, responses TO toasts were
made by Thomas b. Kane, Fred Sclil-
pin, Senator Baldwin. Senator Slockwcll
and Hon 7. d. O'Drcn. and others, Ex-
Congressman Townc expressed his re-
grets that he was unable to be present
owing TO being snow bound in N'ashng-
ton.
MAYOR GRAI'S TOAST
w.