Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-10-10
ERIN GO BRAG i!
Second Annual Reunion OLA. @. H.
Of Virginia Held Sunday.
"A Zig Oyster Roast nt Ocennyiew-
Prounincnt lrishnen Presont from
All oyer tho stnto-s.irrine@ Ad-
dresses md Irish Songs.

Sunday, October Sth, will long be re-
membered by Vlrginia's adopted sons Of
the Emerald Isle, for on that day seve-
raj hundred of them, from all parts of
Virginia, assembled at Ocean View to
enjoy the second annual reunion Of the
Ancient Order OF Hibernians in this
State.
The Richmond delegation was the
strongest numerically, embracing be-
tween two hundred and three hundred
people. Among the most prominent
were Hen. S. l.. Kelly, j. H. Lawdcr,
John Teefey, three members of the City
Council; Mr.. James II. Dreamer, presi-
H.; DIR. ID. j. Coleman, DR.. VIM. Nc
Gowan. Rev. ]. b.. O'Reilley and John
j. Rankin.
Newport News, Portsmouth, Norfolk
and other Virginia cities were we'll
represented by leading Irish-Americans,
and there were several present from
Washington, d. c., and other outside
points.
The pleasures or the day began be-
tween 2 and 3 o'clock with a big oyster
roast that continued until s o'clock.
The long pit WAS dug just back OF the
cafe and here over the long fire, dozens
of bushels of the luscious; blvalves were
roasted and then transferred to long
tables in the cafe pavilion, where
number Of expert oyster openers were
kept busy
Besides hoans OF hot oysters the
tables were supplied with celery. sand
witches and relishes of various kinds as
u dressing for the oysters.
TIE ADDRESSES.
At 5 O'Clock Mr.. p. j. Kelley. OF
Portsmouth, called the meeting to
order Mr. James j. Dreamer, of Rich
M n tsi t>t- of 1,a A
was called to the chair. He opened the
meeting with Il brief but graceful adj
dress on Hi5ernianisln, its aims ind
objects. that evoked much applause
The only, original and inimitable
Billy" Seddinger then, accompanied by
Mr.. j. 70. Parsons. also OF Norfolk,
sang Il beautiful ballad-"Sweet F'leur
de Lis'-in q manner that elected great
applause. An an encore Mr.. Seddinger
sang an Irish ballad.
Master Lewis, son of Mr.. John Lewis,
then delivered recitation entitled ga
Hero" He acquitted himself in n man.
ner that showed he has unusual talents
as an eiocutionist for a lad of his ten
der years.
Mr.. Walter Kelly, of Newport News,
was then called for by the audience.
He delivered an excellent short address
and then sang an Irish ballad in richest
hrcgue. entitled 1.-THE Biscuits Miss
Flanagan Made" Tie brought down
the house and was not permitted to re-
tire until he gave another song-"Paddy
Ryans Race Horse" This was an
other winner that pleased all.
Mr.. Thomas Riley. president Of Nor
folk Division, in we'll chosen words.
then welcomed the guests from the
state to Ocean View in behalf of the
Hibernians of this section.
President James B. Flynn, Of the
Newport News Division. next spoke
very Interestingly of the progress of
the order in the Newport News section
HON. S. l.. KELLY.
One of the finest addresses of the
day was delivered by Hon. S. L. Kelly,
next Legislature. Hc told why the
Irish make good American citizens, and
made a strong point when he said that
the Irish had no allegiance to forswear
when they came TO America-they had
no country and no flag. Touching on
the subject of the Philippines, he said
that there was a division Of opinion on
our holding them. but that. now our
flag is TN there it should remain. He
The fact that American
principles and institutions will give tine
Fillpinos truer liberty than they
would enjoy If we withdraw from the
islands. The eloquent sneaker dwell
also ON the freedom of conscience in
America and the liberty each person
has to worship God in his own way.
CHAPLAIN j. b. O'RIELLEY.
The last address OF The day was by
Rev. J. b. OReilley, chaplain OF the
y. 0. II. of Virginia. lie eulogized
America as the adopted home of the
Sons of Erin. America, he said, would
he the mother of other republics yet to
be in Europe He urged on his hearers
not theoretical, but a practical love
for Ireland and their love and fidelity
TO the United States, their adopted
home.
AS the meeting was about to close
vote of thanks to Norfolk, Portsmouth
and Newport News WAS passed for
courteses extended: also a vote of
thanks to Mcssrs. Kelly. Seddinser,
Parsons and Master Lewis for their
assistance In entertaining the gather
ing. The reunion was n grand success
and accomplished much in more closely
cementing the friendly relations exist
ing among Virsinia's noble Sons of
Erin.
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