The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-03-25

St. Patrick. He was so grand a person.
age that several nations have claimed
him as their own, the Scotch asserting
that he was Highlander. Dangerous
it would be to say to the ordinary
Irishman that St. Patrick did not first
see the light of day in old ireland, but
he will say to you if he was not born
there he showed his good sense to die in
Ireland"
The speaker then related humorous
story that provoked much laughter, it
being an illustration of the characters
tic wit of the Irishman. The feast of
tomorrow, he said, is dear to the Irish
people and to civilization. GLOW dear
to the Irishman's heart is his birthplace.
Patriotism begets nationality. ireland
never wanted for patriots. Did the
Picts invade Ireland, the Irish people
met them and drove them from their
native land. Did the Danes make
landing, the Irish defended home and
country. The lamp of Celtic patriotism
can never be extinguished. The men,
DRY OF his dear land is ever dear to him.
Though the broad Atlantic rolls between
the Irishnan and his native land,
his heart is ever there. England has
no more right to enslave the Irish than
it has to enslave America. Unity is the
need OF the hour. Experience has
taught the people a good lesson, and
they will never let up their work until
home rule is wr,,ng from England
(Great applause) After centuries OF
cruel barbarity England has not yet
swallowed tip Ireland Tomorrow the
harp on the green shall wave all over the
world. England can never effectual-
ly govern Ireland, for ireland, formed
by the hand of nature, was never made
to be enslaved. During Irish legsla-
ton the industries of the land hourished
and prospered. Tyranny has stopped
all, and has made Irishmen seek home
in this broad land. Does nation seek
military servants, it finds the Irish ever
ready to defend Two centuries ago
$4,000 Irishmen were in the service. of
France. Look at the glorious victory on
the plans of Fontenoy.
"From the cradle the Irish have
guarded the the American republic. The
sons OF St. Patrick contributed 100000
to the cause Of American independence.
Where were Irishmen to be found under
Meagher at Fredericksburg? Ever
where the fight is the thickest, ready to
lay down their lives in the cause OF
liberty. We furnished Barry, the first
American commander; a Montgomery
and host of others. Celtic blood flows
in the veins Of governors, senators, law
yers, etc. Chill has an O'Higgins for
her patriot. Give the 1rishnan
chance and he will go ahead and pro-
gress. The enemy across the water says
the Irish are indoent. Are men indo-
lent who will work from early morning
to late at night for the miserable pit
lance of sixpence? Truly Irishmen
seem to be born rulers, but other ma
tionalities are not left out in the cold"
The speaker then told the story OF
convention to name candidates where
all the delegates were Irishmen, and
the nomination of one candidate. y
prompted one of the delegates to ask
who he was, and the answer was:
"He'll be over in the next boat" This
brought roar Of laughter.
"The martial spirit" he said, "is in
herent in the Irish people. The war
like spirit has been formed in the peo-
pie of ireland by England. Formerly
there were no policemen in ireland.
The world renders its grandest encomi-
inns to Irish character. Under the rough
exterior is found the grandest specimen
of liberality and generosity. For Ire
land, though formed by nature to be
England's sister, was never made to be
her slave. Irishmen, cherish and trans
init this noble heritage of love of your
native land, and love America as well,
the dearest and best friend of Ireland"
The fve-act drama, among the Break
ers," was then put on by number OF
young people of the parish Miss Don
ovan played the part of Bess Star
bright, and did it splendidly, and in the
first act sang 'Asthore," and had to re-
spond to an encore. Miss Catherine
O'Donnell played the part OF Mother
Carey, and did it we'll. The others who
took part in it were: Misses A. Carroll
and S. McNulty, and Messrs J. R., Nc
Kinnnon, V. Grady, ]. Foran, F. Dacey,
H. Carroll and ]. Lynn. The orchestra
closed the entertainment with medley
of Irish airs.