The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-12-02
TRANsVAAL IR1sH3s.., BRIGADE.
Organized in johannesburg to Fight
the British,

Organized in johannesburg to Fight
the British.
The following account OF the lorna
ton of the Irish Brigade is1 the Trans
vaal army is taken from Reynolds
Newspaper. London:
A meeting OF the local Irish Brigade
was held in the public schoolroom, Van
Brands square, johannesburg, MIR. J.
Mcbride presiding.
The chairman explained the object OF
the gathcring-namely, for the election
OF officers and to introduce to them
Colonel Blake, who had over nine years
active experience OF frontier fighting in
the United States OF America with the
Apache Indians, as officer OF the Sixth
United States cavalry. For five con-
sccutivc years Colonel Blake command
ed the Indian scouts.
But before doing that he would read
several cables and kilograms received
since the brigade last met. One cable
was from the Amcrican-Irish National
Alliance and read: Bravo, Irisl1men
Remember Mitclellstown. Success to
the Irish Brigade (Checrs.) The
other cables and wires were from Ire
land, the Cape Colony, Natal. and the
Free State, the last reading: 1--WE have
received your manifesto. Bravo, Irish
man, and success" Each OF these an
nounccmcnts was cllccred.
Colonel Blake returned thanks for the
reception accorded him, and proceeded
briefly to narratc his experiences OF
frontier fighting in the United States OF
America
The chairman next explained that
the deputation appointed at the last
meeting had waited upon the command
ant general. and satisfactory arrange
ments had been made ior the immediate
arming and equipping OF the corps.
The statement met with loud applause
and cries
The chairman was delighted to wit
ness such enthusiasm. But first OF all
they would have to appoint officers.
Colonel Blake was elected command
ing officer OF the Irish Brigade. the
chairman and Mr.. +. Mcnton being
chosen as majors. and Mcssrs. J. J.
Mitchell and Larrissey captains.
On Il suggestion from the body OF
the hall, i! was decided to open re-
cruiting Office in Pritcllard street, close
TO the corner OF Won Wcilligh street.
so that freshmen DESTROYS OF joining
could apply and be supplied with all
information.
1t was further resolved that the bri-
@adc shall act in consort with the Bocr
commando and Colonel Blake returned
thanks Tor the honor the meeting
had done him ia choosing him to take
command. Referring to the trouble
between the English ana the Transvaal
governments, he was strongly OF opin-
WI 'ii"l tiiS oui SiiSlS NClc ll!5Ilt III
fighting Tor the independence OF their
country. surely 4 just and righteous
cause" (Chcers.)
1t was always the duty Of true and
loyal lrishmen to seize the opportunity
OF striking blow at the mcrcilcss and
tyrannical power that held their country
in cruel bondage (Chcering.)
When he saw 4 man take up arms
in defense OF weak country against
the greatest nation OF the day, then they
found a man oil true courage and one
the whole civilized world would be
pleased to honor. (Chccrng) 1t was
the duty OF every man to his fellow
men, to uphold. at the risk OF his life
the liberty and independence OF noble
race such as the Dutch were known tc
be since the time OF old Queen Bcss
(Rcncwcd cl1cering)
He reminded the brigade that they
had to uphold the glorious traditions o
the Irish Brigade whose name was sc
famous in the military annals OF III,
world.
Need he refer to the charge OF til,
Irish Brigade at Fontcnoy (chcering)
when every Irish exile icit that revenge
for all rested upon him alone? IRE
newcd clleering) Proceeding. tn
chairman reminded the gathering OF tn
suffcrings of the Irish people in til,
past and remarked, regarding the pres
cnt, that there was no need to speak
as every Irish soul carried bitter mem
cries in his heart. The meeting con
cluded with the singing OF God Saw
Ireland"