The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-10-10
ARE BETTER OFF.
Father Hayden Says Conditions
In Ireland Have Improved.
People Are More Prosperous
and Happy.
HE MADE A SPEECH.
Meeting Which Returned His
Brother to Parliament.
Health Much Benefited by His
Vacation.
HE MADE A SPEECH.

Father Hayden, who returned from his
four months trip abroad Tuesday, was
serenaded last evening by Jackson's
Twenty third Regiment band. He had
retired before the serenaders appeared,
but arose and acknowledged the compIi-
ment in a few cordial words. Canon BY
water and many other friends and
parfshioners called upon the returned
priest today and extended their greet
ings.
While abroad Father Hayden spent
much time in London and France, but
made his principal stay at his old home
in Rosscommon, ireland. He also travel
ed extensively over Ireland among the
places of his visitations being Dublin,
Connemara and the Wicklow mountains
In the latter resort he made quite
stay. It's hills are of great beauty and
one of its heights inspired Tom Aoore's
famous ballad 1.-The Meeting of the Wa
teIS." Father Hayden brought home
splinter of the tree under which the Irish
bard reclined when composing the bal
lad
Eleven years ago Father Hayden was
in Ireland. He says he notices improve
ment in the condition of the people.
They are more prosperous and happy, ,"
he said. "They are always interested in
an America. The Irish think there is no
country like the United States and their
one desire is to come here to live. On ac-
count of the congested condition Of labor
in this country, however, it were better
for them to stay where they are. Irish
farmers have good crops and prosperity
sufficient to make them content.
Everywhere one goes the first ques-
ton asked an American is, Will Bryan
be elected2' 1t is surprising the interest
they take in our election, because of
the general desire to be over here, citi-
zens and voters, I suppose.
In this country we have many prom
ri aT7s "a
rambled on, by way of diversion, but
the issues this year bring out many on
the other side. Imperialism and the
Anglican rican alliance talk, account
for it,
Father Hayden was a spectator of the
imposing and traditional ceremonies at
tending the recent dissolution of British
parliament. One of his brothers, John
P. Hayden. represents Rosscommon
county in parliament. A week ago last
Thursday Father Hayden made a talk
at a political gathering in Rosscommon
that sent his brother back to parliament
without opposition.
While in France Father Hayden made
a pilgrimage to the famous shrine at
LOurdes. where many invalidS gather for
devotions and the hope of restoration.
Many cures that are counted miracles
are authenticated, as competent ply
sician must certify on all cures. In
describing this place where he spent
week, Father Hayden said: 1T is q COM
bination of old and new, as far as the
town itself is concerned. The streets are
narrow and its pFOyincialiSmS are offset
by the crowds that flock to the place.
Religious interest is given it for the
vision Of a peasant girl, Bernadette.
Twenty-Five years ago that event oc
CURED, the girl having a vision Of the
Virgin and afterWard entering a con-
vent. The miracle has popular belief.
The local church has accepted it, but
the highest authorities have not pro-
nounced upon its authenticity. People
go there for devotions and are doubtless
benefited by their prayers and faith.
The church is built over the grotto the
scene of the vision, and seats are erect
ed before 1t. natural spring trlckles
down he rocks"
Father Hayden said his travels gave
him the rest ne needed and sought; that
he feels much benefited in health; his
eyesigl was given a slight improve
ment. and he was glad to be back home