The Irish standard., 1900-09-22
PUBLIC PULSATIONS.
Kennedy at Blooming Prairie.

On Sept. 0, the largest gathering of
Irish residents since this Eden of TIL
West became Il refuge for the eXiled
children of Erin assembled to greet
eran Irish patriot. Edmond O'Brien
Kennedy, after his sixteen years in
generation in the prisons of England
for the cause of dear Old Ireland I'm
der the auspices of Div. No. 2, A. 0.
II. arrangements for his reception
had been in progress for some time
previously, and the date fixed for his
lecture having arrived, the occasion
was Il great demonstration of Irish
patriotism.
The day was all that could be de.
sired to ensure success. a glorious
sunshine beamed it's glow upon those
sons and daughters Of the dear old
land many of whom came Il distance
Of fifteen miles to hear the tale of
suffering endured for their native land
aud the heroic struggle still main
tanned to restore her to her ancient
power and glory.
The meeting was held in the Opera
House which was filled to overlooking.
On the platform were Rev. Father
Murray, Mayor Guthrie who took
part in Glare in the rising in 'G7, Mr.
Leehy, City Marshall, and several
other prominent citizens of our town.
The opening exercises consisted of
music and patriotic songs commenora-
tive of Irish valor, selfsacriiice, and
undying devotion in the struggle for
Irish freedom.
The reverend chairman, Father
Murray, preceded the lecturer of the
evening with an imprisoned address
on the efforts of the Irish people to
shake off the yoke Of England. The
reverend gentleman, in scathing terms,
held up before the audience the vile
treatment Ireland has received
through British oppression and then
in eloquent words described England's
fawning efforts at the present time to
cajole the United States into an al
lance with her infamous system of
governments. Father Murray next re-
lated how. OH n recent occasion, LORD
Salisbury sought to enlist Archbishop
Ireland in his scheme, and the reply
of the eminent ecclesiaStic that by
nd 1,n
sist the consummation of so incon-
gruous combination, at which the
audience checrcd with. such enthusi-
assn that the edilice rc-cchoed the
spirit with which it was given. When
the reverend chairman introduced the
speaker of the evening it was renewed
even with greater vigor. Mr.. Ken'
nedy on coming forward was received
with rounds of cheers and applause
which were repeated at various times
during his address, whenever he re
fcrred to the efforts made by the Irish
people to rid themselves of the gal
ling yoke with which England for
centuries has enchainc1 and oppressed
them. Brother Kennedy referred to
the struggle made by the present gen
Grafton to pcrpctuate the claim for
Irish freedom. He then entered into
history of the perils which he and
other Irish patriots had endured and
horne in the prison cells of England
for loving old Ireland even unto death.
His description of English prison
life which drove Irishmcn to death
and insanity was received by the
audience with expressions of horror
and cXecration towards the vile ty'
rants of pcriidious Albion.
Mr.. Kennedy continued to dilate u
his theme for upwards of an hour and
a half.
Tho meeting closed after few
short speeches by other gentlemen on
the platform. After giving three
cheers for the cause of Irish liberty
and long life and success to the speak
cr of the evening. all dispersed to their
homes we'll pleased with the days
proceedings.
NJ. ]. KEENAN,.