The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1900-08-18
!: DISCIPLES OF FIR. MATHEW
Hold Their Thirtieth Annual Convention
In Philadelphia.

In Philadelphia.
The thirtieth national convention of
the Catholic Total Abstinence Union Of
America opened on Wednesday, Aug. 8,
in Horticultural hall, Philadelphia,
whence the delegates, to the number OF
900, under the escort OF St. Vincent's
Cadet Battalion and other uniformed
bodies, marched to the Cathedral, where
Pontifcal Mass was celebrated by Arch
bishop Ryan.
The scene presented was beautiful
one, the affairs being brilliantly illumn-
:ated and beautifully decorated. Rev.
P. V. Byrne, C. NJ, OF Chicago, was
assistant priest; Rev. Walter ]. Stanley
of Hartford, Conn, and Rev. Anthony
S. Siebenfoerscher, OF Kenton, Ohio.
respective presidents OF their state
unions, were deacons OF honor. Rev.
M. A. Landing, of Pittsburg, former
president of the union OF that diocese
and Rev. D. F. McGillicuddy, of Wor-
cester, Mass, national treasurer, were
deacons of the Mass. Rev. James P
Turner, diocesan secretary, was master
Of ceremonies, and Mr.. Hugh ]. Dale.
of the seminary, was assistant In the
sanctuary were Reverends Joseph +.
O'Keefe, of the Cathedral; R. F. Hama
gan, Assumptions; A. A. Gallagher, Wis.,
itation; James P. Sinnott, St. Charles
Borromeo's; Walter P. Cough, ST. Co.
lumba's, and John f. Herman, ST.
Paul's. Throughout the body OF the
church were many priests who were del
egates to the convention. The music
was furnished by picked choir under
the direction OF Edwin f. McGonigle.
The sermon was delivered by Right
Rev. Mgr. Conaty, rector OF the Catho-
lie University, Washington, D. C. After
Mass the delegates were photographed
on the Cathedral steps.
The first session OF the convention
was held at Horticultural hall ilnme-
diatcy after the Mass. The opening
prayer was offered by Father Stanley,
of Hartford. Bishop Ticrney, president
of the union, was absent, owing to at
tendance on the obsequies OF Bishop
Healy, OF Portland, and the second vice
president, Judge Walter ]. Gibbons, Of
Chicago, presided. The mayors secre-
tary, ]. Hampton Moore, welcomed the
delegates to the city, and Rev. A. p.
Doyle, c. S. p, the national secretary,
responded. Letters Of regret, coupled
with expressions of congratulation and
encouragement were received from the
apostolic delegate and others of the
hierarchy. Bishop Hoban, of Scran-
ton, i'll his letter, suggested that the
temperance society hall be made for
midable rival to the saloon. Bishop
Mcl'aul, of Trenton, wrote that he was
heart and soul in the work, and admin
istcrcd the pledge to every child he con-
firms, having 10000 thus enrolled Rev.
Patrick +. McSweeny, of St. Budgets,
New York, sen. his check for $50 to-
wards the expenses Of an organizer.
Nnc-tcnths OF the evils rife in the
slums OF that city he attributed to drink.
A cablcgram was sent to the pope, ask
ing his blessing, kilograms were sent
to Rev. Father O'Mallcy, OF Oshkosh
congratulating him on his recovery from
recent illness. and to Rev. Fathers
Scully and Mundy Of Cambridge, Mass,
rcgretting their enforced absence Miss
Harriet Stonclakc. OF St. Bridget's,
Philadelphia, and Robert D. O'Conncll,
OF St. Paul, Mimi, were appointed as
sistant secretaries. The committee on
credentials consisted OF Mcssrs. Nolan,
Philadelphia; Mulrcady, Boston; Flynn
New York; Delaney, Pennsylvania, and
Lynch, Connecticut.
At the afternoon session Father
Doyle offered the prayer. Michael Grit
fin, OF Cambridge. Mass. was accorded
the platform and stated that in 1890
Ills father, his brother and himself had
taken the pledge from Father Mathew.
His brother was unable to walk owing
to disease the doctors pronounced in
durable. At his fathers request Father
Mathew blessed him and prayed over
him, and the boy was cured and still
lives in good health. Mr.. Griffin, who
is II years OF age, but who looks much
younger said he could not leave money
to the union, but he had all offering to
make. 1t was agavel made OF wood from
the Washington elm in Cambridge,
where the Father Of His Country"
stood when commissioned as command
cr-in-chief The handle is from the
chestnut tree referred to by Longlcllow
in "The Village Blacksmith" 1t is in
laid with crosses made OF wood from
the old Boston Cathedral, as also with
a stone from Father Mathews grave
and coin of the Papal States under
Pope Plus TX. In referring to the Bos-
ton Cathedral, Mr. Griffin stated that
Archbishop Williams accepted ban
quot rendered to him on the condition
that no liquors be served.
The report of Bishop Tierney, ma
tional president, was read, in which he
said the drink evil is one that cannot
be overcome in a year or day. The