The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-09-14

Mlchael Davitt, patriot, journalist,
parlinmcntarian. famous the world
over as a lover of liberty, is at Will
lard's, says the reporter of The New
Century, of Washington, ID. G.. For
many years past the eyes OF curiosity
and interest have been fastened upon
this intlcXible apostle of Home Rule
There Is no man in Irish public life
more highly respected than Mr.. Dnvitt
He has done much to fuse differences Of
view among those who are loyal to the
cause lie has so admirably advanced,
Much Of the harmony that now regns
in the ranks Of the Irish Parliamentary
party Is due to his tact, sincerity, and
deep insight into the demands of the
times. On no occasion has he failed to
meet the requirements of the moment,
and he has done this without sacrificing
a principle or detecting from the dig
nifty of his position. His labors during
the past quarter century in the ranks
CT the Nationalist party have been pro-
digious, and the way in which the
little group Of Irish representatives has
held at many times the controlling in
fluence in legislation at Westminster
proves that he has accomplished much.
Mr.. Davitt has been much talked of.
And everything that has been said Of
him has been eulOgistic. Those who
are acquainted with the fierce political
controversies in which he has been the
central figure can scarcely recall an ex-
preston of nn opponent that has not
reflected honor upon Mr.. Davitt. These
facts have added touches of interest
to his visit to America. His coming
is entirely without political signi1i-
cance. He has for the moment laid
aside the armor and shield. He can
thus give frcer play to his talent for
keen observation and quiet enjoyment
of the spectacle THAT conditions in this
new world are making.
Mr. Davtt would be conspicuous
figure Mt any time, and even in those
places where his portraits have not
penetrated he would be Mt once recog-
niZed rs q parsonage. Something in his
carriage and an unusual dignity Of
movement, and the power and preci-
sion in his face stamp him as one Of
those men that others would turn to
look at. His clothes are the conven-
tlonal thing in black. His face is
charged with expression; 1t is rather
thin and rather pale; his eyes are deep
set and luminous-such eyes rs the
portraits OF great orators show. His
beard and mustache 1t Is evident were
once black, and they keep some tone
Of 1t in the gray to which they have
turned. His cyes-to speak again of
the most salient featurc-are full, and
his lips and chin shape the face to the
noble outline that the public prints
have familiarized us with. He has the
ineffable gift Of sympathy-of making
you feel that you had known him be-
fore. He is just the sort Of man that
his history would indicate. The dra'
matte scenes through which he has
passed have placed their marks in
dubitably upon him. AS one looks into
the reserved face with it's massive out
lines one realizes that man who
fights for the advancement Of IDEAS
stands before him. When Mr.. Dayitt
talks he closes the fingers of his single
hand tightly and then opens them
quickly as he places them on the table
as though he were throwing QUOT
He speaks rapidly, though with a tenn
pcred hesitation that touches what he
says with dignity and authority. He
has the oratorical temperamclh-the
temDcramcnt of n Celt Of the Celtics.
He has the hame-quality. Before talk
ing to him five minutes you grow to
believe that his mind is crucible
into which ideas are cast and burned.
In passages of indignant remonstrance
on denunciation his eyes flash a chal-
,lenge and you appreciate what wealth
of resource-of the apt metaphor, the
yihiolic sarcasm, the Illuminating wit
Mr.. Davitt has at his command.