The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1902-03-22
St. Patrick's Day Observed
by Its People With
Great Enthusiasm.
Thos. j. McDermott, Of St.
Paul, eliv ers the
Principal Address.
A Very Large Gathering Lis
tens Attentively to His
Eloquent Remarks.

st. Patricks Day was celebrated in
manner befitting the occasion by the
patriotic priest and parishioners Of Rev.
Martin Mahoneys church at Mendoza,
Mimi, last Monday. An entertainment
of unusual merit was prepared, which
included the following eloquent and
scholarly address by Hon. Thomas j.
McDermott, of st. Paul. We regret
that lack of space forbids the publica-
ton of all that was uttered by the
gifted orator. Mr.. McDermot was list
ened to with marked attention by Il
very large and appreciative audience.
He spoke as follows:
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies' and Gentlemen:
The important events of each nation
have their useful and instructive les
sons. This is especially true Of Ireland |
on account of her traditional and an
Gent renown. her unfaltering adher-
ence to her Christian religion, as well
as for the vigorous part she has taken
The day, the occasion and the year,
naturally calls to our attention the
epoch embraced in the century just
terminated, and causes us to conlinc
our words and thoughts to the time
covered in that period; although one
would fain go back much farther, be-
cause the renowned Dr. johnson well
says: '"The ages which deserve an eN
act inquiry are thosc-for such there
were-when Ireland was the school of
the West, the quiet habtatiOn Of sane
tity and literature"
With her cliffs, hills and rugged
shores standing as bulwarl against
the restless waves that surround her
on all Sides she presents Il beautiful
illustration of the contest that has been
waged for centuries to deprive her chill
dren of their faith, their homes and
their lives Still. Notwithstanding all
the sadness, misery and pain she has
encountered, this beautiful little island,
which is only about one-tllird the size
in area of our own magnificent state, is
prOverbial for it's verdure and bound
less resources. In fact her just claims
to greatness give her much more power
and influence than her size and popula-
tion would apparently warrant. Thus,
her situation is one of the very best
on the globe. her climate all that one
could desire. Her coast is fruitful with
the choicest of fisheries, and her bosom
is imbcdded with precious and useful
minerals.
Beautiful rivers flow smoothly and
silently through the land. which made
it easily accessible long prior to the
use of the modern railroad. Her har-
bors are noted for their placidity and
quietudc. thus affording secure and i'll
wiling opportunities for the commerce
of the world. Ireland is picturesque
throughout. possessing every variety of
surface, and to the charms OF delight
full scenery are added the most produc-
tive and abundant fertility. Having
these advantages. she would seem to he
so placed by the Supreme Ruler of the
which power might be sent and go
forth. But, alas! how different has
been her history! After being the pos
SCISSOR of glory ancient and honorable,
and her children having instnctively
learned to love it; after being for CEN
turtles the seat Of science and snnctity
she was made victim of an outrage
GUS policy. plundered for ages, in order
that she might become absolutely at
the mercy Of England.
Although in mourning and in sadness
she is still an interesting land Of sweet
and inspiring memories, we can scarce
ly move in any direction without COM
ing in contact with some noted historic
association. At one time the grass
covered cemetery on the hillside. al
most hidden from view by the verdant
evergreen or an ivy-clad chapel in the
sheltered valley, or the ruins of n once
renowned monastery, Mt another, per-
haps on an island or far up on the
mountain stands the remnants Of a
once spacious castle whose origin,
owner and history are lost in the dim
twilight of the past.
But, to give any special attention to
these marvels of beauty and themes of
poetry, would be to digress from the
subject originally intended, the political
conditions past and present Of Ireland.
In most of the great cities of the
world and especially in America and
Australia, tonight, is being celebrated
and kept alive the memory of Ireland's
patron saint
The programs consist Of Irish songs,
music, melodies and lastly an address
by some one of Celtic birth, descent or
in sympathy with the cause.
Recently in conversation with gen.
tleman who had Travelled extensively,
he Informed me that he sat at ban
quet table within n few years III the
city of Paris, France, surrounded by
hundreds of persons engaged in n cele-
bration of st. Patrick's Day, all de-
scendants Of Irish immigrants, abso-
" lutely unable to speak a word Of the
& English language.
But to refer again to the reason for