Waterbury Democrat., 1902-03-18

Patr1ck'S hall last night. 1t was q most pleasant affair as any one of the POO or more persons who enjoyed the festivities can testify. The ceIebra- tion extended far into the morning.
 To those entering the hall about 10 o'clock it was pretty scene that greeted their eyes. Seated at four long rows of tables were about 2uO men who were doing justice to the ap- petizing menu set before them. In all parts of the hall the eye was at tracted by the pretty sdecorations, which consisted of American and Irse>a flags. The bill of fare was 8 rich one and the different courses were all that could be desired
 About Il 80 the speechmaking com menced. President J. J. Mcdonald, toastmaster of the occasion, said:
 My Friends: We are assembled here tonight to endeavor in an humble way to honor the memory of Ireland's patron saint, the glorious apostle, St Patrick. May his memory ever be sa- cred and his noble life and achieve ments be beacon light until the end or time, to every nationality, melting them to emulate his example and profit py his teachings. Tonight my friends, wherever an Irishman, or the descend u. you may be sure that in some manner he will celebrate this our national an- niversary,
 T welcome you. gentlemen. tonight To the first banquet of the Knights of St Patrick of Waterbury Enjoy your- selves with song. jest and story, and II rom this humble beginning shall grow and spread a larger and more universal celebration of St Patrick's day in our community the object of this evenings work will have been ac- complished.
 More eloquent tongues than mine will tell you of the many things thar we as Irishmen are proud of. Will tell you in prose and poetry why we are here tonight, and paint in glowing words the past, present and future of our dear old fatherland, of the noble and heroic deeds of her sons and daughters, and the bright future of her children in whatever part of the world they may be placed. And so my friends, again tender you hearty 'Cead Maille Failthe,' and hope sincere 3y that at the next banquet of the Knights of St Patrick We will be able to greet you all again, and as many more as can be accommodated
 A piano solo by Frank Dee was nicely rendered and heartily encored Mayor Kilduff spoke on the subject. "Our City. After referring to the good done by celebrations such as that of last evening, he said that last even- ing's affair was only a forerunner of many like celebrations in the future. He continued: ssWaterbury has spoken loudly for herself since Febru- ary. We had a serious conf1agration With It's attendant losses and incon- yeniences, q heavy snow storm which cost the city and it's people much money. We are now Up against one of the hardest questions in many years. Waterbury is a larger place than many of it's citizens thought. The big fire taught us that our fire department was not capable of hand ling such fire as that of February The mayor also referred to the growth pr the value of property and the grand list during the past 40 years and said that he believed property should be taxed on it's full marker value. More money was needed by the city than was given to it. At the conclusion of his speech the speak CT was appla auded for several minutes
 Dr D. Freney. accompanied by Leo J. Curley, sang ''The Cruiskeen Lawn" He was deservedly encored
 The next number was a lecture on
 The Day We Celebrate,'' by the Rev J. J. Fitzgerald, the speaker of +ha evening. Father Fitzgerald was in me voice and he delivered an eIoouent discourse. He handled his subject splendidly as was attested by tha ire quent applause which he received dur- ing his remarks. Father Fitzgerald expressed regret that Prince Henry nau departed from our shores so soon Tor, though he had seen many wonder Iul things in this country, he had not witnessed how the Irish celebrate Sf Patr1ck's day in America. After re- iatfng few interesting anecdotes ha continued: But behind all this tba history of Ireland is a tremendous ono and a sad one. I must avoid all Eocks and so will not mention the names or counties. not even those of waterford and Tipperary I will speak Tor all of Ireland and for tbe nllllons or true hearted Irishmen and women Tn It. He spoke of the Irish love or liberty, of his belief in tha words. 'sThat all men are creatad equal" In glowing terms he painted : Ihe valorous deeds of gallant Irish soldiers on land and sea in the praat Ievolut1onary war. They had given Ihelr lives freely to gain the indeDen dence of their country and also shed Enelr blood in profusion to preserve the union In every battle of both wars Irishmen figured He referred 10 England's tyranicaI oppression of this country before the Revolution and scored the ''soft shelled patriots who would have us forget Ene1and,s af. Iorrs to crush out the spirit of libertv Tn America" Of the gallant service performed by gallant Irish soldiers history treats slightly. It has always been the desire and fne purpose of the Eno1Isb government to crush out the Itbartv of any country that is weak and unsh1a to defend itself. ~
 Do you wonder" he continued
 that Irishmen pray that the staIwart Boers may preserve their hard fouobt for freedom? That stubborn resistance shall stand beside Thermopylae. and shall inspire the hearts Of men as long as republics last. England is spending three millions a day to crush out . handful of patriots. God grant fhaf she never wfll.''
 The hall rang with applause as tlle Rev Father Fitzgerald finished his ST{nndi6 tr1sa ffof.