The Washington times., 1902-05-20
Michael Davitt Branch Of
the United Irish League
Started.
LARGELY ATTENDED MEETING
Enthusiastic Gathering at Carroll Insti-
tute Hall Listens to Patriotic Speeches
and Pledge Support to Old Erin-Many
Members Enrolled.

The enthusiasm manifested by the Irish
men and women of Washington in the
cause of ireland. at the mass meeting
held at the Lafayette Square Theater
Sunday night, materialized in the organi-
zation last night of the Michael Dayitt
branch of the United Irish League Of
Washington at Carroll Institute Hall.
The organization was completed by the
election of MIR William +. Downey as
president and the other necessary OFF,
GERS. The meeting was attended by nearly
300 residents of the city, who are en-
thusiastic in the work OF the United Irish
League. Among those present were a
great number OF ladies, and these, when
it came to the point OF Offering material
support to the cause of ireland, were as
prompt and as eager TO do so as the men.
As 4 matter Of fact, the first dollar sub
scribed to the league in Washington was
by woman. Mrs. Edwin b. Hay. She was
not present, but authorized Capt. Patrick
O'Farrell to enroll her as member and
offer her subscription to the cause.
1t was the intention of MIR. Downey and
that the meeting should be held in the
front parlor of Carroll Institute Building.
Long before the hour for the exercises to
begin the parlor was crowded TO stand
ing room only, and it became evident
that to accommodate the crowd which
was outside a larger hall must be Sc
cured. The main hall of the building was
the spacious hall in the basement. Even
this, however. was scarcely large enough
TO comfortably seat the crowd.
Mr.. Devlin introduced.
It was nearly $50 when Mr.. Downey en-
tered the hall and stated the object of
she meeting in brief. He then introduced
as the speaker Of the evening MIR. Joseph
Devlin, member of the British parlia-
ment, who. in speech of about an hour,
told OF the purposes OF the United Irish
League and what 1t had accomplished
since its organization in 1897. He spoke
of his work in America. and said he was
glad to be able TO show TO England and
Europe that 1.-The people of Washington,
the capital of the greatest country on
earth" have allied themselves to assist
the work begun by the league. The league,
he said, is not antagonistic to any other
organization working for the good Of the
Irish. and, instead of putting any obsta-
Gle in the way of such organizations, 1t
bids them godspeed il their undertake
1ngs.
The movement of the league. he said.
is not a parliamentary movement. but a
movement of the people who have de-
clared themselves for Ireland This be-
ing so. he said IL is now the time for the
people TO say whether or not the people
OF ireland are competent to govern them
selves. IF we say they are not then ii
is an Endorsement CT the contention OF
England that they are not fit TO rule
themselves"
The island. he said. is the most beau
tiful land of its size on earth. and has
given scme of its best sons to America.
Az English statesman once said, Mr.. Dev-
lin told. that ireland was made as
pasture for focks and herds. This is not
true. he said: God made Il beautiful
home for brave, intelligent men and fair
women.
Mr. Devlin said the league Is opposed
70 revolutionary methods as suggested.
One reason for this. he said. is because the
fevolutionists never do much. SO he said
fifty years or more while some revolu-
Zionist is making up his mind TO blow
up some building or getting ready to scut-
tie ship. A breach Of the peace of this
kind, he said. is what England is waiting
for. so that she then would have ground
for wipIng the island from the face OF the
earth.
: Told Of Hardships.
Mr.. Devlin told of the hardships which
the Irish members of Parliament have TO
endure. For five months. he said. they
devote their energies in the interests of
the country without pay. and then are
put in prison for about two months for
doing SO. He had frequently refused to
stand for election, he said, and 1t was dur
ing his visit to America that he was elect
ed to Parliament. He has visions OF prison
staring him in the face, he said.
MIR. John Redding. Of Baltimore, first
vice president of the United Irish National
League, was the next speaker. He spoke
briefly of the work done by the league, and
congratulated the people of Washington
for the interest they are manifest.ng in
the cause.
Both the speakers were frequently in
terrupted with great applause. and we're
congratulated at the conclusion Of their
remarks.
At the conclusion OF Mr. Redding's ad-
dress, Captain o'Farrell announced THAI
the election of officers was in order. and
placed Mr.. Downey in nomination as '';he
first president of the Michael Davitt
Branch of the United Irish League Of
Washington" Mr.. Downey was chosen
without opposition. The new presidel.
was then called on for speech anG re-
eponded by telling a very interesting story
OF his first visit TO America. which occur
red when he was a very small boy.
Mr.. Charles Slater was also called on
for a speech, and when he responded was
received with a generous outburst OF ap-
pleuse.
Mr. ]. NJ. Keane was chosen vice presi-
dent: Miss Ellen GLEASON, secretary. and
Mr. Lawrence Mangin, treasurer.
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