Waterbury Democrat., 1902-07-26
AS YOU LIKE IF
Some Stray Leaves From g Reporters
 Note Book.

Note Book.
 Trishmen the world over and espe- cia1ly those who still hold the fort in the old land, learned with much re- gret of the death of Archbishop Croke, of Cashel, which occurred during the present week. AS devoted child of the church and ardent patriot he was considered the peer of the venerable John of Tuam and was probably bet ter known than any other churchman in Christendom with the exception of the visible head of the church Which he served so long and faithfully. He was identified with the Irish question from his boyhood and was at all times one of it's staunch and trusted advo- cates. He was especially aggressive during the regime of "Buckshot" Forster and was mainly instrumental in bringing about the handsome trib- ute to Parnell, which amounted to over forty thousand pounds.
 &%*
 Persons who had occasion to pass along Kingsbury street last Monday morning saw very interesting, amusing and animated scene. Oppo- site Brown street on Kingsbury street
 
 being erected. Early last Monday morning ground was broken for the foundation and about twenty of the parishioners of the church were pres- ent to dig the first shovelfu1 of dirt from the ground. Of the twenty about ten were women and it was amusing to watch them use the pick and the shovel. It is g. wonder that some of x7s gashes in their feet and legs, so little did they know how to use the tools. But they were persistent and, though they were not at all proticient with the pick and the shovel and thus fur nished little amusement to passers- by, they succeeded in their purpose of being among the first to break ground for the foundation of their new church and then they went away happy.
 
 The As You Like It man heard a story of the late Philip J. Markley of New Britain, who died yesterday, from school mate of his. and as it con- cerns Waterbury man, it may prove interesting. It was at the time that Rev Father Curtin of this city, Rev Father Skelly of Litchfield and Attor- ney Markley, then known as sJerry," Pete" and YPhil," were attending the grammar school in New Britain. One day. when they thought they had grievance against the teacher they formed triumvirate and concocted a scheme to- thrash him. The plan was that the first one of the trio whom the teacher should attempt to chastise should offer determined resistance and the other two should tender assistance. News accordingly spread among the smaller boys of the school to the effect that there was going to be something doing when the big three tackled the unsuspecting pedagouge at the after noon session and there was more than little anticipation. Shortly after the session opened the teacher fulfilled his part of the program by promptly sing ling out "Pete" Skelly to be made an example of, and "Pete'' endeavored to live up to his agreement. in conse- quence of which lively struggle oc- cured. But poor .Pete" had to go it alone, for Attorney Markley and Fath- CT Curtin meeklg and mutely sat in the front seat and not even a monosyllable- or encouragement escaped their lips. let alone physical assistance. The obvious result was that 'Pete' Skelly was soundly and ignominiously thrash ed despite his gallant and brave resis- tance, and Father Curtin and Attorney Markley were plunged into the deepest disgrace for deserting friend in need.
 
 Much has been said and written re- garding the many excellent qualities of the late James Meagher, whose use ful life ended suddenly on Monday morning, July q, 1902. after long and honorable career in this country and in the old land which he loved so we'll and tenderly. It isn't likely that any thing like a full account of this re- markable man will ever be written be- cause good share of it is now a seal ed book, nearly all who knew it, like himself, carrying the knowledge of his indefatigable labors on behalf of his fellow men to the grave MT Mea- gher's splendid record as a soldier in the service of the United States where he rose from private to the rank of sergeant, if collected and printed would make an interesting sketch It is pity that he was so silent about these matters himself, for very little tangi- ble can be had on it now except such information as is in possession of Father Slocum who probably knows more of his war record than any other man in the world. The same thing might be said relative to the past MT Meagher played in Irish affiars prior to his removal to the United States. He was a trusted man among his as- sociates in Dublin where for many years he shared the confidence of men who sought to break the chains that bound Ireland to England Some time ago while standing on Grand Canal street in the Irish metropolis the As You Like It man was introduced to a resident of that place who knew MT Meagher in his young manhood and in the course of his remarks about his old friend the gentleman wept like child and said HMeagher was one of the soundest souls that ever walked the streets of Doublin. The day he left here he carried enough secrets with him to send thousands into exile if not to the gallows." This with what we know of him ourselves is sufficient to warrant the statement that Mir. Mea- gher came up to the standard of Irish xl.1 I,.,x s,.x