The Washington times., 1902-05-19
SONS OF OLD ERIN
PLEAD FOR LIBERTY

arrived in this country three months ago.
had held enthusiastic meetings all over
the country. and at each place they had
been greeted with strenuous demonstra-
tions. In Philadelphia. he stated the
crowds were so great that they had ia
lock the doors and turn away thousands
and thousands. He thanked the people
OF Washington for their demonstration.
and said that his thanks were not only
given by himself. but in the name Of the
Irish party. the United Irish League. and
the Irlshmcn wanting home rule
Mr. Devlin's address was followed by
one from the Rev. Father Stafford. DR.,
Stafford said that he came to the mass
meeting from a sense OF duty and he de-
livered a most eloquent address. He said
that he felt the American people believed
In the cause OF the Irish. but that he
knew that American principles did not
stand for war. He believed in the united
Efforts Of the people and their friends
Following DR.. Stafford, Rev. DIR. Rankin
made brief speech along patriotic lines.
Immediately after the close of DR.. RAN
kin's remarks Mr.. Downey read a tele-
gram from Senator William E. Mason, Of
Illinois. regretting his inability TO be
present and welcome the two eminent
members of Parliament. but the tele-
gram stated that he was on his way to
Cuba to see the birth OF new republic.
A telegram was also read from Bishop
Conaty.
Tribute to Senator Hoar.
Mr.. Downey Thanked. Senator Hoar for
presiding at the meeting. and said:
England had its Gladstone. but Amer
lea has its champion Of human rights in
the gentleman who sits as our presiding
officer. Senator Hoar," which elected
great applause. Senator Hoar bowed his
Acknowledgements.
Mr. Redmond thanked the audience for
their welcome and hospitality.
Mr.. Downey announced that there will
be meeting tonight at Carroll Institute
for the purpose of forming a branch OF the
United Irish League in Washington He
stated that Mr.. Devlin would remain over
until the meeting in order to be of as
sistance.
With three cheers called fer by Capt.
Patrick O'Farrel for Senator Hoar and for
the two members of the Parliament. one
of the most enthusiastic meetings ever
held in Washington dispersed.
Call for the Meeting.
The printed call for the mass-meeting
was signed by the president Ct the league,
Mr. William F. Downey. and the secre-
tary. Capt Patrick o'Farrell. 1t said:
mo people can be peaceful, happy and
when governed by alien legis-
ators. This Is Ireland's sad experience
'or centuries. Her commercial manu.ac-
uring, and industrial interests are para
yzed and overthrown. large area Of
Ter fertile lands is cleared 1f the inhab-
tants and turned into grazing and hunt
ng grounds for the rich landlords Her
'ich and natural resources in coal and
ron. minerals, etc. lie hidden and dor
nant. The country is being depopulateJ
Il its bone and sinew.
"The hour has come. This cruelty can
10 longer be tolerated. Nothing short Of
lone rule can rectify the wrongs and
wants of the Irish people, and to bring
bout his result the United Irish League
gas organized.
leans ever undertaken in endeavoring to
ecure home rule. Public opinion is be-
ng aroused everywhere. There never
vas period in the seven centuries Of
relands s bondage that looked more hope
ul than the present. Her people, both
Protestant and Roman Catholic. repre-
enting all the different shades Of politi-
al opinion, are not only uniting In this
reat crusade at home. but their exiles
nd offspring throughout the world are
1ining its ranks.
"Eighty-three OF the one hundred and
tx Irish members of Parliament are
nited and pledged to the support Of this
reat movement. and 1t is hoped that in
he near future every Irish member Of
arlament will be united in this league.
1.-The league is not only national, but
lvites all lovers of justice and equal
ghts. of every race and creed. TO aid in
lch a Just and noble cause. II is
ossible for men. women, and children TO
in its ranks, as the yearly dues are only
less than cents per week-and as
-ery officer will give his services free.
i the funds derived through the league
ill be expended exclusively where the
ost good will be done in aiding our suf-
ring people at home and helping our
members in their united
ruggle to secure home rule"