The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-09-22


whose execution occurred on last Bun
day. was held last night In st. Patrick's
Hail., at Twenty-sixth and Grace Streets.
The hall was crowded to Its utmost
capacity. and the occasion proved an
Interesting ono in all respects. Great
enthusiasm was manifested throughout.
The Irish Catholics OF the city paid q high
tribute to IImmct, who was not u Cath
Ollie, but who was pure and conscien-s
tos man.
FATHER {MAGRTs GRAFTON.
Mrs. John Teefey, president OF the
Ladies' Auxiliary to the Hiberndan So:
ciety. called the meeting to order, and
the Rev, II. j.. M. Keefrey was master
OF ceremonies. Father WcKeefrey intro
2d,1ced to The great multitude the orator
of tho evening, Rev. Father Magri, VINO
was received with enthusiasm. Father
MaEri's eloquent peroation on the lie
OF Robert Emmett was beautifully PIC
turcsque. He said in part
Within stones throw Of where TINS
assenblsEe is gathered tonight, to cels.
met the illustrous patriot OF Ireland
there is a spot held sacred by every
loyal5 and devoted American. Yonder.
few feet from where I stand. within the
walls OF that little church. was heard IN
tho new world the first cry Of freedom.
n Unjust taxation. insufficient representa-
ton III the legislative halls oppression
In Various form, all had tended to rouse
the colonists GA state bordering on open
rebellion. The match only remained 20 %
applied and mighty contlagratloH
would soon sweep over the land
twill an attempt ut gaining freedom
Sros,,lt IA success or failure2 In
the time opportune to strike the
blow that may mean full redress OF
wrongs, Or Is 1t best to waltz
These and many other questions did
the colonists ask themselves. but no
truly satisfactory answer could De given,
TIE minds OF the people were harasseo
nv thousand doubts. q thousand grave
forebodinge i,i,s
q. Amidst the general confusion and mes
itatIonr which prevailed In that little
church before referred to, q young man.
hitherto unknown to fame, with dignity
arose. and, with eyes flashing with pent
lin fire. with fists clnched in answering
determination raised his eyes to Heaven.
and IL voice OF commanding power.
swept aside forever from the breasts OF
the assembled colonists all DOUBT a.!
hesitation as to the course 10 De pu.s. .l1
by these electric words--Words that VI
atimutely secured the freedom Of America.
9.tIs life SO dear, or peace so sweet, as 10
ha purchased at the price Of chains and
3 slavery? Forbid IT. Heaven; Know not
what course others may take, but as
for me-glve me lieberty, or give 1ne
DEATH"
The effect Of these bold and inspiring
words was magic. From one end OF the
land to the other were tney le-e e' q =.
The thirteen colonies were set on hre
with an UNDUE nchable flame OF PATRIOTISM.
II was to be war, and from war. 1ree-
dom freed ON, and from freedom, peace,
peace. and from peace, prosperity.
The frst blow for liberty had actually
been struck. Soon the Continental Con-
gress met. The gallant Washington was
Ir tho field with his ardent supPor LOTS.
Amidst hope. fear, enthusiasm dlscour-
agement the struggle for ireodoin con
tlnued Now Victory perched Itself upon
the American banner, now defeat tenn
porarily checked the onward march OF
the self-sncrncing patriots. =.
rhe result was In doubt. The issue
hung in the balance. With time came
helm from France. Tho American arms
began steadily to gain the ascendency'
Al last came the news! yorktown! sur
render of the English! America IS free'4
Patrick Henry had stated the dilemma.
II was to be a supreme struggle between
liberty and DEATH and liberty was the
81 And, why have I spoke tonight Of Pat
rick Henry? Is not this a celebration III
honor OF Robert Emmett? 1t Is because
OF the analogy existing between Robert
Emmett and the great patriot who SOUND
ed the hrst clarion note OF American In
dependence that have referred to the
latter; for Emmett was the Patrick
Fl enry Of Ireland.
m E,.h in his own country had similar
aims, each by word and example In
sn,red the people with undying patriot
ism, Yet the Immediate effect In each
country Of the cry for freedom uttered
BY the two patriots was different, LIB
erty or death!'' In America 1t was lib
crty, In Ireland 5eath!
5T' Mere follows an account Of l1mmet's
early life, his insurrection, capture and
death; also extracts from and comment
nm hi. famous speech The following are
the concluding words3
"Is Robert Emmett dead? Does he not
live eternally In the hearts Of his coun--
trymen? And does he alono belong to
ireland? Does his not hold rank with,
Patrick Henry, Washington, Jefferson
and the lovers of freedom Of othsr coun-
tries who gave their time, talents or
..Ayo not only alls Irishmen, but the
peopIe OF every nation under the sun.
even those who forefathers put him to
death, Will never cease to admire honor
and revere the name Of Robert Emmett;
for, In tn. language OF the poet, his is
'One OF the few. the Immortal names,
that we're not born to diel''
HALL DECORATED.
The hall was Beautifully illumlned and
decorated with flags and bunting, Just
above the rostrum was the picture Of the
irish patriot, on either side the stars and
stripes, and the green shone out con-
snicuo,,sly and with great admiration, \
MISS Mamie NJ. Sweeney presided at
tho piano. and the following was the
programme rendered during the evenings
PART FIRST.
Father Magrl .,,,.s,,.Robert Emmet
. Solo 80. $50, .,,.,. l..,,, A1iss Naming
,I,n Take Thee Home Again, Kathleen
ouartette-Miss ISellum, Mrs, Richard
: son, Walter Mahoney Leo Meagher'
"Deleve Nc. II All Those Endearing
Charms"
| 4 recitation ,,,,,. $3.50, ,.,MF. Ryan
5, Miss Mcintyre.
| -. n M Nrao, v1,os