The Savannah morning news., 1904-03-18
IRISH PATRIOTS
SANG AND SPOKE
TOASTED IRELAND'S SAINT
AT ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNI-
ANS ANNUAL BANQUET.

Three Hundred Men and Women
Celebrated st. Patrick's Day mt
Irish-American HalI-Irish Patri-
Otism stirred by Speeches and
Songs of the Emerald IsIe-Han
Decorated With Irish Green and
stars and Stripes-President Pow
ers Reviewed History of the A. O.
II,
Irish patriotism was displayed at
the Irish-American Hall last night
when threa hundred men and women
toasted the memory of Irish heroes, and
sang the praises of the Emerald Isle.
The occasion of the meeting was the
sixty-eighth anniversary banquet Of
the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
The guests and members of the three
divisions of the association filed into
the banquet hall at $50 o'clock. After
the banquet was served. Mr.. ]. ].
Powers, county president of the order
announced as the first toast of the
evening: THE Day We Celebrate, >
and introduced Mr.. P. j. O'Connor.
Mr.. OConnor reviewed the history
of Ireland and declared that for over
300 years the little island rivaled every
other mighty nation in Europe. He
said the hearts of all Irish Americans
turned to the beloved Erin. He re-
ferred to st. Patrick and paid Irelands
saint tribute, which was loudly ap-
plauded by the audience.
The Irish people, Mr.. O'Connor said,
would never be content until they have
gained that freedom, which by justice
and right belongs to them. He de-
clared that every Irishman in the
United States was devotedly attached
to the old, land, but that America is
their home, and the Irish Americans
are proud to own allegiance to the
Stars and Stripes.
There is yet a bright day in store
for little Ireland, and it is very graf
flying to every man here tonight who
has one drop of Irish blood in his
veins to know that at the opening of
this, the twentieth century, the dear
little shamrock is worn all over the
world as badge of honor"
The second toast, Woman" was re-
sponded to by Mr.. c. V. Hohenstein.
A1S pau d tOucHIuS lTlDuIe TO the
mothers of to-day and declared that
there is no grander heroism than that
which stirs the mothers soul and
moves her hand to action.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians"
was responded to by Mr.. j. ]. Pow
ers, the POSTMASTER of the evening.
He reviewed the history of the or
ganization from it's foundation in Ire
land and gave history of the growth
of the order in this country He de-
clared that it was one of the grand
est orders in existence and prepared
its members, both men and women
to be better citizens and to love their
country and their flag, and to honor
and respect their parents.
Miss Hennessey Recited.
Capt. E. A. Leonard, who was to
have responded to the toast, The Irish
Soldier" was unable to attend the
banquet on account of illness, and
President Powers announced that Miss
May Hennessey would recite "Irelands
Flag" Miss Hennessey acquitted her
self in a most creditable manner and
won the applause of her audience
The toast, United States was re-
sponded to by Mr.. Thomas F. Walsh.
His speech was devoted to the part
that the Irish had taken in building up
our own country. He was followed by
Mr.. d. ]. Charlton, who responded TO
the toast. ireland" Mr. Charlton
made an eloquent address. He spoke
for Ireland's freedom and independ-
ence and declared that the day was
not far distant when her brave sons
would take up the sword and win their
independence.
Patriotic Irish songs were sung and
the orchestra played Irish airs.