Omaha daily bee., 1906-03-17

weres fortunate enough to enjoy its demon
STATIONS. 1t was a day of pleasure Of
mirth of frivolity that is true, but It
certainly was not all mere fun and idle
wit; IL would be big mistake to miscon-
ceive these features the true significance
of that day. for It was a day full of dig
nifed interest and solemn instruction. In
deed, II can be doubted II this immortal
festival, so dear to every true Irishman's
heart ever had or ever will have, a more
impressive observance than was accorded
IL in Representative hall Of the Nebraska
state house by the legislature, March II,
1905. 1t will be strange II the thoughtful
ones there that day do not reflect today
upon the proceedings of one year ago.
This Day I'm Omaha.
Omaha has no formal celebration planned
today, though some small festivals will he
participated in. The chief occasions of
this day will be the assemblage at Sacred
Heart church tonight. when Bishop Keane
Of Cheyenne will make an address on some
phase of the Irish peoples history and life
and the function at Creighton College of
Law, under the auspices OF the Ancient
| Order Of Hibernians. where John Rush
viii be the principal orator. OF course
program or no program, not even the snow
u
general display OF that beloved color doubt
| less will be as distinguished as ever before.
Some one has suggested that Mike Lee,
now a republican candidate for the city
council. assemble all the candidates on all
tickets and hold a general political free
for-all In some hall large enough for the
! occasion tonight. sing praises to St. Pat
rick and then proceed 20 a general wallop-
| Ing OF local campaign issues. But Mr.. Lee
has not yet signihed his purpose of acting
upon this suggestion. II Is not known what
attitude Governor Mickey might take, but
| assurances have come from Lieutenant
| Governor McGilton and members OF the
| legislature in the city they will attend such
an AFFAIR II held. Representative Frank
| Currie OF Dawes county, who makes his
summer home I'm Omaha and is oonse-
| quently here at present, is enthusiastic
over the plan, though an outsider.
Eventful In other Respects.
The 18th day of March last year had
been an eventful one in the lower branch
II the legislature. Friends OF tive several
| -ailroad rate regulation measures were de-
! ,eated after a good fight to advance GER
ain of their bills for consideration, thus
nsuring final action before IL was too late
the session. Tho day before however
1 III. Lee udu secured as a hptClul otucii De-
inning at II: 80. the celebration OF st. Pat
/ icks day.
To some the idea presented only a joke,
/ butt TO Mr.. Lee and a few other sons OF the
Emerald Isle such as Representatives Fer
rar, scillSy, Wilson and Senators Epperson
and Jones. it was matter OF profound
earnestness.
The house had been decorated for the oc-
easion the night before. great banner OF
the Stars and Stripes hung majestically
from the wall back Of the speakers stand
There In the center OF the emblem OF the
H1and OF the free and the home of the
brave" was pinned the sun-burnt banner OF
Erin. This picture OF union and liberty H.
self was an eloquent tribute to the coca
sion.
Flags Thrill IFish-Amerfeana.
The great principles these two national
nags represented were uppermOst In IN,
OTatOry OF the day. The united banner,
told, mntely, OF struggles of small ant
youthful nations for liberty against IN,
might and thraldom OF stronger adversaries
they portrayed the inherent manhood OF
honest poverty resisting the strength OF un,
scrupuious wealth; they told how a slmpl,
folk which loved freedom better than power
had striven TO wrest, themselves from the
grasp OF avarice and might. TO gain foi
, themselves aud their children and theii
ehildrens children that possession nor,