Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1908-03-14
REASONS
why Sons of the Gael Gather
to Celebrate st. Patrick's
Day.
Prominent Paducah Lady Pays
Tribute to the Irish
Apostle.
EXiles of Erin Make Loyal
American Citizens and
Fond Friends.
IDEAS BEAUTIFULLY EXPRESSED

In proportion to the size of the
city, Paducah has as many loyal
| Irish-American sons and daughters
as are to be found in Kentucky. Mrs
Katie NJ. Dorian. the estimable wife
of Col. John j. Dorian. City Treas
urer of Paducah, pays the following
tribute to Erins patron saint:
The name of St. Patrick is one of
the immortal names of Christianity
Almost everybody knows that It was
this apostle who in the fifth century
converted ancient Ireland from
pagan worship to the standard cross
When he landed on Erin's shore he
found a race of people deeply i'm
bued with religious zeal-sun wor-
shippers-an enlightened order of
ancient paganism. Their rulers and
Druid priests were men of much
culture. They debated every point at
issue with st. Patrick and it seems
indeed miraculous that even this
most remarkable man should have
lived to witness the conversion of
that nation to the Christian faith
without the sacrifice of a life or the
shedding of a drop of blood
Therefore the name of St. Patrick
naturally above all else suggests
thoughts of religion. and his ami
versary which means so much to
very important branch of the human
family. carries the mind back for
more than fourteen centuries of the
most interesting period of the
worlds history.
But it is not the religious or more
cnrfntc nh Of
the observance of which encircles
the globe. which is to be considered
here, but the social features of the
day.
In dear old Ireland friendly social
intercourses is one of the great feat
ures of this anniversary; also in
nearly every important city OF
Europe, Irishmen and their de-
scendants will meet in social reunion.
In far off Australia and New Yea
land. of the Southern seas, thou
sands of the loyal sons of Saint Pat
rick will meet and with love and
affection pledge their undying loyalty
to their oppressed motherland. In
the Western world, in the Dominion
of Canada, from our Great Lakes to
the frozen North. true and patriotic
men will meet in social reunion and
renew their devotion to the dear
old land.
Perhaps nowhere on earth does
Irish sentiment find such beautiful
and poetic expressions as it does on
st. Patrick's day in this glorious
Republic of America. The sturdy
sons of that dear ancient isle have
been prominent factors in the up
building of this great nation. Their
strong arms have constructed most
of our immense public improve
ments. Their eloquence, statesman
ship and patriotism have inspired,
directed and elevated our political
life at bench and bar, in the State
Legislatures. in both houses of Con-
gress, extending even to the White
House. Their sons have been among
our greatest, best and most patriotic
soldiers, in every struggle from
Bunker Hill to Santiago
No wonder than that when the
"Exiles of Erin" meet around the
banquet board as free and loyal
American citizens, their celebration
of this great holiday surpasses in
grandeur and eloquence all other
celebrations.
The thrilling story is told once more,
The inspiring song is heard,
And memory to that sacred shore
Brings back with magic word
The scene of glorious victory won,
The hope that can not die,
That Ireland's flag and golden sun
VIII yet illumine the sky
And symbolic men oppressed,
Where'er their home may be,
The help on which their hope may
rest
When Ireland shall be free.