The San Francisco call., 1909-07-25
BY HUGH SUTHERLAND
TSixth Letter.

n pirate chance the first political
meeting I have attended in ire
land was held on independence dsv
perhaps better way for an American
20 celebrate could not have been found
certainly the spirit of the day was as
prominent in this quaint fishing town
on the Irish sea as il would have been
IN the most American of cities. and If
there was an absence of the deadI,,
noises OF the fourth, there was as
sturdy a demand FOR freedom as echoed
from American platforms in the read
ing OF the declaration.
Indeed, the coincidence was publicly
and repeatedly marked in the celebra-
ton An American flag was carried
IN the parade, the speakers called forth
cheers by their references 10 the great
republics natal day.
There was mighty inspiration for
Irishmen in the scene Of the big gath
ering- The people. pouring into Ark
low from all parts OF the County Wick
low. assembled IN a square which sau,
. savage battle in the great rebellion
Of 1898 Almost in front Of the speak
ers' platform was a statue Of Father
Michael Murphy, who was put TO death
for his part in that uprising. the pedes-
tai inscribed with the names OF irish
heroes. The scene and the day. recall
ing memories Of Irelsnds defeat and
Americas triumph in the struggle for
self-government. stirred the crowd to
unusual enthusiasm.
Remarkable Demonstration
Most Of the big political meetings in
ireland are held on Sunday. since at no
other time can the hard working people
ind 1t possible to assemble. This dem
onstration, covering all of County
Wicklow, drew crowd OF nearly 5000.
At ? o'clock in the afternoon the men
began 10 arrive, some by train from
distant points, others by cart and by
Jaunting car and on foot from the sur
rounding farms. The town itself sup
piled large number from among the
fisher folk and the Industrial employees.
Bands paraded the streets playing
lively Irish airs. The Arklow '9S band,
with hats and banners of green and
gold, formed an escort from the railway
station for the chief speakers. John Z.
Redmond, NJ p leader Of the Irish
parliamentary party; John MuIdoon.
n. r., and Denis Johnston, assistant
secretary Of the United Irish league.
Not satisfied with that, the bands and
the fife and drum corps marched and
countermarched up the winding street
that leads Up from the sea, and when
they finally halted in the square the
crowd was densely packed for SO yards
around the gayly trimmed stand.
wicklow. it should be observed, is
one of the most prosperous, as it is
one Of the most beautiful, OF the Irish
counties Through the trim white
houses bordering the narrow lanes that
fall steeply from the square could be
seen miles Of rolling hills, every foot of
ground, seemingly, under the highest
cultivation. so that the whole country
side. the brown and green fields sharply
outlined with hedges. glowed as rich
carpet with the colors Of bounteous ma
ture. Prosperity was equally the note
IN The crowd. Artisans and fishermen
and merchants and farmers-an were
dressed comfortably and well Even
the poor old women, summing them>
selves against the wall opposite the
speakers stand, gossiped contentedIy
in their shawls and commented with
alert interest upon the points made by
the orators. The interest in the pro-
ceedings was sober. intelligent and
suggestive Of the sturdiest conviction.
And in the very face of the meeting
was a demonstration Of one of the most
remarkable features Of the remarkable
system Of British misgovernment in
ireland The opposite side of the
square was bounded by the high, grim
wall Of the royal constabulary bar
racls-part Of the elaborate military
establishment which Ireland. the most
crimeIess section Of the empire. is COM
peeled to support. do not know how
large force is maintained in ArkIow.
but nearly 100 Of the constabulary were
visible at one time and another. Their
presence and prominence would be a
source Of Irritation TO the most patient
people on Garth though it must be said
that usually they conduct themselves
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