The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-02-20

The st. Vincent de Paul Quarterly,
which has just been issued, contains
a most interesting and extended ac-
count Of the Diamond Jubilee celebra-
tion Of the Society of st. Vincent de
Paul, which was held all over the
world last summer.
The account Of the convention of
the national conference Of the society
is particularly interesting, containing
as it does, in full. the magnificent ad-
dress which was delivered by Hon.
Claude A. Swanson, governor Of Vir-
ginia. and which was, perhaps, the
most eloquent tribute to the Catholic
Church ever heard in this country.
From the outset Governor Swanson
captivated the audience by his stirring
words. Prolonged applause greeted him
at the completion of nearly every one
of his sentences. The. governor spoke
j as nellews:
esteem 1t a great pleasure to be
permitted to extend to the Society Of
st. Vincent de Paul a welcome upon
this occasion. assure you that the
people not only Of this city but Of
the entire state appreciate your pres
ence here, and wish me, as governor
Of this commonwealth, to extend to
you a cordial welcome.
1--WE have most profound esteem
and admiration for your society which
has been productive of so much good,
not only in the United States but in
all parts of the world. From it's for
nation in 1888 to this day, no society
has been more generous in it's bene-
factions to the poor and needy, none
more active in it's efforts to relieve
humanity, and none more efficient in
accomplishing good and lofty purpos-
es. From Paris it has radiated to all
parts Of the globe, carrying untold
blessings and benefits. Today it pos
sesses more than six thousand branch
es scattered in all parts Of the world,
giving to humanity an unselfish SER
vice and evidences Of generous Christ
ian charity. It constitutes an army Of
more than one hundred thousand ac-
ctive, earnest and devoted workers. An
army composed of such consecrated
workers cannot fail to be productive
of immeasurable good, and to daily
and continuously start splendid inf1u-
ences which must continue through
countless centuries.
"One feature Of this society parti-
cularly deserving Of commentator is
that none of it's members are allowed
to receive any compensation for the
labor or service performed; all of
their work is in loving, unselfish de-
votion. No rewards are received, ex-
cept from the consciousness derived
from service and sacrifice for the bet
terment Of others. Thus it illustrates
strongly and strikingly the chief prin-
ciples Of the Christian religion, suf-
fering and sacrifice to serve others.
Those engaged in such grand work
cannot fail to have their souls ennobled
mind and spirit elevated. This is why
Virginia, appreciating your high pur-
poses and splendid services in tho
past, commissions me to express to
you her great qualification at having
you assembled within her borders.
"You come to state whose people
still adhere to the simple Christian
faith Of their fathers; state whose
pages Of history from the early set
tlement at jamestown are illumined
by eminent men who have cheerfully
given their lives to the service of
state, country and humanity; a state
where the truths of the Bible are still
believed and touch alike public and
private affairs, where religion and
past traditions still gild with glory
practical life and furnish the source
Of strength for the perplexing prob
lens Of the future; state whose
erntnent men from washington to Les