The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-03-18

00G h0WdId, DuU 1uUy NAuSG
 Not Be Measured by Kind
 and Number of Favors-El-
 oquent Address by Former
 Secretary of State.
 Hon. John J. Phelan's address at the Knights of St. Patrick's banquet last evening follows:
 MT. Postmaster and Gentlemen:-
 Aside from the usual celebration of St. Patrick's Day, it is commendable that in every cline, for this one day of the busy year, those of Irish birth or extraction should step aside, from the hum and strife of life to take in ventory of themselves, and in the mystic presence of their patron saint, and their forbears, pledge afresh their affection to the old land, whilst swear ing their fidelity to the new.
 'FIt is a day when we all can make examination of the civic conscience, and when on finding therein meekly resolve that under the inspiration of our patron, we shall do honor to his name and teachings for the coming
 ''As Sons of St. Patrick, therefore, have we done, in the year gone by, our full civic duty? Men of our race and muscle, men of learning, of art, of peace and war, men of God and and those of high Or low estate, hal. lowed by the chrism or blessing of Patrick, have they and we kept abreast of public needs?
 Tt takes no philosopher to assure that at time in the country's s history was there gre9ter need, than now, for men of strength and charac- ter to help shape it's proper destiny, each in his own sphere, -directing and working out the common lot, impress sing the stamp of honor and honesty in social, in business, in political life l the level, in plain and straightforward i ways.
 At no stage of the Nations deve1- opnent. has there been more need, than now. for honest men, for patriots, brave men, men who knowing their duty, fearlessly dare to do it, cour- wheel in furthering the betternent of public conditions. to the end, that what is really good shall survive and flour ish and the bad perish forever.
 ''In this view of things have they and we, St. Patrick's Sons the mor al bra th st ana dor win to join and for the right, for each and all people? I answer yes, and do so with an abiding conviction they have the courage to be faithful.
 Do they measure up to the stand ard. and will they support honor and rjrtue in social and domestic life? Again I answer; yes and point to the ages to prove this truth.
 Are they strong and righteous in positions of public honor and trust? :? To this I submit the records of their deeds to prove high fidelity, my answer.
 Have they men of character, of courag ge, of ability. to share with oth- in the State and Nation? Again I am proud to answer, yes; and proph- ecy that history, past and future, viii to duty.
 "Of what sins, therefore, do they ac- cuse themselves. on this day of festi- val? Have they played falsely with l themselves or with others? As to this it may be said, as it has ever been, that the charity and kindness they ably $qualified amongst themselves. Petty Jealousy and suspicion of each other, whilst vanishing slowly, still stalks amongst them to their detri- naent.
 '.In this day of progress they should be just to each other, quick to applaud the excel1encies of their own they would those of strangers. They should exalt and, not pull down those of their race found worthy. Let them do unto themselves as they do unto strangers and all will be well.
 Have they been laggards in the march of progress and missed essen those entitled to honor. and earned honors for themselves from those whom they honored, To this, it is just and proper to say
  deserving of praise; but have not all ways been the recipients of the lat ter'S generosity, in return. .It has always been disappointfhg and embarrs ssing to be obliged to note that but few of those publicly honored by them,, or either of the political par have com plimented their efforts, in all the years agone. by causing so few Q of - their = number , to & be appolnted pc 1b to dicial field of the State or Nation; and but few to the important State com missions of our own State. EEWhether such happenings were or are the result of design Or otherwise is a puzzle that needs solving by the political seers of all parties, while the opportunity to correct is still theirs; as the example set by them may live in the future to corfound or torment them.
 to be given for future honors to those of our people best fitted, we must still remember that our duty to our State and Nation must not be measur- ed by the kind and number of such favors. We must be of the first rank in point of citizenship, in any event. State and Nation, and equal rights to all the peorle must be the keynote of every party platform, to which we subscribe.
 we must wake up to our responsi bilities regardless of party exigencies, except when they are founded on the bed rock of popular rights and needs. The dawn of a new manhood and cit izenship is appearing above the gloom of the night from whence men of sim cerity, of honesty and courage will emerge, who must and will assert themselves in tones that must be un- derstood for the common welfare.
 e.Let the Sons of St. Patrick do their duty to their adopted County, when they can with conscientious pride, with gratitude and joy join with the poet Percifal ill saying truly: