The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-03-18

. since our slaSt dinner, but 12 months have glided by and we are again as- sembled to commemorate the life and achievements of the most colossal fig ure of Irish history. While our pri- sion is to honor the memory of the great, apostle whose life work meant so mbch to Ireland and the Irish peo- pie, still we know this subject will in jeots, and we know that in eloquent speech there will be retold the achieve ments of the Irish people.
 We take a justifable pride in hear ing the recital of the deeds of the Irish race. The origin and develop ment of our own characters and per- sonal traits are wrapped up in the his tory of the Irish people. We love Irish history in truth because it is the history of our ancestors and therefore necessarily the history of ourselves In the great struggle, the lasting struggle for the presedvation of relig- -ous faith and the restoration of na- tional independence, the Irish have sacrificed every material and selfish advantage. We can truthfully say that for centuries the Irish Catholics who have lived and died in the native land may be described a band Of martyrs. In every cemetery, in every village throughout Ireland lie hun dreds of souls whose hopes were born of aspirations for their fellow coun- trymen.
 i've know of this melancholy condi- tion in the history of our mother coun- try and We take pleasure III nearing eloquent tongues picture the dreams and hopes that inspired the martyrs and patriots of Ireland. We know the physical resources of the country and We know that under more favor a b1e conditions the people would have been one of the most successful and richest on the earth. No spot on the globe presents more beautiful scenery than the hills and valleys of Ireland. We love to picture in our own mind the day that is now coming nearer when the harbors of that island will be busy with commerce from all parts of the world, when the land will hum with the music of factories. when the owner of the soil will be reaping the ment in Dublin will govern and regu- late Irish affairs for Ireland.
 with this rich heritage is it mat ter of wonderment that we should take pleasure and qualification in hearing the story retoId? While Ireland is in the position where she needs the moral dren of Irish blood throughout the civilized world. it. is fitting that we should gather together as we have gathered tonight.
 I've are especially fortunate in the gentlemen who are assembled here to- night The standard of speaking set by this body has been high and to- night there is to be no exception. desire to cali to your mind that year a go our then distinguished and esteem ed executive the late Governor Li.1ey, addressed this body. On that occa- sion he delivered one of the choicest speeches it had ever been our pleasure to hear, and tonight we have decided not only as a matter of pleasure to ourselves, but as matter of respect to him to have his speech read. I will call upon MT. John T. King to read the speech of the late Governor Li1ley."
 Mr- King read &78e eloquent address of Governor Lilley that year ago had thrilled the annual gathering of the Knights of St. Patrick. and at it's close an enthusiastic outburst of applause paid tribute to the sentiments of ven eration and love for Irish patriotism voiced in the address.
 Toastmaster Culiinan then called to mind the ia ct that the visit of Cover nor Lilley here Iast-year was his last public appearance, and he called for a
 (Continued on Page 14.)