Evening journal., 1911-04-17
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FOR IRISH CAUSE
Gaelic League Workers Are
Well Received at TIVE
City Meetings
CHANGING CONDITIONS
IN TIE MOTHER COUNTRY

In the Garrick Theatre last evening
Wilmingtonians Of Irish birth and
descent gathered to arouse sentiment
IN favor of the Irish language The
occasion was the visit of the Rev.
Michael OFlanagan and Fionan Mac
Colum, delegates from the Dublin
Gaelic League. They were escorted
to the theatre by members of the
Ancient Order OF Hibernians. John e.
Healy, State president of the Ancient
order OF Hibernians. called the meet
ing to order and introduced as the
chairman, State Senator Thomas NJ.
Monaghan. who was greeted with con-
tinued applause
me musical program during the
evening was finely given and greatly
enjoyed. The members OF the Gar
TICK orchestra played American airs.
ana Irish melodies. which delighted
the audience. Samuel Sewer was
encored after his Irish love-song, and
sang a second melody, which was
equally we'll received Joseph Nc
Cullin sang "The Dear Little sham
rock, and as encore "The Snowy
Breasted Pearl" with a sweetness and
pathos In which he surpassed himself.
and again made Wilmington realize
what splendid voice he has.
The Gaelic Revival" was the sub
lect OF the address by the Rev. Michael
OFlanagan.
Asks For Sympathy.
he asked for sympathy with Ire
lands struggle to save her national in
dlviduality saying that the gift of lib
erty was priced alike by ali nations.
ahd mat the cause Of ireland needed
no apology IN America where five mil
mons OF Irish had made their home
ana ana gwen good account of themselves
ne lecturer emphasized the import
ance OF reviving the national Language
because II carried with Il the keenine
alive of national traditions. and senti-
ment. To show how this had degener-
ated IN English, he said that the Irish
grandfather's greeting, THE blessing
OF God upon YOU" had become upon
the lips OF the grandson. Hello" or
wen, Pat II such disaster occurred
IN every day speech, the lecturer
thought Irish poetry and philosophy
must fare worse.
Father Flanagan said that I'm the
irish speaking western counties of
Erin, the old history and folklore was
constantly told. but In the counties
where English had become the tongue.
knowledge Of Irish traditions was lost
This was shown markedly in the prize
offered by the Gaelic League for the
best history OF the national hero. Hugh
O'Neiu, and competed for by many
learned scholars, but won by a Msyo
fisherman who could neither read nor
write
When the league was founded 1sl
| years ago, Irish was not taught in one
out OF 200 schools, now IL is taught in
1906 primary schools. to 5000 out of
ll,OOO high school pupils. and the Ma
uonal University at Dublin is TO de-
mand II as an entrance requirement.
Rather Flanagan said it was no won
der irish children had grown up feel
ing their country was not something TO
be proud OF, and with desire to leave
1t for another, because the English
authorities had English history taught
in the schools, and England's heroes
praised, while Irish history was sun
pressed. An early English Commission
er or Education had even changed.
"Breathes there a man with soul so
dead who never to himself hath said
This is my own, my native land to
Il thank the goodness and the grace
that on my birth have smiled. and
made me in these Christian days a
happy English child"-lines OF his own
composition.
Father Flanagan said that the
Gaelic League is fast changing condi-
uons and fostering the patriotic. spirit
In Ireland. They have 130 teachers
and organizers, and besides work with
the schools, they address meetings
OF parents, and have sixty celebrations
every year at which prizes are offered
for Irish speaking and examples of
Irish industry, and Irish music and
pastimes are cultivated
Another thing the League is doing
Is 10 stop the expectation Of raw ma
terials to be returned from other coun-
tries as manufactured products and
sold to the Irish at a good price. The
largest spinning-mill, the largest to-
bacco factory, and the largest ship
yards IN the world are found in Ire
land. The League cannot bring these
TO America, but they have brought an
exhibition which shows Irish young
women weaving rugs, making lace,
and other industrial work The ex-
hibit advertises the Irish industries
generally Il has directly increased
Irish exports over one hundred mil
lion dollars a year In the last four
years.
Harvard. Columbia, the University
Of California. the Catholic University
In Washington. have Irish professors,
and other countries, even England,
are teaching Gaelic. The lecturer
quoted little girl as showing the way
Irish pride was growing: she said,
I'm glad live in a time when it's nice
to be Irish"
Fionan MacColum spoke in Gaelic.
The majority OF the audience under
stood him, and applauded and laughed
continually.
in concluding the evening, Father
Flanagan thanked the Rev. Father Cot
ter OF St. Paul's Church, who has
given much labor 70 the League and
its Wilmington representative. Mr.
Healy also asked. that contributions
for the work OF the League be sent
TO Father Cotter.
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