The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1914-04-02

ST. PATRlcK's DAY,

From the San Francisco call.

From the San Francisco Call.
Iooay we unite in celebrating the natal
larger sense to express our appreciation Of
lne irish race, whose virtues excite oor
@arnest admiration and whose faults
may pc so easily condoned. The green
Eith the shamrock and harp Will be worn
the world as a fitting tribute
IN the shadows OF a long forgotten mast
ger bards and Ministries have handed
u " IN rragmentary tale and song tho
cast some light on the customs of tbese
ancient days. The Iverni. from whom, tbs
lanes Erin and Htbernia are said to be
bb e occupied the land until displaced
Sy the warlike Melesians from Sythfa and
SPAN. THESE conquerors established a
monarchy at Tara, and Cormac. one Of
IN e9e u klngs Is said 10 have been a patron
OF learning and the arts.
Ihese poetic and prehistoric legends
nave had a profound and enduring inau-
enSe over the Irish mind. The Sythian in
yaders, according TO Justin. possessed
many OF the characteristics typical of the
more modern Irishman, holding health.
e eod and liberty above worldly goods
With the advent of Saint Patrick came
the first definite historical records of the
Introduction of Christianity into Ireland.
He was born the year 400 A. D., but his
IS a question Of dispute. BY
zeal, fortttude and q winning personality
he planted the banner of the cross on
oi HIS ICdIilSH ldIU, con-
yerted the people to the faith and organ
lied ecclesiastical communities with a
METROPOLITAN see at Armagh. After his
death Findean founded the monastery Of
Clonard with 1000 pupils. Many schools
were then established, n b. the end of
the Sixth century Ireland had become the
seat of learning In western Europe.
h English invasion Of ireland begins
a period of persecution, repression and
atrocity unparalleled in history. Old Irish
customs were abolished and the ancient
system of Jaws almost eradicated. The
people were deprived Of their lands, of
their civil rights and Of the free exercise
though dormant, still fingered in the irish
breast.
land of song, said the warrior bard.
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard
One faithful harp shall praise thee.
Thousands of Irishmen left their native
liberty and religious freedom. History is
adorned with the deeds Of these illus
trious sons of Erin who won renown UNI
der alien skies. The martial vigor of the
nation has been exemplified In many a
foreign cline. To the cry of "Remernber
limerick the Irish brigade swept down
face Of history on the bloody field of
Fontenoy.
But this dark epoch has passed away.
ireland has come Into her own. Her 20
litical and religious privileges have been
restored and the harp once more resounds
through Tara,s halls. h dreams Of
have been fulfilled.
Thus, Erin. oh. Erin, thy winter is past,
And the hope that lived through 1t shall
blossom at last.
The world owes a debt of gratitude to
Ireland. She has given us the satires Of
Swift, the philosophy of Molyneux, the
craftsmanship of Burke, the poems and
plays of Goldsmith and Sheridan, the ro-
mallces of Charles Levin and the immortal
melodies Of Thomas Moore: The names OF
Davis, Williams, Mitchell, Reilly, Meagher
and O'Gorman are household words. Nor
They are famed in song and story for a
loneliness and grace only exceeded by
their domestic virtues.
Here's to Erin in a drop o. the crayth1Ir
or the limpid waters of the Lee. TO the
land where the shamrock is forever green
and whose hills still echo the lingering
sweetness OF the Shandon bells.