Fergus County Democrat., 1916-03-23
ALI. ENJOY THE
. IRISH BANQUET
TWO HUNDRED PATRIOTIC PEo-
PILE AT FELLOWSHIP CLUBS
BIG CELEBRATION
FEAsT|NG, 0RAT0RY and MUSIC

With Irish oratory that inspired
Irish songs that rang true, Irish mu-
sic that lead one back to old Erin and
| Irish wit and beauty abounding, The
first formal observance in LewistOwn
OF st. Patricli's day occurred Thursday
night at the Fergus hotel, under the
auspices of the Irish Fellowship club,
recently organized in this city The
| affair was brilliant one and com
piete success in every way. About
800 who proudly claim Irish nativity
or descent and few invited guests
OF other nalionalities, with similar
sentiments, were seated around the
banquet tables and taken back to
dear old Ireland" by the sentiments
| expressed and the music that en-
tranced. Among those present were
| many from out of town points.
Invocation was offered by Father
V. j. van den Broeck. During the eve
ming excellent music was furnished
by members of the Lewistown Con-
cert orchestra. Mrs. Appleton and
Mr.. Baker pleased in their rendition
of several popular Irish songs.
John A. Coleman presided as toast
master in an efficient manner, and
appropriately introduced the speakers.
He briefly stated the purposes of the
Irish Fellowship club, and read a let
ter from Governor Stewart, who ex-
pressed sincere regret at not being
| able to accept the committees invi-
tation to attend the Lewistown ban,
quet. Both paid high tribute to
the Irish people.
Mr.. Walkers Address.
Frank c. Walker. a Butte attorney
proved to be an orator of ability, and
his address on "St. Patrcks Day"
and kindred subjects, relating to Ire
land and America, was a stirring one,
designed to appeal to the higher emo
tions. He referred to the achieve
lnents of the Irish race under difficult
conditions, and the keynote of his ad-
dress was Love for Ireland and
Loyalty for America" Mr.. Walker
spoke OF the dissension abroad and
OF the fortunate situation of the
Americans and the Irish-Americans
He had words of contempt for the
hyphenated American who placed
America second. but spoke in praise
/ of the many true and loyal Amer-
cans who loved the land of their an
cestry and who met as the gather
ing Of the evening did, to turn back
in thought and word to that land. but
which placed America first. For that
kind of hyphen he had nothing but
commendation.
Crowley Is Eloquent.
Irish Patriotism was the subject
Of an address by Stephen J. Crowley.
an attorney of Great Falls, who han.
died the subject in a mastery man.
ner, presenting it with well-chosen
diction, beautifully rounded sentences
and graceful mannerisms Mr.. Crow
ley made profound impression. He
told of the many struggles and suf
ferings of the Irish people in their
fight for freedom, and pictured a
patriotism OF the ideal sort for Ireland
and for the Irish asylum, America
One of his brilliant efforts was the
word painting of war, which convey
ed an excellent idea of its awfulness.
The highest patriotism, he said was
not that of war, but of peace. Such
a patriotism means love of country.
love OF all lands and hatred for
war. However. it sanctioned war for
q principle, as opposed to war the re-
suit of ignorance.
The Press.
The closing address was by J. V.
Gilluly of the Argus, whose subject
was "The Press" The speaker gave
way some trade secrets and in his ex-
cellent paper contained many splen-
did thoughts. Interspersed among
the serious thought were some hum
crous references which kept the au-
dience i'll fine spirit. Mr.. Gilluly's ad-
dress was attentively listened to and
highly appreciated.
| 1t was shortly after midnight when
the banqueters started for their re-