The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-03-12
IRELAND'S EXPRESSIONS ARE
FASTENING DAY WHEN SHE'LL
RESUME HER PLACE IN sun"
Hon. John F. McCarron of Chicago Tells Robert Emmett
Members and Guests That President Wilson's Plan
Is Fastening the Consum nation.

"Emmet's dea tn has inspired Irish
men to continue the struggle for IN
dependence to this day. Only recently
another list of martyrs has been added
to the roll of honor who nave mas
tened the day when Ireland shall
again take her place among the ma
tions of the world. If a plan pro-
posed by President Wilson is accepted,
by all nations, Ireland must be re-
stored to her place in the sun. COD
grant that day is not far distant
The foregoing is portion or an elo-
quent and interesting address oeliv-
cred last evening in the Plaza treatre
by Hon. John F. McCarron of Chicago,
at the annual Robert Emmett memo
rial concert under the auspices OF the
Emmett club of Bridgeport. Every
seat in the theatre was occupied. Both
from a literary and musical stand
point the program attained the high
standard which has marked previous
concerts of the Emmett club.
Mr. McCarron is possessed OF an
easy and graceful presence. and he
proved also political orator. In a
beautiful word picture, he sketched
Emmet's life and the aims and ideals
of the martyr With feeling and force
he recounted the deeds and accom-
plishments of the 'tsons of the land OF
saints and scholars in their efforts for
freedom at home, in America and else.
where. In part he said:
'tMen and women of Celtic blood,
you have great heritage. 1t has
pleased the great God Of the universe
to have given you sound bodies, re-
markable intellects, poetic sentiment
and a deep sense of right and justice
Those are the true characteristics OF
the Irish race. And from this race
sprung Robert Emmett who possessed
all of these and from a thorough
knowledge Of them there was born in
his breast strong and sincere con-
viction that is was his duty to place
them in action for his country. And
what prompted this conviction? II
was the sad and sorrowful history OF
his country.
well did Emmett know the long
suffering. He had ibeheld his country
as an innocent maiden suffering tor
ture at the hands of a brute but kept
from protecting her by the imp1aca-
bile barrier Of armed force that held
him back. How her shrieks for mercy
and Justice rang in his ears and stirred
his soul with a fervor that quickened
the pulsations Of his heart with a love
that knew no bond.
with the deep resentment Of a pa
triot he determined to rush to her aid
and give his life against the unequal
foe
1.-THE pure and lofty purpose Of this
patriot is clearly seen in the love and
affection he bestowed upon the sweet
and gentle Sarah Curran. All the
tenderness Of his soul went out to
her and was. in turn reciprocated with
a devotion so characteristic of q true
daughter Of Erin. How deeply all
must sympathize in the tragedy of
these true lovers. For his country,
this young man gave up the love of
this noble woman and his life, and
thereto was also added the broken
hearted Sarah Curran who lived but
short time afterward.
"Emmet's untimely strike Tor his
country is known but let no man say
that it was in vain. The scene in
the court room where he was tried
before a picked ury is one that for
ever remains verdant in the minds
Of Irishmen for there is seen the bril-
liant young Irish patriot, stating Ire
lands case, not to the court and jury,
but to the world. There he stands
brave and resolute while the clear,
eloquent tones Of his voice give forth
the reason why he is ready to sacrifice
his life for his native land. Let me
repeat in j part, those memorable
words:
&c I would do with the people OF
Ireland as I would have done for the
people of Switzerland, could I be CALL
ed upon to act again in their behalf.
My object, and that Of the rest. Of the
provisional government was to effect a
total separation between Great Bril-
tain and Ireland--to make ireland to-
tally Independent Of Great Britain, but
not to let her become a dependent OF