The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1917-10-27


hour and . half to pass any given
point at quick step and over two hours
when the many bands approaching the
cemetery played funeral music. The
whole spectacle was impressive and
reverential in the highest degree, and
one of the most notable features was
the large body of priests who marched
the entire distance.
MEMORABLE SPECTACLE.
Considered from all points of view.
the funeral procession was, perhaps,
the most imposing and impressive
sight ever witnessed in Dublin, not
withstanding the fact that it was prin-
cipally confined to the residents of
the city and county. AS regards num-
bers, it certainly far exceeded the rec
ord Of any of the great national dem
onstrations which took pace in the
metropolis for at least a generation.
1t is estimated that between 10000
to 10000 people marched In the pro-
cession alone, while many tens of
thousands. of spectators lined the
streets from the starting point at the
City Hall. Cork Hill, through the
lengthy route to Glasnevin Cemetery.
Marching quickly, four deep, the pro-
cessionists took close on an hour and
half to pass a given point. So per-
feet was the combinational order main
tanned throughout that the ranks never
for moment lost their cohesion. The
contingents marched in close military
formation, the halts being few and
brief.
What the numbers participating in
the great procession would have
reached had the sympathizers
throughout the country been given IA
cilities for travelling by excursion
trains, may we'll be imagined. Many
parts of the country, even the most
remote parts, were, however, largely
represented. These participants ar
rived by ordinary trains on Saturday
or Sunday morning. Kerry, the native
place of the late Mr.. Ashe, was rep
resented by contingents numbering
close on 700.
Notable Feature.
The great demonstration had many
remarkable features that we're not to
be found in, any of the previous great
national gatherings in ireland. The
attendance Of a body of clergymen
numbering about $50 at the head of
the procession was, for instance, q
unique feature. Never before at a
similar public function did such large
number Of Catholic clergymen assem-
BILE to pay public tribute to the men,
DRY of fellow countryman. Many Of
these travelled long distances.
Another remarkable feature was the
presence of some thousands of young
women and girls who. too, have prom
inently identified themselves with Sim
Fein, the attendance of large section
of Cumann Bamann in uniform cos
tune being especially impressive.
Youths, too. took part in large num-
bers, while the city trades and labor
bodies turned out in strength of num-
bers seldom. II ever, before excelled
in public demonstration in the me-
tropolis.
Regulations Set at Naught.
It was remarkable that despite all
recent military orders under the De-
fence Of the Realm Act, drilling Of
contingents was carried out openly.
firearms and hurleys were borne. VOL
untcer and pipers' bands uniforms
worn. Republican flags and banner
cites carried. and. in fact, all regula-
lions transgressed regardless Of the
presence of the police. More remark
able still was the presence Of q large
firing party marching, in single file.
on either side Of the hearse with rifles
reversed. About q dozen bands were
present.
The tr1c0lOr was worn In some form
or other BY every person participating
in the procession, as we'll as by most
people amongst the spectators. Nu-
merous flags, too. were displayed from
houses along the route, In each in
stance draped in crepe.
The members Of the Dublin Fire
Brigade, which made a very fine dis
play, also wore in conspicuous fashion
the Sim Fein colors draped with
crepe. is worthy of note. too, that
q big section Of the National volun-
teers marched under the leadership of
Col. Moore. and most of the contin-
gent wore their uniforms.
Splendid orderllness.
The orderliness and respect dis
played from start to finish by the i'm
mense gathering. professionals and
spectators alike. was q striking and
fitting tribute to the memory Of the
deceased. Thousands marched hare
headed, window blinds were drawn In
most Of the houses along the route.
and reverential silence and attitude
were adopted by all. Numbers Of
soldiers, TOO, who were In the streets,