New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-02-23
Speakers at Irish
Convention Express
Faith i'm President
Steps Taken to Demand
That Wilson's Self-Deter-
mination Idea Apply to
Erin; Cohalan Chairman

Special Correspondence,

Special Corrcspondence
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. %. Did
Wilson mean it? Does America mean
It! These were big questions before
the Irish convention at its opening
session in the Second Regiment Ar
mory to-day when steps were taken
to demand that the Wilson principle
about the right of little nations to
self determination be applied to Ire
land
The Very Rev. Peter E. Magennis,
OF New York, president of the Friends
of Irish Freedom, told the 5000 dele
gates that he believed Mr.. Wilson
meant it, but if he did not it was
their duty to put an end to chose
age-long receptions that have wrung
the heart and enslaved the spirit Of
the Irish people,
Dr.. PATRICK McCartan envoy of the
provisional Government of the Irish
Republic" declared that the Irish have
absolute confidence in Mr.. Wilson, and
that there is no plan afoot for har-
RAISING him beyond forwarding to him
resolutions expressing the sympathy of
the Irish Americans for Irelands
cause.
Cohalan for Chairman
Glow long, Oh Lord, must Ireland
suffer-" asked Archbishop Dougherty
IN his opening prayer. "None has
served Thee better. During the CEN
turies of persecution, the Irish race
has emptied its veins as martyrs to
their religion. Their lands have been
taken from them, bread taken from the
mouths OF their children, and their
priests hunted down like wolves.
ireland is nearest to the cross Of
Thy crucifed Son. We pray that, hav-
ing, like Him, been fixed to the wood
of the cross, like Him also she may be
raised by Thee from the dead"
Following the opening prayer, Joseph
Mccarthy, chairman Of the committee
on organization, recommended the fol-
lowing as permanent officers of the
mously elected
Chairman, Justice Daniel F. Cohalan,
of the New York Supreme Court;
vice -chairmen, DR.. William Carroll
and the Right Rev. Gerald P. Coghlan,
of this city; general secretary, Riar-
mud Lynch, Of New York, and execu-
tive committee, John D. Moore, of New
York; Francis s. Clark, of this city;
Patrick A, Moynahan, of Brooklyn; Jo-
seph OJeary, Of Boston, and S. J. Dun
levy, of Denver.
Cardinal Gibbons to Speak
Cardinal Gibbons arrived here to-
night and will make the principal adj
dress at the session tomorrow in the
Academy of Music. Governor Sproul
will introduce the Cardinal, and other
speakers will be Rabbi Joseph Kraus
kopf, DR.. Robert Ellis Thompson, John
Dewey, editor of "The Gaelic Ameri
cam; United States Senator-elect
David |. Walsh, of Massachusetts; Sen,
ator William Z. Borah, of Idaho, and
Justices Daniel F. Cohalan and Edward
j. Gavegan, of New York
In pointing to America as the hope
of Ireland the Very Rev. DR.. Magennis
in his address at to-day's meeting said:
"For almost two years America
ceased her gigantic strides to prosperity
and directed her steps to the bloody
fields of Flanders. During all that
time the voice of the great President
Of this Republic was ringing through
the world announcing the good doctrine
of the freedom of all small nations, the
soul-stirring principles Of worldwide
democracy.
Believe in Americas Mission
"Hence the all-important work of this
SoHNcuN!OI is W dSCcIldll- America
turn away from her prosperous career
and direct her steps to the bood-stained
fields of Europe to the end that ma
tons should be free and that the world
shall be safe for democracy? Did the
voice of our great President ring true,
or did it ring with doubtful tone when
ne told the listening world the prin-
ciples that have made America the great
and prosperous land she undoubtedly is?
I'VE people Of Irish blood, we, the
people of America, who love America
and all she stands for, we believe in
the mission of America, we have heard
and believe the words Of our great rul-
er; consequently we are assembled
here to learn if our confidence has been
misplaced, if our belief was nothing
more than superstition"
In denying all intention with haras-
sing President Wilson, DR.. McCarten,
the Irish Republic envoy" said:
IF there were any such scheme,
would know Of it, and l know abso-
lutely nothing of any such plan. The
President Wilson's sincerity and be-
any pressure to induce him to do all
he can for Ireland
RESOLUTIONS asking the President to
consider Ireland's interests and rights
will, probably. be forwarded to the
President, but that is nothing new.
Such requests have been sent to him
frequently. Ireland is satisfied that
the President will not yield the inter
ests and rights of Ireland to the i'm
pcrialists of Europe"