New Britain herald., 1928-03-17
C0SGRAVE ISSUES
 GREETINGS 0F DAY
Continued from First Page)

execution. The Saorstat (Free State)
 government has under consideration
 the reduction of the number of li- cense premises and the average pub
 llcan Is not inclined to do anything
 that will decrease his chances to compensation on compulsory retire.
 ment.
 on St. Patrick's Day the Sham TOOK Is worn by all CreedS and class
 es. It Is as popular in northern Ire land as it is in the Free State. The northerner can not only wear it, but can Wet it in the traditional fashion, The Free State dweller had only two alternatives. He could lay in a stock Of his favorite beverage. and enjoy It in the quietude of his home. or journey across the border and drink to his hearts content.
 Program Of Bygone Days.
 In bygone days the national fcs- tival was a great off day for the Irish people. At one time the drown- ing of the shamrock was observed with the utmost enthusiasm. Scenes ot drunkenness were often accom- panied by rioting. and the rioters not infrequently woke up in the po- iice cells. sadder but not wiser men. 1t was the thing to do and they did It all over again when opportunity offered. Country folk thronged the towns and helped to swell the mad dlng crowds Occasionally politi cal parties availcd of the crowds 10 stage meeting to expound their views, but the emblems of party never really predominated.
 In the more recent years of the British regime, the advocates of temperance had a considerable say regarding the observance of St. Pat TICKS Day in many centers. Drink Ing on the feast of the national it was held, brought Irish men into contempt before the na-. tions of the world and an attempt was made 10 substitute pageantry tor pubs. Rowing before the wave ot new sentiment, licensed vintners n many places voluntarily closed their doors, but. that a good few supplied drink surreptitiously was evidenced by the number of stagger- ns characters who filled the streets. |
 Tho pageantry consisted of i'm nense processions in which all na- ! ional societies paraded at full with bands and banners. : 3ut these were only trimmings of . he real show which was a display { 'f articles of Irish manufacture car jed on hedeclled lorries through | he streets for the edification of the | ,opulace.
 Burn everything that comes | rom the other side, except coal" an one of the eXhortations to sup 'ort Irish manufacture. The other ld", of course, meant England. 'ablcaus of St. Patrick. St. Brigid, Brian Boru. and the old Irish harp r also carried on lorries, added reli- 'ious and historical flavor to this 1ode of celebration.
 such gatherings were too heter- geneous to last Societies. diamerti- ally opposed each other in arms nd objects, naturally differed on rocessional precedence. The pro- essions did survive priority pride. The pageants lapsed. The publicans gain prospered openly and continu- d to do so until the Free State gov rnment applied the final closure.
 Last years national holiday was he first of the government-regula d series. It was workless and rinkless day. Country folk did not :; rowd the towns as in days gone , y. Dublin had some celebrations :. ut the country towns had none.