The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-14

In this most momentous year perhaps in the worlds history to date, the field is still open for the poet and historian to reap a fiowery harvest to fill pages in history to be read with glow ing tribute by many in future ages.
 To-day Ireland is celebrating the 1576th anniversary of its national holiday-St. Patrick's Day. Tn every city, town, and hamlet in Ireland to-day the steady tread of the stalwart peasant is in evidence at the dawn of early morn, seeking his favorite haunts to procure the shamrock leaf. The coming of St. Patrick's Day awakens in the Irish that fond desire to grasp that trefail, not alone in Ireland, but in all known climes where the glow of Irish smiles brightens the sunshine. can't here portray the fervent greet ings displayed by those who are fortunate in being the recipients of this little treasured emblem from the land of their birth.
 Pages of History
 I will not attempt to scan the pages of history to bring before your gaze the virtuous struggles of Ireland in gaining her just rewards. The past, with its shadows of gloom, rests only in our memory: the future with its rays of happiness seen in the horizon is to all a welcomed joy nestling in the Irish heart.
 Today, with all the nations of the world sailing through the stormy seas of disturbance, un- employment, and depression, brought about by conditions ex- pounded to us from various standpoints, we find Ireland foremost in the vanguard lead- ing to a haven of peace, secur- ity, and rest.
 The creation of law, much forgotten, is to-day the foremost study of the Irish people. The temporary fence placed around northern Ireland by the infiu- ence of British gold, will re- main intact only as long as those within that enclosure are whitening within the spell Of mesmerism administered to them by foxy Johnny Bull.
 Foreign propaganda derived from any source can't withstand the attack of time when its vile intentions are built on a base of grounded evil.
 Evils of the Past
 Forgetting the evils of the past let the fruits of the aggres- sors rot within their own shield ed vaults. Ireland to-day Is willing to meet all her neigh bors within the honest bounds of friendly sphere. Her friend Johnny across the Channel asked her to give him some Of his pressed dough. Perhaps he had a dream desire to pay Un- cle Sam a wee portion of that pile on his debtors column.
 Ireland to-day is master oi her own forebodings. Her minor industries will expand to the required margin and it may be a sane statement to make that It's people will find full employ ment within her own friendly shores. Link the present with a quarter of century ago ana youll find there's no grounds for a connecting bridge.
 At that not very distant date the only busy industry in 1re- land was the recruiting station. For the fabulous sum ot one shilling you were gyved to com pulsory years of service, to De donned in a beautiful red coat and labeled to be freighted to any cline at the wish of the crown. No wonder the early summer sun lighted the loaded emigrant ships with their bur- den of human freight when the price of freedom was put on the scales for one shilling.
 Contentment
 Tn conclusion, I've learned from gleanings of present con ditions the dark clouds Of lre- land have been shaded by the sunshine of peace and content ment. Under the guidance and untiring energies of that tried and brilliant statesman, Eamon De Valera, her future will meet the desires of those who have labored long for that just re- ward.
 I may at this time voice the prayers and wishes of all with in the outlines of our friendly shores that the spell of Ire- lands coming to her own is as pure as the balm to an aching heart. As the coming rays of the summer sun will brighten every scene painted by natures own hand, that glowing aspect will have new tendency for the American tourist to visit that fair land. The capped mountains seen in the distance. the fertile cultivated valleSA resting beneath, the allvery klreamleln TnurmnrlnR within