The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-16
Governor Joins In Tribute To Sons Of Erin
Irish-American Clubs An= nual Banquet Draws Rep-
 resentative Audience

The enthusiasm, faith and per- severence of the Irish race, and the merits of St. Patrick, their patron saint, were praised at length last night by group of guest speakers headed by Governor Ray mond E. Baldwin at the fifth an- nual St. Patrick's day dinner and dance of the Irish-American Social Club, Inc, in The Elton.
 Approximately 400 persons of Irish birth or descent attended the ban quet, applauded the speakers and joined in the fun and dancing that followed. Governor Baldwin shared the speakers table with Congress- man J. Joseph Smith, State Treas urer Joseph E. Talbot of Naugatuck, Labor Commissioner Joseph Tone, and Rev. Cyril F. Meyers, Ph.D., professor of philosophy in the grad uate department of St. Johns uni- versity, Brooklyn, N!iY.
 Rev. Francis M. O'Shea, perma- nent rector of the Church of the Immaculate Conception offered the invocation. Dr. John D. Freney was toaStmaster.
 !! Irish Kin
 The opening remark of Governor Baldwin was to the effect that he had a great uncle by name of O'Brien, and this probably account ed for the fact that he was able to sing in duet with Doctor Freney all the Irish songs played by Mo- Auliffe's Irish orchestra.
 Following with a list of senators,- IF in number-all of Irish name, Governor Baldwin remarked, "But let me confide in you that they are not all Democrats" To which Dr. Freney said in an aside, God for give 'em."
 In a serious vain, Governor Bald- win praised the enthusiasm of the Irish, recalling that there were two Irishmen and "a half" on the last Republican ticket-U. s. Senator John A. Danaher, Joseph E. Talbot, and Lieut.. Gov. James L. McCon- aughy, the latter being the half celt.
 The governor recalled several hu- morous incidents which occurred during the campaign, all of which, he said, served to impress him of Irish enthusiasm. Referring to Senator Danaher he said, He was always sure and positive". He re- marked that Danaher had enough enthusiasm to fill Connecticut and slop over the sides"
 "One thing stands, out in the life of St. Patrick" he continued, land that is perseverance in the face of obstacles" The governor remarked that we all are emigrants-that only the Indians are natives. Our fore fathers, he raid, braved all dangers and death to come to this country, for principle and an ideal. "To- day in America, as happily as we are situated" he said, i've can well afford to emulate that courage"
 T think today we need more of that ventureSome courage they had"
 Love of Learning. Congressman Smith recalled that the congregation was gathered to celebrate an occasion closer to our hearts than any in the year" He recalled the early struggles of the Irish for education and their suc- cess in spite of the many obstacles confronting them. T think one of the great things that Irish have brought is their love for learning" remarked Congressman Smith.
 We can depend today on the Irish to maintain liberty" he said. Dr Freney introduced State Treas urer Talbot as man to watch With the start he has and the age he has, no one knows the heights he may reach," he said. Keep your chin up and remember the luck of the Irish," he counselled.
 MT. Talbot laughingly referred to the concentrated efforts made by the other speakers to impress the audience of their Irish ancestry. He said that he was born the day after St. Patrick's day, and would have been called Patrick had the 18th of March not been St. Joseph's day. "All praise to St. Patrick" he said, in conclusion. The highlight of his talk, however, was the statement, "The greatest security I know of is good Irish mother" He quoted Lincoln as saying, "All I am-all I expect to bel owe my mother" Particular pride in his descend ency from Wolfe Tone, was express ed by Labor Commissioner Joseph Tone, who told of having been mis- taken on many occasions for an- ceStry other than Irish. My grand- parents settled here on the Abriga- dor in 1850," he said.
 MT. Thone said that former Gov. Cross had asked him to convey his regrets for being unable to attend. Previously Governor Baldwin told of having been addressed as Gov ernor Cross" He told of his great admiration and affection for ex- Governor Cross.
 Irish Faith
 The final speaker, Father Meyers, vividly painted word picture of the conversion of the Pagan king by St. Patrick, and the ability of the latter to fight for his cause. Patrick gave the Irish people Irish faith" said Father Meyers: No single man has ever left his imprint on the minds, hearts, and thoughts of a na- ton as St. Patrick has left his on the Irish people,"
 Father Meyers characterized an Irishman without the faith as not an Irishman, and as fish out of