THE IRISH POLITICAL EXILES IN AMERICA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 168, 27 April 1871, Page 6

THE IRISH POLITICAL EXILES IN AMERICA.

The New York papers contain accounts of some interesting circumstances attending the arrival there of the second division of released political prisoners, who sailed from Liverpool in the Cunard steamer Russia. The " Irish- Ameircan " says :—: — An anxioxis watch was kept for the arrival of the Russia, in which vessel the next contingent of the liberated patriots was reported to have sailed. As the day when the steamer became due drew on, the excitement rose tj fever heat ; and again, it was resolved to meet and anticipate the arrival of the exiles. On the afternoon of Wednesday of last week — one of the bleakest days of mid-winter — some six hundred citizens of New York, by invitation from the Committee of che Tammany Hall Society, went on board the steamer Empire State, and proceeded down the Bay, with the intention of intercepting the Cunard steamer Russia, and giving an Irish welcome to the released Fenian prisoners who were on board. A strong north-east wind was blowing, cold enough to chill the patriotic ardour of any body less enthusiastic than those on board. Large masses of ice floated alongside, and pressed against the sides of the Empire State, and as she sped along, she ploughed her way through floes, heavy enough to endanger a lessstaunch craft. State-rooms were supplied to all who applied for them, as far as they went, without reservation ; and those who could not get one, could take a berth ; but there were many on board who did not require either, as they determined to stand by the " larboard watch " all night, and keep a sharp look-out for the steamer containing their expected brothers.

The " Irish Citizen " gives some particulars of the arrival : —

At length, on Friday, the approach of the Russia was signalled. Captain Thofne, of the City Hall Police, at once telegraphed the news to the mem bers of the Tammany Delegation, the municipal committee, and the chiefs of the Irish associations.

Soon a steady current of friends and sympathisers with the Irish cause set steadily in the direction of Cortlandt street. Among the first was Colonel Roberts, who bore with him letters from Hon. R. O'Gorman, and members of the Tammany Committee.

Another accouut says : — At length the huge vessel came slowly alongside, and the gang-plank was hoisted. Col. itoberts, Commissioner Hennessy, the municipal delegation, headed by Aldermau Healy, and the reporters, were the only ones permitted to enter. Up they sprang, and in a moment were eagerly met by the exiles, who had led them forward to one of the saloons. There were nine of them. Conspicuous among them was General Burke, with a huge black beard. The nine exiles who disembarked from the Russia were Dr. Edward Power, General Thomas Burke, Peter Manghan, William Roantree, wife and three children ; Patrick Walsh, Patrick Lennon, Geo. Brown, wife and child ; Denis DowliDg Mulcahy, and Edward St. Clair. A brief address was presented on behalf of the Wolf Tone Circle.

General Burke replied briefly, and with much emotion, thanking his brethren for their kindness and sympathy. Colonel Roberts made a sign for silence, and addressed the exiles in this way :—": — " Gentlemen, I welcome you in the name of the Tammany Association and the municipal government, whose representatives are here to-day with vs — I welcome you to the free and hospitable shores of America. We have sympathised with you in your past sufferings, and we rejoice with you in your present freedom. There is but one sentiment animating our hearts, and that is of thankful joy that you are liberated from the long and painful imprisonment which you have suffered in the dungeons of Great Britain. Carriages are here awaiting your pleasure. They will convey you to Sweeny's Hotel, where you will meet your brother exiles and receive substantial evidences of the hearty good will of your friends and compatriots in this country."

This address was received with applause by the exiles, and General Burke, a dashing, bold, and handsomelooking soldier, expressed his warmest thanks to the representatives of Tammany Hall for their thoughtful kindness. Then a very affecting scene took place between O'Donovan Rossa, Mullady, M'Clure, and his comrades, embracing, hand-shaking, and kissing being the order of the day. The exiles are fine-looking, intelligent men, who seemed to have passed through great privations in prison. They all wore heavy frieze overcoats and had very thick beards. A carriage had been provided by Colonel Roberts to convey Mrs. Burke and Miss Burke, the mother and sister of the General, to Sweeny's ; and the scene between the anxious mether and her heroic son was of a nature which does not admit of description here. The exiles resolved to postpone all consideration of the proposed reception and parade for the present, as they were very tired, and needed rest after their voyage. Thousands visited Sweeny's on F riday and Saturday, and the police could not repress the excitement or keep back the crowds.