CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN AUSTRALIA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 168, 27 April 1871, Page 3

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN AUSTRALIA.

The Melbourne " Advocate " says : — "We may congratulate the Irishmen in this part of the world upon the patriotic and very successful manner in which they have honoured the festival of their great Apostle. In their celebrations they have exhibited the highest virtues of Christians and freemen. They have demonstrated that whilst they are unalterably attacked faith of their fathers, and are deepiy>i interested in all that concerns their 1 ' native land, they are actuated by no narrow sectarian or national predjudiees. The celebrations have taken place under most auspicious circumstances. There I has been no occasion to revive memories of wrongs and sufferings ; the better day has already dawned for Ireland, and the dear old land is even now ex- / periencing the benefits of the changeV that is taking place. There was goodi reason for celebrating the festival with V festive gladness and rejoicing, and we know that where there is on poverty from which it is not possible to rise by / industry and energy, where there v^\ free scope for the exercise of thel^ qualities, and where above aii, the^ prospects are bright and cheering, there is no one more fitted than the Irishman for seizing the pleasures of the day and revelling in them with 'joy unconfined.' Under" such 'circumstances and in such a manner our countrymen celebrated St. Patrick's Bay, and yet with all their joy, their light-heartedness and good fellowship, they did not verge uponiexcess, or commit errors of any kind, the remembrance of which would I be attended with self-reproach. They I have nothing to regret, but much to rejoice at. They have illustrated the truth that the^e is no other people who can better j the^ blessings of good government. s!hd material prosperity, and none more capable of acquiring themselves as intelligent and good citizens of a free state."

The " New York Herald," in alluding to the dangerous and overbearing power of the railway corporation in the United States says: — But what is the use of talking about State Governments controlling the management of railroads? The railroad magnates can buy up almost any State Legislatures or Governments. The railroads are really a power greater than the ststte itself. It is a matter of doubt even whether they cannot control Congress or the. Government at Washington as well. The time is coming, and notfaroff, when the Federal Government will be called upon imperatively by the people to protect them from the^exaction and tyranny of the railroad corporations, and to control those powerful" instit^ I tions. -- JH