ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN GLASGOW.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 176, 22 June 1871, Page 3

ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN GLASGOW.

Besides the numerona other Irish national demonstrations in celebration of this festival held in Glasgow, a large party of ladies and gentlemen dined together in the Tontine Hall, Argylestreet, on Thursday, March 16th. The chair was taken by Mr. Ferguson, who was ably supported by Mr. , Croupier. The cloth having been withdrawn, the chairman gave a most eloquent and stirring address upon Ireland, ancient and modern. He drew a series of graphic illustrations, descriptive of the splendid qualities of the Celtic race; the ancient Irish, Pagan and Christian ; the happiness of Ireland under native rule in bygone times ; the Danish, German, and Saxon conquests ; the Protestant National Movement of '82 ; the splendid struggles and achievements under the great O'Connell ; the genius of the Young Ireland patriots ; and the recent results of the Fenian movement in the Church and Land Bills. The Chairman next touched on what he considered the vital question of " Home Rule for Ireland," and insisted that it was the duty of Irishmen in Glasgow to aid this and every other movemsnt instituted for the good of their native land. To do this there must be organisation ; and he charactei'ised it as a shame that, while there were upwards of 100,000 Irishmen in Glasgow, they, as a body, were destitute of all political influence. He had now to inform them, however, that a movement to organise was about to be commenced, and they should invite the assistance of Mr. Butt, Q.C., Mr. John Martin, M.P., Father Lavelle, and others, in the City Hall, and at a mass meeting for the purpose of inaugurating their organisation. It was time the Irish flag were brought forth from its obscurity and displayed in the open day in the free air of tin's free country, if for no other object than to create respect for them and their rights in the opinion of their Scotch fellowcitizens. The Chairman sat down amid enthusiastic and prolonged applause. A variety of national toasts, peculiar to the occasion, were proposed and cordially rcepouded to, and the interest of the evening was enhanced by a series of songs and recitations from several members of fche company. At one o'clock on St. Patrick's Day, all present joined in singing " God Savolreland," andthercafter adjourned to the ball-room.