St. Patrick's Day

The Davenport Times
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Saturday, March 17, 1900

WEARING OF GREEN
St. Patrick's Day honored by Fluttering Silk and Ribbon
THE MEANING OF THE DAY

Services, Religious in Character, Held at the Catholic Churches- The Lecture
at St. Mary's Tomorrow Night

Today is St. Patrick's day. It has no meaning other than that attributed to
it by a morning paper, and it is this sentiment which makes it dear to the
heart of the Celt.

Patricius was born, possibly in Scotland, possibly in England, possibly in
France. At least he left France for Ireland early in the fifth century,
having been kidnapped, so to speak, by Celtic pirates who scoured the stormy
channel between Hebrides and the Gaulish coast. He escaped, however, and
made his way back from captivity to the Frankish shores. He was a kinsman of
Pope Celestine. Being religiously inclined he sought the sacredotal office,
and latterly was commissioned by an uncle (if the writer mistakes not) who
then held the papal chair, to go to England, then Albion as a missioner. He
went into Ireland instead where he found the Druids worshipping the trees,
and holding mystic rites which were paganic in character. He changed their
ritual. He won the king of Tara, and immortalized the tri-form shamrock, by
using it as an illustration to his speech- the tongue he learned in
captivity. Patrick evangelized the Emerald or Green Isle-"the gem of the
ocean," as Moore puts it and hence the green is in evidence today. Patrick
Christianized the Druids and on the hill of Tara built the Christian altar
and established the golden era of Erin. After him came the Christian kings,
when the glories of Ireland were historical. Then Malachi wore the collar of
gold and Strongbow's questionable exploit became classic. The round tower
was then built and the island became famous as that of "Saints and
Scholars." Patrick died in the days of the schisms, but his converted nation
have never accepted any other god or creed than that which he had taught
them. Rapine and desolation came and with it martyrdom, but Ireland clung to
the faith of St. Patrick. Hence her sons and daughters honor him today, and
who must say them nay?

Daily Times; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; March 18, 1901

IN NAME OF ST. PATRICK,
ANNIVERSARY OF PATRON SAINT IS CELEBRATED.
PROGRAM AT TURNER HALL
SACRED HEART CHURCH PLANS A SPLENDID ENTERTAINMENT
AND SUCCESSFULLY CARRIES IT OUT.

     Large and small bouquets of green with the true Irish emblem, the three
cornered shamrock, were worn on the coat lapel or pinned to many a proud
breast yesterday. It was the 17th of March, St. Patrick's day. The weather
was ideal and in all the Catholic churches of the city appropriate services
were held and anthems sung in praise of Ireland's patron saint.
     In the evening a St. Patrick's day celebration was given at Turner hall
under the auspices of Sacred Heart church. The hall was prettily decorated
and the highly praised green, dear to every Irish heart, was the
predominating color. The interesting program that was carried out won
approval from the very large audience who packed the hall. Hon. William
McEniry officiated as master of ceremonies and after an instrumental solo by
Miss Lena Hutchins he introduced Atrorney A.P. McGuirk, of Davenport, who
was to deliver an address on St. Patrick in whose honor the entertainment
was held. Mr. McGuirk began with paying a fitting tribute to St. Partrick
and his name. He went back into the early history of Ireland and the
conditions of its distressed inhabitants, of the heroic accomplishments of
her sons who were forced to leave. He referred to the lives of such men as
John Stewart Parnell, who was murdered, McGee, John Redmond, T.N. Healy, T.
P. O'Connor and other Irish statesmen and the parts they took in the
uplifting of the Irish people. Mr. McGuirk eloquently remarked that these
were great men, men who accomplished much. In every country in the world,
the speaker held, the sons of Irin have achieved fame and honor and in times
of war they have fought the battles of every other country as history
records. This reveals the spirit of the true Irishman and his energy and
true patriotism which will some day engage the final conflict, when Ireland
will receive home rule. Mr. McGuirk said that the name St. Patrick is
synonymous with every essential feature of life and the Irish people were
commemorating an anniversary that is a principal of their life.
     The speaker gave vent to his feelings on the subject of the Boer war
and of the struggle of that infant country to release itself from the
English grasp. He took exception to the action of the United States in not
giving even an expression of sympathy for the heroic Boers and their battle
for liberty and honor. He shoed the great harm that would result should the
United States enter into an alliance with England. The speakers remarks were
constantly interrupted by applause.
     Mr. McEniry next spoke briefly on the subject discussed by Mr. McGuirk
and his auditors were very enthusiastic in their approval of the discourse.
     The program then continued as follows: "Erin's Flag," a recitation by
Miss Anna Larkin; solo, "Kathleen Mavourneen," by Mrs. John K. Scott;
instrumental solo, Miss Wilson. The next number was a farce entitled "The
Cow That Kicked Chicago," by five young people. The sketch was relative to
the Chicago fire and won much applause. After this came a solo "Killarney,"
Mrs. William McEniry; violin solo, Miss Annabel Meenan, solo, Miss Beatrice
Breecher, instrumental solo, Miss May Larkin; solo, "O Leave Not your
Kathleen," by Mrs. Ida Archer Smith; instrumental solo, Miss Bertha Fisher,
vocal solo, Miss Mamie Carey; solo, "Come Back to Erin," Miss Allie Green;
instrumental solo, Miss May Larkin.
     The program was well arranged and splendidly carried out by all,
reflecting credit on the management, the participants, and old St. Patrick
himself.