THE IRISH CAUSE.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 32, 6 August 1895, Page 2

THE IRISH CAUSE.

The annual sooial gathering of the Wellington Branch of the Irish National Federation took place at the Skating Rink last night, and wo 9 very largely attended. Tho Hon. W. J. Steward took the chair, and, speaking as an Englishman, said he 1 thought that if Home Itnle beoame an accomplished fact, greater loyalty and greater happiness wonld exist. The day wan not far distant when there wonld be a local Parliament for each portion of the Empire, and an Imperial Parliament to decide questions of a general character. Mr. A. S. Pateraon, in aa addro3S on tho views of the Liberal Party aa to Iroland, slid that from the gallery of the House of Commons he had witnessod tho first efforts of ParneU and Biggar to obtain redress for Ireland. He stigmatised Mr. Joseph ChamberUiu as a cowardly our and traitor, who betrayed his leader in 1835-SG He regrottod tho disastrous result of the renent general election to the Liberal Party, and said that while Iroland wanted to support every Imperial interest, she only desired to administer her own domestic affaira. Mr. Collins, M.H.B , believed in Home Rnlo because he was a Demoorat. If the movement was at a low ebb at tho present, then a glorious opportunity offered itself to show their energy and enthusiasm for a groat caußO. Mr. O'Rogan, M.H.8., Bpeating as to Ireland's future, said that though tho Liberal Party hid mot with a rebuff at the recent elections, the time would certainly came when it would succeed to power with inoreasod majorities, and Ireland wonld be conceded her just and natural rights. Ho believed in Federal Home Rule, giving England, Wales, Scotland, and Iroland separata Parliaments. On the motion of Mr. 3. Drisooll, a hearty vote of thanks was given to tho Bpeakors. Mr. Driscoll Raid that £140 had been remitted from Wellington to the Irish Parliamentary Fund dnring the last 12 months. A oapital programme of songs, &c, was given at intervals bstween the addressos by Miss Sampson, Mrs. Miller, and Mr. E. D. Dunne. Kaon performer was encored with enthusiasm. Mrs. D. Walsh was the accompanist. Mr. Cimino'a orchestra played ap ; propriato selootions, and also snpp'iod the music for the dances. MosaVa. Kobinson and Dennehy were the M.C.'s. Mr. W. F. Healy aoted at Secretary to tho Committee which carried ont the arrangements. Mr. Martin Kennedy handed to tho Seoretary a ohoqao for five guineas, aooompanied by a letter stating his opinion that the Nationalists deserve tho support of their frionds in Australasia as mnoh as ever they tKdl _______