and masterly eloquence; when Curran made his powerful
plea for religious emancipation. The period when Robert Emmet--to whom
such glorious tribute has been paid here to-night--was learning, in the
bright early morn of that career which promised to be so great and to do
so much, those lessons of patriotism which enabled him, when cut down in
the flower of youth, to meet even his ignominious death with marvellous
nerve and firm confidence, with courage and patriotism.

And, Gentlemen, I believe that it is one glorious trait of the American
press that during this struggle which has gone on now for years, this
struggle for justice in Ireland, that the press of America has been true
to the best inspirations of liberty; and I unhesitatingly say to England
and to the English ministers, that if they would conform to the judgment
of the civilized world they must abandon their course of intoleration
and oppression, and must do justice to long oppressed Ireland. The
press, the united press of Philadelphia, and of other great cities of
the country, have done their part in promoting that work which has been
going on among our people for the last few years to attain this end.

The press of Philadelphia aided in raising that magnificent fund of
$50,000 which went from this side; and if it need be, it will put its
hand to the plough and renew work. It was the remark of Mr. Gladstone,
that looking at past events, they [England] could not cite a single
witness in behalf of the cause which they represented. The American
people began their contributions in 1847, to prevent the starvation of
many of those people, and they continued their contributions to stop
evictions, and to pay the landlords; they continued their contributions
to promote that work of freedom and justice and home rule, for which we
stand united, inflexible and immovable until it shall be finally
accomplished. [Applause.]

* * * * *

THE PRESIDENT'S PRELUDE

[Speech of Charles Emory Smith at the thirteenth annual dinner of
the New England Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, December 22,
1893. Mr. Smith, then President of the Society, delivered the usual
introductory address of the presiding officer, immediately after
ex-President Benjamin F. Harrison had spoken.]

HONORED GUESTS AND FELLOW-MEMBERS:--I am sure that you have
greatly enjoyed the brilliant and witty speech to which you have just
listened--