Speech by
Charles S Parnell
At
The Limerick Athenaeum
November 1880
THE BANQUET
At seven o’clock in the evening a grand Banquet was given in the Athenaeum, in honour of Mr Parnell. About 250 gentlemen sat down to dinner, which was supplied from Mrs Geraghty’s establishment, William-street. It was elegantly served in every respect. The wines furnished from the same establishment were of the most superior description and the feast altogether was warmly praised.
Dr. T. G. O’Sullivan, T.C. presided.
On the right of the Chairman were - Mr Parnell, MP; Rev. Matthew Kenny P.P., Scariff; Mr John Dillon, M.P; Rev. Eugene Sheehy, C.C., Kilmallock; Rev. D. Shanahan, C.C., St. John’s, Limerick; Mr James J. O’Kelly, MP; Mr T.S. Cleary, Ennis; Mr M. P. Boyton, Land League, and Rev. Father Ryan, C.C., Cratloe. On the left were - Mr Richard O’Shaughnessy, MP; Rev. M. O’Clery, Bulgaden; Mr W.H. O’Sullivan, MP; Rev. Dr. Meehan, P.P., St. Munchin’s; Rev. D. Fitzgerald, P.P., St. Mary’s, and Mr R.McDonnell, JP.
The following were amongst the general company - Rev. Luke Gleeson, P.P., Parteen; Rev. Laurence O’Keeffe C.C., St. Mary’s; Rev. J. O’Shea, C.C. St. Munchin’s; Rev. James McCoy, Adm., St. John’s; Alderman Hogan; John Cronin, T.C., John Hayes, T.C; Mr D. O’Connor T.C; Mr Denis McNamara, T.C., Mr W. Cullen, Rev. D. Daly, C.C., St. Patrick’s, Mr J. Ellard, Solr., Town Clerk, Mr W. Moran, Sol., Rathkeale, Mr W. Bolster, Tullerboy, Athlacca; Mr M. O’Flaherty, President Limerick Land League, Mr P. McNamara, Mr W. Orr, Mr W. Hishon, Mr P. Kirby, Mr J. Finucane, hon. sec. Limerick Land League, Mr Stephen O’Mara, T.C., Mr James O’Hara, Mr W. Moloney, Mr W. Halpin, Clare Land League, Mr P. Riordan, T.C., Rev. Father McCoy, C.C., Donoughmore, M.M. Meehan, Mr M. O’Halloran, Mr M. Minihan, etc., etc. The members of the Reception Committee acted as stewards. Present - Mr H. O’Shea, Hon. Sec., Mr John Guinane; Mr John Kirby; Mr W. Abraham, Mr John Ryan, Mr J.P. Kearney, Mr R.Airey, Mr B. O’Donnell, Mr M. O’Halloran, Mr P. McSweeney, Mr Michael O’Brien, Mr W. O’Shea, Mr M. Hartney, Mr John Meany, Mr D. Begley, Hon. Sec., Mr M. Spain, Mr D.L. Meany, Mr M. Kennelly, Mr E. Baker. The stage was crowded by ladies, fashionably dressed and of great respectability.
The Chairman proposed the first toast which was, "Prosperity to Ireland", and coupled with it the names of Charles Stuart Parnell, the introduction of which excited enthusiastic applause. He said that words of his could not enhance the esteem in which that name was held in Limerick (cheers). He supported Mr Parnell because that gentleman always supported the claims of the democracy of Ireland (cheers). He richly deserved the position he now held - the honour of Leader of the Irish people (hear, hear).
Mr D.L. Meany - He is the uncrowned President of Ireland, as O’Connell was the uncrowned monarch (applause).
The Chairman, continuing, said that Mr Parnell intended to leave for America again, to advocate in that great and free land the right of this country to freedom (cheers). He would conclude by wishing him God speed on his mission, and God save Ireland (loud applause).
The toast was drunk amid great enthusiasm.
Mr Parnell, on rising to respond, was received with a burst of cheering that continued for several minutes. He said - Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I suppose we can say what we please tonight for we have no reporters. The Government reporter thought to get in, and said that he would pay for a ticket, but he would not be admitted (cheers). The reporter of the Dublin and Cork Press were admitted, but they did not remain. Yet I don’t intend to say anything more than if the reporters, Government or otherwise, were present (hear, hear). I don’t think we should state our opinions freely and fearlessly, and publicly in Ireland. (cheers). The toast is "Prosperity to Ireland", and I really do not know what I can say now about it. The time will come when Ireland shall be prosperous, as other nations are (applause). She shall take her place in the commercial as well as the political world, and the fruits of her industry, and the fame of their fathers shall be enjoyed by all classes (applause). I don’t believe much in Englishmen; but I cannot suppose that if they knew the state of affairs in Ireland they would tolerate such a state of things as exists in this country (hear, hear). To show you how the Liberals of England can be led astray by the leading articles which they read every day in the journals, I shall read for you a few sentences from a recent address which came under my notice this morning, from Mr Joseph Chamberlain, the Member for Birmingham. For him I have always great respect, for he is an advanced Radical and a Republican (cheers). And I thought that when he was made a Minister his Republicanism and Radicalism would lead him to legislate liberally and fairly for Ireland (hear, hear). It is well known that I am one of those who helped Mr Chamberlain to abolish the lash (applause). When the Irish Members were fighting the late Tory Government, he was one of the few English Radicals who joined us. Dilke and Cowen, and a few other men also gave us much assistance (cheers). We had not the slightest hope when we first commenced that fight for abolishing the lash, but the result of the six weeks battle was its removal from the punishment code of the British Army (applause). During every fight and engagement those men stood by our colours (applause). So far we were successful, but this Liberal Government stands promised to abolish the lash also from the Navy (cheers). Although Joseph Chamberlain has changed with the times, I do not think Charles Stuart Parnell has (cries of "no, no" and applause). Mr Chamberlain says that no one pretends that the Irish leaders will not get a fair trial. I know that when Michael Davitt (cheers) was put on trial, twelve months ago, the detective forces were put in working order for the purposes of seeing that no liberal should be put on the jury (hear, hear). It is just as easy for the Government to get a jury packed now as in the days of O’Connell. Formerly the Government packed a jury through the agency of their Sheriffs, for it was their duty to call the jury, but now that power is out of their hands (cheers). Yet the traversers have only the limited right of challenging six of the jury, so you see that the odds are rather against us (hear, hear). I do not think that this Government will go contrary to the ideas of the old one (hear, hear). In everything they have done they have followed the steps of their predecessors (hear, hear). A great many of my party say "look for assistance to the advanced Liberals." But the principle that I have always impressed on my friends is, that we must depend on ourselves alone, we must depend on Irishmen (great applause). Mr Chamberlain also says that the law must be maintained, and that if the law was violated, the parties should be arraigned before the judicial tribunals. Yes, they are endeavouring to maintain the law for which they now want 10,000 policemen and 30,000 soldiery - a law which Mr Forester himself declared was unjust (hear, hear). We are going to be prosecuted for the offence of opposing a law, which a Cabinet Minister says, is unjust. They are going to charge us with conspiracy and seditious libel, which are nothing more than offences that have been manufactured to down the great struggles in England for liberty and Ireland against oppression (applause). Men are to be prosecuted in Ireland for an offence that would not be tolerated as such in England (hear, hear). It would be utterly impossible for any Government to bring such a charge against any prominent politician, or against any person whatever, there (applause). The people would rise against any Government that would dare to bring such a charge against any man that has such political power, as I trust I have in Ireland (loud and continued applause). It is my thorough conviction that, at any rate, the days of English misrule are numbered in Ireland (applause). We have maintained our position in the House of Commons; but if the Government continue to refuse our just demands, I will not remain any longer in that Parliament (hear, hear). I will no longer be a party to waste my own time, and to delude the hopes of the people (applause). If the Government continue to refuse our demands I will leave that Parliament and then I will advise with the people what steps we are to take for the regeneration of Ireland (long and continued applause). I have just been handed a telegram from your junior representative, Mr Gabbett. I will ask the people not to indulge in any hasty expressions of opinion, for I have a great regard for Mr Gabbett. The telegram says " I am sorry I cannot have the pleasure of meeting you at the banquet to-night. My letter to the Standard has been unfairly commented on. If you are attacked, I am not the man to desert a friend" (applause).
The Chairman proposed the next toast, which he hoped, would be received with great respect, "The Hierarchy and Clergy of Ireland". He believed that without the Clergy they would fail, and with them they would succeed (cheers).
Rev. Dr. Meehan, P.P., St., Patrick’s, rose to respond, and was received with loud applause. He said he felt highly honoured by the way in which his name was received, and was glad to find the toast occupying such an honoured position (cheers). Through weal and through woe the Bishops and Priests were ever united to help forward the interests of the Country (hear, hear). It was needless for him to say anything for the Bishops and Priests of Ireland. In early ages their piety and learning had earned for the country the title of "The Island of Saints and Doctors" (applause). The sainted Archbishop of Dublin, Lawrence O’Toole, served his country with a zeal that has never been equalled (hear, hear). The good Bishop of this diocese (cheers) always does everything in his power to serve the country (applause) and then they have had the great Archbishop of Cashel ever alive to forward the interests of Ireland (great applause). The land question was the question of the day. That question should be settled on a solid basis, and not settlement of it should be advocated, or accepted that did not secure for the farmer fixity of tenure, fair rents and free sale (applause).
The Chairman proposed the toast of "The memory of O’Connell and Butt", coupling with it the name of Mr Richard O’Shaughnessy, MP
Mr O’Shaughnessy was received very warmly. He said the English Government had succeeded in destroying the old Irish Parliament by corruption. The same plan had been pursued ever since; but thanks to Isaac Butt an Irish party had been formed that would resist any corruption (applause) Fancy what a country this would have been if they had not passed this Union. The old Parliament taught the people that they had a common power, which made them self-reliant (applause). He told them to remember that, when they heard the old Parliament abused for its many faults, it had endeavoured to remove the penal laws; and that were it in existence today there would be no Irish Land question (hear, hear). We would be living in peace with landlordism and we would not have those miserable feuds between Catholic and Protestant in the North. The restoration of that Parliament depended on themselves, and if they held on their course they would obtain Home Rule which, he would add, would be a relief to the English Parliament (applause) Their Leader who was present that night had succeeded in getting rid of the lash; and were it not for him the Intermediate Education or University Bills would never have been granted (hear, hear). He saw those two measures refused by Parliament after Parliament, and he saw them successful when Mr Parnell became Leader - (great applause). In calling upon him to respond to the "Memories of O’Connell and Butt", they had invited him to a position that he never expected. He would always stand aloof from all the English parties and ever stand by that Irish Parliamentary Party that will render this country the mistress of her own destiny (great applause).
The Chairman proposed the toast of the "Land League". It was greeted with great enthusiasm.
Mr J. Dillon, MP rose to respond, and was received with prolonged cheering. He said that in responding to the toast he would only ask them to compare with the Land League all the former attempts that had been made to relieve the tenantry of Ireland from the bondage of landlordism. If they then believed that it had been the most successful movement, he would ask them to become members of that League, and to make some sacrifices for that body which had done so much for their country (hear, hear). The Land League differed from all previous movements by its determination of having no compromise whatever with landlordism (applause). They were determined to sweep away that object from the country, and by so doing, they would also sweep away much of the power which was keeping down the people of the country (hear, hear). They told the Irish tenant to protect himself, by following out the teaching of the Land League. They told him that in spite of all force, the system of landlordism must go. They told him that by combination he can reduce the rents of Ireland (applause). Suppose a man gives £100 a year for his farm, after fourteen years he would have £1,400 paid, and if that man was evicted, he said, that men was robbed of the £1,400 (hear, hear). But instead of taking those into consideration the cry is raised that they were robbing the landlords. They did not intend to stop when they got the land for the people. There were many other things to be looked after (hear, hear). The Land League would strive to put on its feet again the ruined trade of Ireland (applause). They might be able to raise Limerick to the position in the commercial world, which she held before. And they might bring about such a state of things, that the shipping of Ireland would be able to sail beside those of even America (cheers). They will make Ireland a great centre of trade and commerce, and then she would be able to take her place amongst the nations (applause).
The Chairman gave the toast "Our Exiled Brethren" coupled with the name of the Rev. E. O’Sheehy C.C. (continued applause).
Rev. E. Sheehy said the exile from Ireland was always remarkable for the great love he bore his motherland. The exile of Ireland was not of a modern date. For hundreds of years there had been exiles from Ireland banished from their homes by tyranny and oppression (applause). He hoped the men of Limerick would never forsake the grand idea of distinct nationality for Ireland (applause) while they were struggling against landlordism. If there was to be prosperity in Ireland, emigration should cease. Away with the nostrum of emigration that some parties deemed the medicine for the ills of Ireland. The people should stay at home and own the soil, and not be driven year after year into exile (applause).
Rev. D. Shanahan, C.C., St. John’s, also responded. He said that Father Sheehy had gone over the ground politically and otherwise, in relation to their exiled brethren, and he had the honour or the misfortune of walking the same way. He had had the proud privilege of being one of their exiled brethren for a few years. It was in America amongst them that he had received a real Irish welcome, and he could tell his listeners that they were no disgrace to Ireland (applause). They had to leave their homes and their country in compliance with the dictum of landlordism. And away in the far off land of America they thought of the time when their happy homes were levelled, and when they had to stop out day and night on the wintery road with no covering but the canopy of heaven (applause). He had been also in England, and he saw the happy and contented farmer of that country with his beef and his mutton, but when he came back to Ireland he found the poor Irishman hungry and thirsty (great applause). He would go down to his grave with a feeling of thankfulness to his brethren in America. He had seen them in nearly every part of that country, and they possessed three or four characteristics, which he had noted specially. Nearly all the Churches had been built by the Irish people or their descendants; and they would do honour to any country, and they never forget the old land from which they sprung (great applause). How glad would they be to see by the papers that the citizens of Limerick and the peasantry of the country were ready to do all in their power for the cause of Ireland (prolonged applause).
The Chairman proposed the next toast, "Our Clare and Tipperary friends" and coupled with it the name of Rev. Father Matthew Kenny, P.P., Scariff.
The Rev. Father Kenny, who was received with great cheering, said it was Clare that had raised the standard of independence in ‘28; and when Mr Parnell commenced his battle against the combined power of the British Empire it was Clare that sent him the able and energetic Finigan (applause), when, perhaps, it was not popular to do so. He could not agree with some observations made that day by the Representative of the County. He would be unworthy of his position as Chairman of the Clare Land League if he did not protest against any compromise with landlordism (applause). He was the child of a tenant farmer, and he recollected that when his parents were driven from their farm, he, though but a child, clung to his old home and would not surrender it for anyone (applause). They should all be ready even to lay down their lives for Ireland. It was a fact that the great and illustrious leader of the Irish nation would be soon brought before the Court of Queen’s Bench. He would ask Mr Parnell to accept the challenge, and he would go and stand side by side in the dock and share the responsibility (applause). It was suggested by the "Freeman" that the Land League should offer the sum of £1,000 reward for the arrest of some unguarded persons who had shot a landlord. He would ask that paper why it would not suggest that a reward of £100,000 be given to the Irish National Land League for saving the lives and properties of the landlords, who were the real criminals (cheers). It was said that the farmers of Limerick county asked the Land Commissioners to declare in favour of fixity of tenure. He thoroughly disagreed with that view of the Land question. He believed landlordism must be eradicated (applause). They told him that the climate of this island was too humid to benefit the land; yet in Norway - wet and foggy Norway - the farmer prospers - and why? Because he owned the soil he cultivated (hear, hear, and cheers). Charles Stewart Parnell would yet break down landlordism (cheers) and God speed him in his work (renewed cheering). It may be said that there were just men amongst the landlords, granted; but nine or ten just men did not save Sodom or Gomorrah (applause). The land for the people would alone satisfy him. Away with fair rents! Away with fixity of tenure! Away with fixity of landlordism! Give them peasant proprietary (loud and continued applause). Nothing will ever satisfy the people, but to give to those who tilled it the soil of Ireland (great applause).
Rev. Father Ryan, C.C., Cratloe, also responded,. He had great pleasure in speaking to the toast, because his experience of Irish history was that the spirit of patriotism was stronger in those counties than any other (hear, hear, and "no"). The spirit is kept up throughout the other counties, but it cannot be compared with the grand and enthusiastic spirit of noble Clare and magnificent Tipperary (loud applause). The tenants were doing nothing unjust in regard to the land question (hear, hear). He hoped and trusted that all Ireland would follow the precedent established by Clare, and pay no rents but the Government valuation, and thereby participate in the ruin of landlordism (applause). He would conclude by asking them to imitate the grand examples of patriotism in Clare and Tipperary (cheers).
Mr J.J. O’Kelly, MP in response to many calls from the company, arose and said he looked forward to the time when Charles Stuart Parnell would take his place not merely as the leader of the Irish party, but the leader of Ireland, striving for independence. The words he had spoken to-night were grand and noble; and he (Mr O’Kelly) pledged himself to follow in the path that Mr Parnell had promised to tread (applause). That path was not one to be spoken of with light words. He knew Mr Parnell well, and he knew that he would not make so important a statement except he was prepared and determined to carry it out, no matter to what fate it may lead him (hear, hear). In order to pursue that path with prudence and with justice, and win back the independence of this country, it is first necessary to teach the people to use the political power which they possess wisely, and to return no-one to represent them but men prepared to follow in the footsteps of Charles Stuart Parnell (applause). The speaker then referred to municipalities and their backwardness in national spirit, and the power of organisation which were dissented from.
The Chairman then briefly proposed the toast of the Corporation, coupled with the name of Mr R. McDonnell, J.P. (applause).
Mr McDonnell, J.P., who was warmly cheered, said, at the late hour of the evening, he could not day as much in reference to the toast of their ancient and famous Corporation as it deserved, but he was not afraid to hold that it was second to no other in Ireland, in its patriotism and independence (cheers). In the various struggles for Irish independence which had been maintained , it was to be found in the van, and to-day it maintained its repute by holding its place in the well deserved and splendid welcome which it had given to Mr Parnell (cheers). He took exception to the statements made by one of the speakers in his remarks on municipal institutions, and their fitness or otherwise to discharge administrative functions in a national and patriotic manner ( hear, hear). He denied the soundness of that imputation - and as far as Limerick was concerned, he particularly repelled it (cheers). As a Limerick man and a member of its historic Corporation, he was able to truthfully say, that that body was the first to take up every question affecting the national weal and that it was ever found as a body, faithfully and loyally, and constitutionally supporting the national cause (prolonged cheers). He believed that the municipal bodies of Ireland, as a whole, were worthy of the highest admiration, but speaking of their own, he would say that the man who thought there was any want of national feeling in the Corporation of Limerick, knew nothing of the its history (hear, hear). He was not aware of the part their Town Council took by the side of O’Connell—and later on by the side of Butt, and that it was never wanting in doing its part to strike the chains of thraldom from the freedom which every institution should have, nor in the struggle for the legislative independence of our native land, which was the one great ambition of every true Irishman to possess (prolonged cheering). As their Corporation was in the past, so it would be in the future, faithful to its grand old traditions so that Irishmen all over the world—the sea divided Gaul, would ever cherish the loved name of Garryowen (renewed cheering).
Mr T S Cleary, Ennis, also spoke, after which Mr Parnell proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman.
The Chairman briefly acknowledged the vote, after which the proceedings were closed.
Mr O’Shea received the following letter from Mr Charles Dawson, MP, [who was unable to attend due to illness. Letter quoted in full].
[ Source: Munster News. November 3rd, 1880].
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