The Charitable Irish Society of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Under the pseudonym "An Irishman" wrote at least three letters to The Morning Herald complaining that the planning committee was only holding a procession and dinner in O'Connell's honour. In the 30 July 1875 issue, p. 3, "An Irishman" identified celebrations elsewhere, "In every city in Canada there are poems written, orations prepared, pictures and statues provided for, processions, pic-nics, excursions, concerts, readings from O'Connell's speeches, a half a hundred ways of doing the Liberator honor."

The correspondent then lamented that Halifax had adopted "a one horse procession, (at which people outside of the societies 'will be permitted' (O gracious permission!) 'to walk in the rear wearing a distinguishing' - ticket - say a dinner ticket, and a banquet at 'three dollars per head.' "

"An Irishman" concluded, "Well, this is a despicable concern. No orator to rouse enthusiasm, no woman's presence to lend grace and beauty to the occasion, no popular gathering, and outsiders all ticketed in a row — the comic element is really getting the better of the indignation and I shall conclude by hoping that the enthusiasm of Montreal and Charlottetown may make up for the ignorance, the bad taste, the bad feeling and the want of spirit displayed in Halifax."

Date: 26 July 1875

Reference: Charitable Irish Society Nova Scotia Archives  MG 20 vol. 63 no. 11gg