From Ottawa almost an equally large delegation was in attendance. From Toronto, Winnipeg and other cities representatives of the Ancient Order of Hibernians flocked to the great celebration, and many States contributed their quota. As far away as Colorado branches of the order sent representatives, while four delegates traveled from Winnipeg. The States represented were Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, Wisconsin and Colorado.
The sail down the river from Quebec to Grosse Isle was a fitting prelude to the program which followed. Forming at the wharf on Grosse Isle the procession, headed by the band, moved toward the cemetery. Following were the Hibernian Knights of Montreal, Halifax, St. John, etc., the Hibernian Cadets of Montreal and Quebec, the National Board and officers, Hibernians of Montreal, Quebec and other cities, clergy, altar boys, invited guests and congregation. There Low Mass was celebrated by Father Hanley, C. SS. R., and following the sermon and attendant ceremonies the vast audience moved to the high promontory of Telegraph Hill, where the granite cross with its tablets overlooked the placid river.
Almost more impressive than the scene of the kneeling thousands before the open altar near the old cemetery was the scene at the foot of the great cross. Chief among the speakers at the monument was the Hon. Charles Murphy, Secretary of State. Introduced by Chairman C. J. Foy as a man who needed no introduction for his prominence in the country and his rise to power and influence, Mr. Murphy took the platform facing the cross and the broad expanse of the river, with the eager audience gathered in a natural amphitheater on the rock at his feet.
Tears came very near the surface as Mr. Murphy opened his address with the reading of a telegram which he had received from Vancouver, B. C., a day or two before. “This telegram,” he said, “means to me the undying loyalty and devotion of the Irish people, and coming as it does from a family scattered throughout the continent, for the memory of a grandmother long since dead, is particularly touching and typical.”
The telegram is self-explanatory. It follows:
Vancouver, B. C., Aug. 11, 1909.
Hon. Charles Murphy:
Our beloved grandmother Graham was one of the fever victims of 1847. Enclose $10 for flowers for the monument, and accept thanks of,
James Harrison Brownlee,
(Prov. Surveyor, Vancouver).