Illustrated London News

Temperance Monument at Cork

The temperance cause is rapidly advancing in Ireland; and at Cork has just been laid the foundation of a beautiful Gothic tower, designed to commemorate the signal success of this "labour of love." The interesting ceremony is shown in our engraving, from a sketch by Mr. Mahoney, of Cork: the site selected is Mount Patrick, the residence of Mr. William O'Connor, of Marlborough street, by whom this splendid testimonial is about to be raised. A very numerous and fashionable company were invited to attend, and a more beauteous or animated scene could scarce be imagined than was presented on arriving at the place so judiciously selected for the erection of the monument. The scenery in every direction from the commanding eminence of Mount Patrick is of surpassing beauty and attraction. The day was beautifully fine, and the atmosphere clear and bracing. Standing on the site of the intended building, the landscape in front was the most varied and romantic that could be presented in any other position from which the unrivalled scenery that surrounds the "beautiful city" might be witnessed. The lovely and fertile valley of Glanmire, with its rich plantations and handsome demesnes, extended far away in the rear, and in front the highly cultivated land of the little and great Island stretched along to the left, intersected in several places by the estuaries from Lough Mahon, which spreads its broad and pacid surface in the foreground, and was studded with many a noble craft. Still further in the distance might be discerned the noble harbour of Cove, with the forts of Spike and Haulbowline , and to the eastward, an extensive range of country terminating in a fine view of Youghal Bay. To the right the city was seen to much advantage, and the "pleasant waters of the river' Lee" could be traced along their devious course, through a rich and lovely valley, almost from the romantic spot whence they spring. Indeed, in every direction the prospect was most enchanting, and the changing hues of the luxuriant foliage at the opposite banks of the river, gave a pleasing and almost panoramic effect to the contrasted verdure of the fields and shrubberies that surrounded many of the splendid and tasteful residences which were spread over the face of the country.

At one o'clock the music of several bands announced the arrival of Father Mathew. The scaffolding erected over the site was decorated with a profusion of handsome banners, conspicuous among which was a very splendid one, on which was an excellent likeness of Mr. Mathew, with the inscription;-

All nations bless thee from afar
And hail thee, Erin's radiant star.

At two o'clock, all the arrangements having been completed, Captain lrwine was invested with a superb white satin apron, richly embroidered being of the same material as that worn in the vest of the King of Prussia on the occasion of his visit to this country at the christening of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. To this beautiful emblem of "the craft" was attached a massive gold chain and cordon, with two heavy bullion tassels. The stone having been lowered by pulleys over its bed, and the several coins of the realm, &c., deposited therein, Mr. Howard, the architect, from whose design the building is to be erected, led Captain Irwine forward to lay the foundation stone at the north east angle of the site. Mr. Mathew then addressed Capt. Irwine. The architect next presented him with a massive silver trowel on which was inscribed-

Respectfully presented by

Mr. WILLIAM O'CONNOR,

to

JOHN CAULFIELD IRWINE, ESQ.,

On his laying the
Foundation stone of the Tower of Mount Patrick,
Commemorative of the enthusiastic reception given to the
VERY REV. THEOBALD MATHEW,
By the citizens of London, without distinction of Religion or politics.
Oct, 30, 1843.

On being handed the trowel, Captain Irwine addressed the company. The maul, plumb, and level were then handed to the gallant officer, and the ceremony of laying the stone took place, according to the usual formula, the bands playing God save the Queen, and the company cheering most heartily.

The Rev. James O'Reagan then addressed the company in an eloquent speech, concluding thus; How pleasing was this commemoration of the union of both countries in the advancement of the mighty cause! and thus he hoped it would always be. The strife of party or creed affected not their cause, and the Englishman united with tile Irishman in receiving its doctrines and honouring its founder. In conclusion it only remained for him to say, that he hoped such a feeling would always exist between the countries, as was well expressed by the poet when he said :-

England ! thou free'st, noblest of the world,
Oh! may the minstrel never live to see
Against thy sons the flag of Green unfurl'd,
Or his own land thus aim at liberty.
May their sole rivalry for eve be
Such as the Gallic despot dearly knew,
When English hearts and Irish chivalry
Strove who should first be where the Eagle flew,
And high their conquering shout arose o'er Waterloo

Several other eloquent speeches were delivered, after which the company returned to the hospitable residence of Mr. O'Connor, where "sumptuous déjuené was laid out, of which nearly one hundred persons partook.

Shortly after three o'clock the company returned to town.

[Taken from Illustrated London News, Vol. III, 1843, p.119]