The Irish Question in 1887 Seattle

A fairly attended and appreciative audience met in the theater of Frye's Opera House last evening to express their sympathy with the aims of Irish Home Rulers and to record their condemnation of the impending Coercion Bill. The hall was gaily festooned with Irish flags intertwined with the stars and stripes. The meeting was called to order by E. P. Edson, who read a telegram from Governor Squire, expressing his regret that imperative business prevented him from attending, but assuring those present that his sympathies were earnestly with them and with the friends of Home Rule for Ireland, as advocated by W. E. Gladstone.

Judge R. S. Greene, unable to attend in person, sent a searing address that was read to the crowd. He argued that Ireland, 'down-trodden and writhing under England’s heel,' deserved the sympathy of free America. Greene cited the mass eviction of tenants in midwinter as a moral outrage that 'makes one's blood boil.' The attendees adopted a series of resolutions condemning the Salisbury Ministry’s policy, declaring that the Irish struggle was not merely a local European concern, but one that touched the conscience of liberty-loving Americans. Stirring speeches followed, though not without drama; during a heated debate over martial law, Chief Justice Jones left the stage in disgust, and the meeting concluded with three cheers for Gladstone and Parnell.