Page:A Memorial of John Boyle O'Reilly from the City of Boston.djvu/59

Rh midst of all the gloom we could hear Mr. O'Reilly declaring his determination to stand by the colored American in all contests where his rights were at stake.

The loss of Mr. Phillips was a severe blow to my race in this country; but as long as Mr. O'Reilly lived and spoke, we felt that we had at least outside of our own people one true, vigilant, brave, and self-sacrificing friend, who, like Mr. Phillips, claimed for us just what he claimed for himself.

In the little time that I have been standing here, I have talked to you about John Boyle O'Reilly from the standpoint of one who belongs to a race not yet delivered from the clutch of the oppressor.

Mr. O'Reilly tried, and did help us to reach a place far in advance of the one that we occupied when he espoused our cause. If I have seemed to dismiss all else, and only spoken of him in connection with the grand things which he did for my people, I know that you will not find fault with me. I remember that from his youthful days up to the close of that quiet and solemn moment when his soul was borne on in the arms of his Saviour to its peaceful and eternal rest, he never permitted an opportunity to pass him when he could strike a blow for the people in his native island, nor did his great heart ever fail to beat for the downtrodden of all mankind.