The Irish-American Benevolent society of Dallas was organized yesterday with about 100 members. Dan F. Sullivan presided and Joseph Blakeny acted as secretary. A constitution and by-laws were adopted and the following officers elected: President, D. P. Mahoney; vice-president, P. E. Davoren; corresponding secretary, P. McAleer; financial secretary, M. T. Cone; treasurer, John W. Thompson. Board of directors: John J. Conroy, Hugh J. Kane and James Scott.

     A business meeting of the Irish-American Association will be held at the hall of the association Wednesday. The hall is at the corner of Preston and Cabell street, and all members are expected to be present.

     The Irish-American club will meet to-night, it being their regular meeting, and adjourn to attend the festival at city park pavilion to-night for the benefit of the Catholic Orphan Home.
     The programme for the festival will consist of a little entertainment by Miss Hart's kindergarten pupils at 5 p. m. and at 8:30 p. m., a programme by some of the leading amateur talent of the city by the following ladies and gentlemen: Misses Philo Eagon, Genevieve Eagon, Tillie Rinehardt, Corinne Angel, Mrs. W. J. Moroney, Miss Scogin, Mrs. Ed Jackson, Miss Kinsella, Miss Anna Lee Rodgers, Mr. James Arbuckle, Mr. Max Hunter, Mr. J. A. O'Rielly. Admission and refreshments 25 cents. The street cars will run until the entertainment closes.

     The Irish-American Benevolent Association held their regular monthly meeting last night at their Swiss hall on the corner of Preston and Cabell streets. Following was the evening's programme:
     Opening address, President D. P. Mahoney; song "Cottage by the Sea," Mr. P. O'Keefe; song, "Kitty Tyrell," Mr. J. W. Thompson; duet, guitar and mandolin, Messrs. Arbuckle and Hunter; song, with guitar accompaniment, Messrs. Brophy and Fay; song, "Moonlight on Killarney," Mr. R. Flanagan; violin selections, Miss Annie Thompson; pianoforte solo, Prof. Day; recitation (humorous), Miss Annie Thompson; song, "Warrior Bold," Mr. R. Kirk; duet, mandolin and guitar, Messrs. Arbuckle and Hunter.
     Mr. D. P. Mahoney mad a closing address and then followed a vote of thanks to Messrs. Alcott & Maynor for the use of their piano, to Prof. Day, Mr. Arbuckle and Mr. Hunter for their aid in carrying out the programme.

     The Scotch, Irish and English of the city intend to organize a cricket team and establish that old game in Dallas. Bricklayers and all those interested in the rare old game, for full particulars, can apply to Dick Flannagan on Main street, or Dick Slater, at the Blue Point on Elm street.

     The Irish-American Benevolent Association will hold a business meeting at Swiss Hall this evening at 7:30 o'clock sharp. All members are urgently requested to be present. By order of the officers of the association.

     The Irish-American Benevolent Association held a meeting at their hall last night and elected the following officers for the ensuing six months: Harry Golden, president; P. E. Davoren, vice-president; J. A. McAleer, recording secreatary; Barry Miller, financial secretary; Maurice Lacy, treasurer, and D. F. Sullivan, J. C. Burns and M. Mulvey, trustees. The association has a membership of 300 and is growing rapidly.

     The social session of the Irish-American Benevolent Association last evening was a most enjoyable affair. It was called to welcome home from his travels in the old country, Mr. Hugh Blakeney Sr., an honored member of the society. P. H. Davoren presided, and Colonel D. P. Mahoney made a most felicitous address of welcome to Mr. Blakeney. That gentleman responded in his most affable and pointed manner, giving a detailed account of his observations in the old country and satisfying his friends that he had not lost his allegiance to his adopted country and its institutions. After numerous toasts and a spontaneous outpouring of Irish oratory, wit and song, which was superinduced somewhat by a previous flow of rare old wine, John W. Thompson, treasurer of the club, was also given a cordial welcome on his safe return from Chicago, Milwaukee and other foreign municipalities. Mr. Thompson made a neat little speech and favored his friends with several gems from the song book of Erin. Others on the programme for speeches, songs, etc., responded as follows: Barry Miler, Dan F. Sullivan, I. B. Loonie, James Scott, Kiley P. Condon, O. Kinella, H. McGinty, the author of "down went McGinty," Thomas Martin, Charlie Durham, Aldermen Kivlen and Conroy, Maurice Lacy and many others. Choice refreshments were served and Pipe Heidsleck, Mumm and several other brands of the delicious nectar that wipes away the cobwebs from the brain and the throat, flowed like water. It was a delightful social session and one that will long be remembered by the clubs and its friends.

     The Irish-Americans of Dallas will celebrate the "17th of March," St. Patrick's Day, on a scale never attempted in the metropolis of Texas before. The Irish-American Benevolent Association has undertaken the work, and under its auspices, the day will be celebrated. The general committee of the association has selected a grand marshal for the day and appointed chairmen of committees, who are authorized to select their own aides, as follows:
     John Byrnes, marshal.
     Music -- M. B. Loonie.
     Banquet -- M. J. P. Lacey.
     Hall -- M. A. Walsh.
     Printing -- P. O'Keefe.
     Entertainment -- Hugh McGinn.
     Sacred ceremonies -- P. E. Davoren.
     Master of ceremonies -- D. F. Mahony.
     Regalia -- P. O'Keefe.
     Invitations -- D. F. Sullivan, D. P. Mahony, M. A. Walsh, P. O'Keefe, Joe Blakeney.

     Maurice Lacey and the officers of the Irish-American Benevolent Association received by express this morning from New York City, a beautiful green silk banner, the handsomest ever seen in Dallas. On one side is the inscription, "Irish-American Benevolent society, incorporated March 22, 1891, Dallas, Texas." On the other side, the green flag of Erin and the stars and stripes of America are interwoven. The banner will be carried in the St. Patrick's day parade by Officer Tom Martin, the six-footer, and "pride of the force."

     Alderman John J. Conroy was presented with the finest Irish blackthorn stick in the state to-day by Dick Flanagan and is as proud of the present as if he had been elected mayor. The cane has a history. It was brought to this country by Col. Mitchell, an Irish member of parliament, who died in New Orleans. The cane fell into the hands of C. C. Caine, the Crescent City detective, who presented it to Dick Flanagan at the Bowen-Carroll fight. The "Village Blacksmith" promises that it will remain in his family for many generations.

     Mr. Lack offered the following:
     Resolved, that 1000 pictures of the Hon. Pat O'Keefe be taken and sold in the city of Dallas for the benefit of the Russian famine sufferers, at $1 each.
     The resolution was ruled out on a point of order.

     Patrick O'Keefe of the First ward was the Beau Brummel of the occasion. He was inducted into office by his predecessor, Nat G. Turney, and a great crowd of First warders and other friends of the gentleman were present.
     Pat's form was enveloped in a suit of magnificent broadcloth. He appeared in full-dress, with cutaway coat, vest cut ea V. A. [as given] high collar of late design encircled his throat, and a snowy Irish-linen tie, from whose center gleamed a big diamond, added to the attractiveness of his snowy shirt-front. White kid mousquetaires encased his hands, patent leather tips were his foot-wear and a tall silk hat, glossy in its blackness, surmounted his head. In the lapel of his coat was a bouquet of narcissus blossoms. A big diamond sparkled in his shirt front. A Chesterfieldian air and a "Turn-Texas-Loose" simile completed his toilette. Floral decorations were not forgotten. A great floral horse-shoe had been placed on his desk with the words, "God Bless the Poor," worked in immortelles.
     Alderman O'Keefe was in his glory.

     The "Fourth of July," independence day, will be celebrated on an extensive scale in this city and the day is looked forward to with fond anticipation by the patriotic.
     For a month past, the Irish-Americans have been arranging for their celebration at the fair grounds. The programme includes foot races, horse and mule races, climbing the greased pole, catching the greased pig and athletic sports of all kinds. The Sanger Bros.' nine will contest with a crack team from Corsicana. There will be patriotic orations, reading of the declaration of independence and music till you cannot rest. A number of valuable prizes will be competed for.

     The united German societies of the city have also arranged for a Volksfest at Shady View park on July 3 and 4. The German-Americans will also celebrate Independence Day in grand style. Gov. Hogg, Hon. George Clark, Col. A. J. Houston and Gen. Henry 'E. McCulloch have been invited to address the multitude. The officers of the Volksfest are E. Beilharz, president; John Wendlenger, secretary, and Theodore Beilharz, treasurer.

     The Irish-American picnic yesterday was a decided success. The attendance was large and those present entered into the spirit of the occasion and the entire programme was carried out without a disagreeable feature. A good band discoursed music for the occasion. John Kehan was gatekeeper, discharging his duty the entire day, having to miss the entire fun.
     The first feature of the amusement was a half-mile trotting race in three heats. Ethan won the first two heats in 1:19 and 1:22. The first prize was a case of Rhine wine given by J. R. Hooper; second prize, 100 cigars, by F. Foster.
     A hundred yard foot race for amateurs was won by Kelley, he beating Gibson, who is in Dallas with the Rock Island surveying corps. The first prize was a silk umbrella given by D. Brin. Second, a pair of men's fine shoes, given by F. M. Smith.
     A mile trot was the next feature. It was won by Prinmount, with Una Forest, second. Time, 2:36. This was an exciting race.
     Another foot race followed, a hundred yards dash. Won by Jim Vaughn, Chas. Daniels, second.
     The running high jump was won by Jas. Kettle, first; Kelly, second. First prize, a fine hat given by E. M. Kahn; second prize, a pair of gent's fine slippers given by Leon Kahn.
     The standing jump was won by Kelly with Chas. Durham, second. The first prize was one dozen bottles of wine, given by Ord; the second prize, a box of cigars, given by E. H. Barnet.
     The hop, skip and jump was won by Durham, with Kelly, second. Durham's jump was 38 feet 4 inches and about 3 feet ahead of Kelly, the next best man. The first prize was a fine toilet case given by the Arcade; the second prize, a box of fine cigars, given by Neal Starke.
     A half mile running race had four entries, but was split in two. The first race was won by Wm. Sayn's sorrel. The last half was won by Geo. Clark's bay. First prize, a case of St. Julian wine given by W. H. Branch; second, a box of cigars given by Geo. Loomis.
     A sack race for boys with five entries was won by Silvey Wells with Sam Savonne, a close second. The first prize was a suit of clothes given by Benedict Bros.; second prize, a half dozen ties given by Schroder & Bros.
     The three-legged race was a fun producer. There were five entries, taking ten men. Durham and Kelly were the winners, coming in for first and second prizes, which were a dozen photos by Church and a box of cigars.
     The hundred-yard race, for members only, had a number of starters. It was won hands down by Charles Durham, with Roach, second and Lonnie, third. The first prize was a handsome gold medal given by Stafford Bros., and the second prize a pair of fine pants given by Kohler.
     The fat men's race was ludicrous, S. B. Hopkins, R. D. Strother, Jim Scott and Mr. Bernard being the starters. Bernard had a clear lead, but when in about ten feet of the line, he was run into by Jim Scott, who passed under the wire an easy winner, with Strother, second. Scott's prize was a half-dozen made-to-order shirts given by Vendig Bros., while Strother secured a handsome decorated lamp from Walker's China Hall.
     A fourth of a mile running race was easily won by George Clark's by gelding, for which the prize was a silver cup given by Lawrence Knepfly.
     On account of the scarcity of wheel-barrows, there were just two entries for the wheelbarrow race, Loonie and Kettle. The latter won, his prize being a pair of fine pants from Hermann's. Loonie was given, for coming in second, a box of fine cigars from Swope & Mangold's.
     A game of base ball was played between the Dallas Clippers and a picked nine. The Clippers won, securing a silver cup and $10.
     The committeemen's race was led from start to finish by Tom Myers, with M. B. Loonie, a close second. The first prize was a Russia leather combination cigar case given by Sanger Bros.; the second prize, a large silver spoon in case, given by E. Domnau. The consolation race was run. Tom Martin won by a hair, with Loonie right after him. Martin was awarded a handsome silver medal by Clower & Co.; Loonie, an engraved souvenir spoon.
     Barry Miller captured a silk umbrella, given by Clancy, by coming out second in one of the races, and there were a few prizes given by the business men of the city that were not competed for.
     A well-attended and thoroughly enjoyable dance last night ended the programme for the Irish-American picnic, an event in the annals of the association, and it is safe to say that when another entertainment is given by these genial, hospitable people, the citizens will turn out in greater crowds to witness the sport.

     In the list of prizes won at the Irish-American picnic, the typo made it read that a handsome medal presented by "Clower & Co." was awarded to one of the winders. It should have read Robert C. Glover & Co., the well known Main street firm.

     St. Patrick's is the patron saint of Ireland, and to-day, the civilized world over, men and women of the Irish race keep his memory green. The shamrock, a sprig of green ribbon, emblematic of the evergreen isle, is worn over Irish hearts, reviving past memories and keeping alive the fires of patriotism and love for the land beyond the seas.
     Dallas celebrated St. Patrick's day in proper style. Hundreds of ladies and gentlemen and hundreds of children to-day wore the Irish colors. The Irish-American Benevolent Association, as in past years, gave their parade and made a most excellent showing. The members met at the hall on Main street above Akard, at 8:30 and formed in line. Patrick O'Keefe was the grand marshal, and Thos. J. Roach and P. Daveron assistant marshals. Assistant Chief of Police Ed Cornwell, with a squad of twelve mounted men led the procession. Then came the Union band and then the marchers. The green banner was borne by a stalwart son of Erin, M. A. Walsh, and the stars and stripes by another stalwart member of the society. The line of march was as follows:
     West on Main to Austin street, north on Austin to Elm street, east on Elm to Preston street, south on Preston to Main street and west on Main to the place of beginning.
      After the parade, the association and its guests returned to the Irish-American hall, where the roll was called and a short address made by President P. J. Talty. He announced that Rev. Father O'Reilly would deliver a sermon on St. Patrick at 10:30 o'clock and those who desired to attend had plenty of time to do so; at 3 o'clock, he said, the Irish-American hall would be open to the Sons of St. Patrick and their guests. Refreshments would be served and open house would be kept.
     This afternoon the hall is crowded, and St. Patrick is the chief subject of discourse, with the music, songs and poems of Erin intermingled.
     The parade was a most creditable one this morning and the Irish-Americans of Dallas have certainly no reason to feel ashamed of their observance of a day dear to their hearts and the hearts of their countrymen. To-night, a hop will take place in the auditorium of the city hall under the auspices of the Irish-American association, which will close the festivities in honor of the good saint who introduced the Christian religion into the "Isle of the Sea," and drove out the snakes and toads, according to Irish tradition.

     The Irish-American Club last night elected Hugh McGinn president, Harry Golden, vice president and M. J. P. Lacy, treasurer.

     The Irish-American club held an interesting social session last night.

     The annual New Year's feats of the Irish-American club last night was one of the notably successful social events of the season, and the club room was crowded with representatives of the sturdy manhood and lovely womanhood of Ireland and their American progeny.
     The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens, shamrock and the Irish-American colors gracefully intertwined in bunting as they are spiritually in the hearts of the club and its friends.
     Appropriate mottoes adorned the walls, among other, the following:
     "We have struggled for liberty 725 years."
     "Remember Robert Emmett."
     "Remember Smith O'Brien."
     "Remember Daniel O'Cosnel."
     "Remember Gladstone and home rule."
     "Remember Barsfield at Landon."
     "Remember Brian Bour."
     "We are Irish, yet American.

     P. J. Talty opened the proceedings with an eloquent address of welcome, after which, the following programme was rendered:
     Address in pure Gaelic....P. Curran
     Recitation -- "Fontenoy"....N. P. Richardson
     Reading -- "Regu'us' Address to the Romans"....H. J. Smith
     Comic song -- "Kelly's Cat".....P. J. Kelly
     Mandolin duet...Mrs. Kelly and Miss Lula Kelly
     Dissertation on the potato....Dan Sullivan
     Piano solo.....Mrs. R. S. Canady.
     Piano duet.....The Misses Richardson
     Recitation -- "Petticoat Lane"....K. J. Kivlen
     Vocal solo and recitations....Miss Kivlen
     Comic song.....Jim Scott

     The 10-year-old daughter of Policeman Keehan gave a number of admirably executed piano solos.
     Refreshments, consisting of wine, sandwiches and other delicacies, were served throughout the evening, and all who were present enjoyed a delightful time.

     The Irish-American Benevolent Association met Wednesday night and elected the following officers for the ensuing term: M. J. Richardson, president; John J. Conroy, vice president; J. A. McAleer, recording secretary; F. J. Barry, financial secretary; P. E. Davoren, treasurer; trustees, D. F. Sullivan, M. A. Walsh, J. Guinan, H. McGinn, P. O. Grady and P. J. Talty.

     The Irish-American Benevolent Association will, in future, hold its meetings in Curran's Hall, corner of Elm and Akard streets. Next meeting Wednesday night, December 19. This association, which is non-sectarian and non-political, is not affiliated or connected with any organization, local or otherwise, of a religious or political character, but is exclusively social and charitable for the mutual benefit of its members. M. J. RICHARDSON, Pres.

     The fifth annual ball of the Irish-American Benevolent Association, which is to be given at Phoenix hall on Monday night, April 15, promises to be one of the most successful events of the season. A large number of tickets have been sold, but in such as discriminating manner as to enable the management to control the character of admissions and guard against all objectionable features.
     As the objects of the association are purely charitable and non-partisan, the management hope for a general patronage. As in the past, no pains will be spared in providing for the amusement and enjoyment of guests.
     The association will hold a special meeting to-morrow (Sunday) evening, at 8 o'clock, at which all ticket-sellers are requested to be present.