Mr. Mason in Ireland.
[Dublin (September 5) Correspondence of London Post.] Mr. Mason, the Confederate Commissioner, is now, for the second time, the guest of the Earl and Countess of Donoughmore, and appears to be ingratiating himself with the Irish people, and especially with the ladies. At a splendid archery fete, which took place last week at Knocklofty, (Lord Donoughmore's seat,) Mr., Mason presented a valuable jewelled brooch to be competed for by the fair toxophilites.On handing the pize to the winner, Lord Donoughmore took occasion to express his sympathy with the Confederates and his wishes for their success.--"No one," said his lordship, "with a spark of love for home and liberty animating his breast, no one who admires those great virtues which have ever secured the admiration of mankind, can look upon the contest now waging throughout the Confederate States without feeling anxious for the triumph of the Southern cause. True it is that we have not taken any part in that struggle. This some people may regret — others approve; but though we have not recognized their cause, our hearts have been with those gallant and noble men.--[Cheers.] We have the happiness of having amongst us this night an honorable gentleman; who fills a distinguished position. as representative of the Southern States. He is far from his kindred and from his native land; but though separated as he is from his country, and though his mind is naturally filled with anxiety for the issue of those momentous events now happening there, still he has been kind enough to honor our festive sports with his presence, and to assist us in our pleasures by presenting this beautiful and valuable prize. [Hear, hear.] I am sure that there is no one in this assemblage who does not hope for Mr. Mason's return to his country under the brightest
circumstances, and who is not ready to breathe a prayer that when he goes back to that country he may find it free, independent and happy. Perhaps, at some day, not far distant, he may have the pleasure of being present at an archery meeting in his own native land, which will recall to his mind the present scene. He may, it is true, observe with sorrow the many blanks that war has caused in the circle of his friends, but, though great the sacrifice, the knowledge that they died fighting for liberty and home, and through the terrible struggle in which they engaged their native land inherits freedom, this will remove the pain which such a saddening retrospect would otherwise bring to his mind. [Applause.] I present this valuable jewel, according to the conditions arranged by Mr. Mason, to the lady having the highest score of the meeting, but who never won a prize before. Miss Sankey, I find with great pleasure, is the young lady entitled to receive it, and I am sure she will join with us in wishing a speedy and happy issue to the war with the Confederates.
Mr. Mason here presented his prize to Miss Sankey, with whom he cordially shook hands.
