Chapter III: Part 3

“You know that the tide of immigration turned to this country in the
last century. Irish people haven’t always been immigrants. Nine
hundred years before Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, a bishop of
the old faith named Brendan left his home in Galway, sailed over the
sea, visited Iceland and Greenland, and there are today evidences of
this man’s presence in Delaware and Virginia—nine hundred years before
Columbus set foot on this continent. Even in the very crew which made
up the contingent in Columbus’ navy which manned the three ships there
was one to whom, when Columbus left, he gave the custody of one of
those ships, and this man’s record proves he was an Irishman, William
Ayer of Galway. We have historical facts; they cannot be gainsaid;
they stand out in bas-relief today; the story is plain and intelligent
men accept it.

“Immigration! Do you know that as the years have gone by they have
witnessed immigration from many lands? Germany has furnished us with
some of the best bone and sinew of its country. England, through her
unwise laws, through her erring principles of justice, exacted from
the Irish people something that they would not give—taxation without
representation, and surrender of civic and religious liberty. Deprived
of everything that men in common hold dear, deprived of education, of
religious worship, they were driven from the shores of Ireland and
found the arms of Columbia extended and ready to receive them as
children. We came here, and we thank England for sending us here. If
it hadn’t been for the conditions of a hundred and fifty years ago, we
might be toiling there today. It is a wise Providence that directs and
overrules conditions. We came, and this asylum was beautiful, the flag
of freedom and union waved for us, everything was lovely compared with
what we had left behind. Friends and kindred, religion and society
grew up within our own experiences. The warm heart of the Irishman
broadened; he grew, and when the country rang out the alarm, when the
country announced that it was menaced with danger, in that Irish boy’s
ears rang the traditions and the wrongs of ages. He buckled on his
belt; he took down the flintlock from the wall; he marched forward
anywhere, everywhere, under the command of Washington and
Sullivan,—Washington, the ideal, and Sullivan, the son of an Irish
exile. These were the traits exhibited.

“‘Theirs not to reason why—not to make reply—but to do and die.’ These
men made it possible for you and for me to live to enjoy the
conditions of today, to be here in this temple of local pride.

“I am reminded of the story so beautifully told in Roman history of
the mother who once paid a visit to a wealthy matron of that glorious
republic so many centuries ago. After dinner the matron said, ‘Now I
must show you my beautiful jewels.’ They were carefully guarded, but
she displayed them to the eyes of her visitor, and then remarked, ‘You
must show me your jewels when I go to your house.’ In turn she called
upon the mother, and stayed a little longer than is usual, awaiting
the exhibition of jewels. Finally she inquired, ‘Have you forgotten to
show me your jewels?’ ‘Oh, no,’ the mother replied. ‘Come this way,’
and as she threw open a door five beautiful children were revealed.
‘These,’ she exclaimed, ‘are my jewels.’

“People of Rhode Island, these noble patriots and these scarred flags
are your sacred jewels. Guard their memory, defend it, and, as your
blood has the rich central vein of patriotism, so sacrifice all you
have to keep these jewels sacredly enshrined in your hearts forever.

“I would that Sullivan could get a day’s leave from his sacred parole.
I would that he could come back to us today, that he might obtain from
the St. Gabriel of St. Peter’s Gate a day’s leave of absence to look
at these pillars and to gaze about these corridors. We almost hear the
whisper, can almost note the footfall of a strange presence here. It
is the spirit of the Revolutionary hero that communes with us; it is
the lofty emotion that emanates from him, though unseen, and which
commends our spirit of patriotism and ratifies our act, not to him
individually but to the noble band of which he was Captain.

“This is a great day for Rhode Island. This is a great day for
America, because this afternoon and tomorrow the wave of thought that
is ours will extend beyond us and be carried everywhere to receptive
minds. The sunlight will dash it into every possible nook and corner
of the land; the rivers will take it down to the Mexican slope; the
whole country will vibrate with it. You who know the history of the
man we honor, cherish it in your memory, and when you recall these
exercises, congratulate yourself that in assisting at them you have
fulfilled a duty; one and all, you have paid the homage of a great and
noble State.

“One moment more, my friends. I have tarried long. This page stands
out alone in the history of this Society of which I have the honor and
rare privilege of being the Executive. Ladies and gentlemen, that
Society has one purpose; that purpose is written between the lines of
today’s event. We want to know the men who have lived, who have
fought, who have bled, who have given everything to the cause of the
American people. We want to record their deeds in order that the womb
of the future may bring forth a race, generations distant from us,
that will stand up and say, ‘I, too, am Irish, although I have six
generations separating me from that blood,’ a race that will cherish
everything Irish and will extend the open hand of welcome to everyone
who bears the hall mark of Ireland, whether his religion be Catholic
or Protestant.

“We are broad, we are honest, we are liberal. We want to attack no
man, but when we peruse the pages of American history, when we turn
over volume after volume, chapter after chapter, page after page, and
search paragraph after paragraph, line after line, syllable after
syllable, and see no recognition of the services of Irishmen, our
hearts bleed because the omission is culpable and not due to the fact
that the historian could find no achievements to make good his lines.

“We claim our place in this Republic. We have sacrificed everything in
the world for it. We would go further tomorrow and pledge every
security, sever ourselves from home, to protect our freedom and these
flags. The United States is ours, whether on the shores of California,
Maine, Texas, or Washington. There is one freedom, one brotherhood of
man.

“I could detain you longer, friends, but the time allotted me forbids.
I have lingered longer than I should, but I know of no sentiment with
which I might more fittingly conclude than that of one of your great
New England worthies, the man who is enshrined in the sanctuary of
your hearts, John Boyle O’Reilly. He says, in his own peculiar but
grand way:

“‘No treason we bring from Erin, nor bring we shame nor guilt!
The sword we hold may be broken, but we have not dropped the hilt.
The wreath we bear to Columbia is twisted to thorns, not bays;
And the songs we sing are saddened by thoughts of desolate days.
But the hearts we bring for freedom are washed in the surge of tears;
And we claim our right by a people’s fight outliving a thousand
years.’”

At the conclusion of Doctor Quinlan’s address the Chairman declared the ceremonies of dedication over, thanking all those present for their attendance.

The several organizations were represented at the dedication as follows: Society of the Cincinnati, Ex-Governor Charles Warren Lippitt, Ex-Governor George H. Utter, Hon. William Page Sheffield, Edward Aborn Greene, George Humphrey, Thomas A. Peirce, Rev. Daniel Goodwin; Society of Colonial Wars, Henry B. Rose, Gen. Hunter C. White, Hon. John T. Blodgett, Prof. Wilfred H. Munro, E. A. Burlingame and George C. Nightingale; Daughters of the American Revolution, Miss Mary A. Greene, Mrs. Charles Warren Lippitt; Rhode Island Citizens’ Historical Association, T. W. Bicknell, H. A. Atkins, A. L. Anthony, Ellen R. Jolly, Caroline A. Weeden, Mrs. Lyons Delaney, B. L. Dennis, Francis Gallagher, Elizabeth Doyle, J. H. Foster, John R. Richmond, Elizabeth Halton, C. H. Eddy and Mrs. R. B. P. Tingley; Rhode Island Historical Society, Professor Munro, Amasa M. Eaton, Robert P. Brown and Clarence S. Brigham. Among others present were: Dr. Francis J. Quinlan of New York, D. H. Tierney of Waterbury, Conn., John J. Linehan, Worcester, Bernard J. Joyce of Boston, Michael J. Jordan of Boston, Edmund O’Keefe of New Bedford, John F. Hurley, Mayor, of Salem, Mass., Patrick H. Powers of Boston, John Morgan of New York, Augustin H. Morgan of New York, P. F. Magrath of Binghamton, N. Y., T. B. Fitzpatrick of Brookline, Mass., Michael F. Dooley, Frederick Roy Martin, Dr. James E. Sullivan, Col. James H. McGann, Col. James C. Moran, Michael W. Norton, John F. O’Connell, Patrick Carter, M. S. Dwyer, John McManus, Barnard McCaughey, William L. Wood, both of Pawtucket; Gen. Charles R. Brayton, Col. Frank T. Sibley, Mrs. Chadwick, wife of Admiral F. E. Chadwick; Mrs. James Chadwick, James C. Collins, Gen. Elisha H. Rhodes, T. M. O’Reilly, Frederick H. Jackson, Rev. Austin Dowling, Col. J. Edward Studley, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Chandler, Mary A. Darling, Benjamin L. Dennis, General Treasurer Walter A. Read, Secretary of States Charles P. Bennett, Attorney-General William B. Greenough, Mayor-elect Henry Fletcher, Judge Elmer J. Rathbun, John Dunn, Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture; Hugh J. Carroll, Mr. and Mrs. Albert G. Chaffee, John F. McAlevy, Thomas E. Maloney, V. S., Fall River; Benjamin L. Dennis, Mrs. Doyle, William J. Feeley, Walter H. Barney, Dr. M. H. Sullivan of Lawrence, Mass., Dr. Michael F. Kelly of Fall River and Frank Carter.

POST-PRANDIAL EXERCISES.

At the termination of the exercises at the State House the Society and its guests proceeded to the Narragansett Hotel for luncheon. Chairman Lee acted as toastmaster, and speeches of an appropriate nature were made by the following: Gen. Charles R. Brayton, representing the National Encampment, G. A. R.; Hon. John F. O’Connell; Prof. Wilfred H. Munro of Brown University, President of the Rhode Island Historical Society; Hon. Walter H. Barney, representing the Rhode Island Bar; Judge Livingston Scott, whose wife is a direct descendant of General Sullivan; Hon. Thomas Williams Bicknell, President of the Rhode Island Citizens’ Historical Association; Mrs. Ellen Ryan Jolly, President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, A. O. H.; Gen. Elisha H. Rhodes, representing the Rhode Island G. A. R. and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion; Hon. John H. Hurley, Mayor of Salem, Mass.; and John G. Hardy, the sculptor who designed and executed the memorial.

Judge Scott during his address read the following original letter to Gen. Sullivan from President Washington:

“Sept. 30th, 1789.

“SIR: I have the pleasure to enclose to you a commission as Judge of
the United States for the District of New Hampshire, to which office I
have nominated, and by and with advice and consent of the Senate,
appoint you. In my nomination of persons to fill office in the
Judicial Department, I have been guided by the importance of the
object, considering it of the first magnitude and the pillar upon
which our political fabric must rest.

“I have endeavored to bring into the high offices of its
administration such characters as will give stability and dignity to
our national Government; and I persuade myself that they will discover
a due desire to promote the happiness of our Country by a ready
acceptance of their several appointments. The laws which have passed
relative to your office accompany the Commission.

“I am Sir with very great esteem
“Your most obedient servant,
“GEORGE WASHINGTON.”

The Committee having in charge the erection and dedication of the memorial were: Thomas Zanslaur Lee, Chairman; Patrick J. McCarthy, Secretary; Michael F. Dooley, Treasurer; Patrick Carter, James E. Sullivan, William P. Dempsey, James Murphy, Francis I. McCanna, William J. Feeley, Bernard McCaughey, Patrick E. Hayes, John McManus, James Moran, John F. O’Connell, James H. McGann, Rev. Austin Dowling, James H. Hurley, John F. McAlevy, James T. Egan.

The entire proceedings at the dedication were reported verbatim by Miss Viola Follis, the official stenographer for the Society, and hence we are able to print the excellent orations in full.

SPECIAL MEETING.

At the conclusion of the post-prandial exercises a special meeting of
the Society was held at headquarters, President-General Quinlan
presiding.

A vote of thanks was tendered Col. David C. Robinson for his efficient
services in behalf of the Society.

It was voted that the thanks of the Society be extended Mr. Michael W.
Norton for the use of his automobiles and carriages to transport
members and guests to and from the State House, and in special
recognition of Mr. Norton’s kindness the President-General appointed
him chairman of the Reception Committee to be on duty at the White
House at Washington January 16, 1909, when President Roosevelt gives a
reception to the Society.

The acting Secretary-General was directed to extend Colonel Robinson
the Society’s invitation to be its guest at the Annual Dinner and
President Roosevelt’s reception at Washington.

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
_Acting Secretary-General_.

PROVIDENCE, R. I., December 16, 1908.

Following is the circular letter which was sent to members of the Society, informing them of the plans for the dedicatory exercises:

“To make better known the Irish Chapter in American History.”

THE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

(Founded 1897. First President-General, Rear Admiral R. W. Meade, U. S.
N.)

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL.

49 Westminster Street.

PROVIDENCE, R. I., December 8, 1908.

The committee of the American Irish Historical Society having in charge the erection and dedication of the Major-General John Sullivan Memorial in Rhode Island beg to announce that the dedication will take place in the Rhode Island State House, Wednesday, December 16, 1908, at twelve o’clock noon.

The principal address will be delivered by Colonel David C. Robinson, through whose efforts an appropriation of ten thousand dollars for a monument to General Sullivan in the State of New York was obtained, and whose knowledge of historical events of the Revolutionary War is most extensive.

Delegations will be in attendance from the following organizations: Rhode Island Historical Society, Rhode Island Division Sons of Veterans, Daughters of the American Revolution, Society of the Colonial Wars, Society of the Cincinnati, and Rhode Island Citizens Historical Association.

Invitations have been extended to the Department Commander and Staff of the G. A. R., General Tanner and staff of the Rhode Island National Guard, Hon. James H. Higgins, Governor of Rhode Island, Hon. Aram J. Pothier, Governor-elect of Rhode Island, and other State officers.

The Society’s headquarters will be at the Narragansett Hotel, where proper provision will be made for the reception and entertainment of members and guests during the day.

Shortly before twelve o’clock, the hour of dedication, the Society and guests will go in a body to the State House, a short distance from the hotel, where provision has been made for ample and comfortable seating of all. After the exercises, which are planned to last probably an hour and half, we will return to the Narragansett Hotel, where luncheon will be served, at which there will be several interesting addresses. Price of tickets, $1.50, which may be obtained from the Secretary-General or the Entertainment Committee.

This is an affair of great importance to the American Irish Historical Society, and we earnestly hope every member will be present.

Send back enclosed postal if you intend to be present so we will know how many to provide for.

COMMITTEE ON THE SULLIVAN MEMORIAL
OF THE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

THOMAS Z. LEE,
_Chairman_.

PATRICK J. McCARTHY,
_Secretary_.

RECORDS OF THE ANNUAL MEETING AND BANQUET OF THE AMERICAN IRISH
HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT WASHINGTON, D. C., JANUARY 16, 1909, AND OF THE
RECEPTION TO THE SOCIETY BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

It having been voted at the annual meeting at New York January 29, 1908, to hold the next annual meeting at Washington, D. C.; the Executive Council at a well-attended meeting thereof held at the residence of the President-General, December 5, 1908, considered the necessary arrangements, and resolved to make this event a notable one in the Society’s history. A committee previously appointed by the President-General to confer with Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States, and ascertain his pleasure as to a reception to the Society and attendance later at the dinner, reported that owing to pressure of official business President Roosevelt would be unable to attend the Society’s dinner, but would be pleased to meet his fellow-members at the White House and there make a short address.

In accordance with the instruction of the Executive Council the Secretary-General opened correspondence with Mr. William Loeb, Jr., Secretary to President Roosevelt, and the details of the reception were promptly arranged.

President-General Quinlan thereupon appointed a Reception Committee to officiate at the White House and afterwards be on duty at the Society’s headquarters in Washington, and a Dinner Committee to arrange all the details of the annual banquet.

The appointees on these committees appear in the circular letter which follows.

The Dinner Committee carefully looked over the available places in Washington suitable for the annual banquet, and decided upon the Hotel Raleigh as most desirable, not only for this purpose but also for the headquarters of the Society.

Mr. Thomas J. Talty, the manager of the Hotel Raleigh, extended the Committee every courtesy and made their work in the Society’s behalf easy and pleasant.

HON. EDWARD J. MCGUIRE. LL. B.,

New York City.

Member of the Executive Council.
]

As soon as all necessary details were completed, the following circular letter to members was issued:

AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

PROGRAM FOR ANNUAL MEETING, RECEPTION TO THE SOCIETY BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND ANNUAL BANQUET AT WASHINGTON,
D. C., JANUARY 16, 1909.

Our fellow-member, Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United
States, will receive the Society at the White House at 2.30 p. m.
Secretary Loeb requests us to be on time and provide each member with
a card of identification. Such a card is enclosed and must be
presented to the doorkeeper at the White House. Ladies and guests may
accompany members, and tickets for them can be obtained from the
Acting Secretary-General upon application of any member by mail or on
the day of the Reception.

Members whose convenience will permit will leave New York Saturday
morning, January 16, 1909, from West 23d Street station at 7.50 a. m.,
or from Liberty Street station at 8 a. m., to take the Royal Blue Line
train leaving Jersey City at 8.12 a. m., arriving in Washington at
1.12 p. m. Reduced round trip rates have been arranged for on this
line, a dining-car will be attached for our comfort and convenience,
and this is the only train landing us in Washington in time to get to
our quarters at the hotel and be in season for the President’s
Reception.

Immediately after the President’s Reception, the annual meeting of the
Society will be held in the parlors of the Hotel Raleigh, where the
Society’s headquarters will be established, for the election of
officers for the ensuing year, the receiving and acting upon
resolutions on the death of several prominent members of the Society,
including our deeply-lamented Secretary-General, and the transaction
of such other business as may come before the meeting. The resolutions
and eulogies to be offered are of a high order.

At the termination of the business meeting, opportunity will be given
to visit the capitol, Congressional Library, public buildings,
historical societies, and other points of interest in Washington.

The tickets for the dinner are $5.00 each and may be obtained from the
Acting Secretary-General, whose address is below. It is very important
that we know exactly how many members are to be present, and you are
earnestly requested to send your remittance for tickets promptly so
that we may notify Mr. Talty of the Hotel Raleigh how many he may
expect. Members may invite guests at the same price per ticket.

The Reception to the members of the Society by its officers will take
place in the parlors of the Hotel Raleigh at 6.30 p. m., and this will
be an excellent opportunity for exchange of good fellowship with the
new members, nearly one hundred and fifty of whom have been elected
during the past year. The Reception Committee, consisting of Michael
W. Norton, Esq., of Rhode Island, Hon. John D. Crimmins of New York,
Hon. Joseph Geoghegan of Utah, Patrick F. Magrath, Esq., of New York,
Hon. John F. O’Connell of Rhode Island, Dr. M. F. Sullivan of
Massachusetts, Bernard J. Joyce, Esq., of Massachusetts, Patrick
Carter, Esq., of Rhode Island, T. Vincent Butler, Esq., of New York,
John J. Daly, Esq., of New York, Gen. D. F. Collins of New Jersey,
Francis I. McCanna, Esq., of Rhode Island, Hon. Alexander C. Eustace
of New York, Hon. Thomas J. Lynch of Maine, Gen. John R. McGinness of
Virginia, and Hon. Thomas M. Waller of Connecticut, will be in
attendance during the day to do everything possible to make it a
pleasant occasion for the members.

At seven o’clock the annual dinner will take place. It will be in
charge of the Dinner Committee, consisting of Hon. Edward A. Moseley,
chairman; Rear Admiral John McGowan, these two former
Presidents-General of the Society; Michael F. Dooley, Esq.,
Treasurer-General; Hon. Lawrence O. Murray and Patrick J. Haltigan,
Esq.

An elaborate menu, excellent music and extensive floral decorations
have been provided, and the principal speakers at the post-prandial
exercises and their toasts will be as follows:

“A Capitol Welcome,” Hon. Thomas H. Carter, U. S. Senator from
Montana.

“Irish Pioneers of New York,” Hon. Victor J. Dowling, Justice of the
Supreme Court of the State of New York.

“The Irish Pioneers of the West and Their Descendants,” Hon. Maurice
T. Moloney, ex-Attorney General of Illinois.

“Advantages of Historical Research to Irish Americans,” Hon. Robert
J. Gamble, United States Senator from South Dakota.

Other addresses will follow if time permits.

Our list of guests is headed by Hon. Edward D. White of Louisiana,
Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and will include
many notable men.

Please send in your replies as early as possible. The seats at the
table will be allotted members and guests in the order in which the
applications are received. The officers of the Society earnestly
request the attendance of every member who can make it possible to
come, because it is desired to make an excellent showing in Washington
and thus bring the Society and its work more successfully to the
attention of all the people in the country interested in making
“better known the Irish Chapter in American history.”

Yours fraternally,
FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., LL. D.,
_President-General_,
33 W. 38th St., New York City.

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
_Acting Secretary-General_,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.

The following blank was enclosed with the circular, in order that we might have early information as to the number intending to be present:

(The prompt return of this notice is earnestly requested.)

AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER, AND RECEPTION TO THE SOCIETY BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1909.

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE, ESQ.,
_Acting Secretary-General_,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.

_Dear Sir_: It is my intention to be present at the annual banquet of
the American Irish Historical Society, to be held at Hotel Raleigh,
Washington, D. C., Saturday evening, January 16, 1909.

Yours fraternally,
.....................

I desire provision made for..........guests.

(Make checks payable to
Michael F. Dooley, Treasurer-General.)

The responses came in so well that the Society felt warranted in ordering a special train for the comfortable transportation of members and guests to Washington, and through our fellow-member, Mr. Henry L. Joyce, the Royal Blue Line provided a train of six Pullman parlor-cars, a dining-car and a baggage-car for our exclusive use, and so notified the Society.

Further notice was then sent to the members as follows:

AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL DINNER AND RECEPTION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
WASHINGTON, D. C., JANUARY 16, 1909.

Royal Blue Line train with special cars attached leaves New York, 23d
Street station, at 7.50 a. m. If 100 members are on hand, a special
train will be put in commission and start ten minutes later from the
same place. Fares reduced for us on this line.

We want at least 250 members at Washington. Ladies, accompanied by
members, may attend reception and dinner. Tickets, $5 each.
Headquarters, Hotel Raleigh. Reception at White House 2.30 p. m.
Annual meeting at headquarters afterwards, and dinner at 7. Reception
Committee at hotel all day.

Messrs. Henry L. Joyce and W. C. Hope, respectively General Manager
Marine Department and General Passenger Agent of the Royal Blue Line,
will be at the 23d Street station with the Secretary-General early
Saturday morning and full information may be had.

This will be the best affair we have ever had. Excellent speakers,
fine dinner, good music and floral decorations already provided for.
Please be present.

THOMAS Z. LEE,
_Secretary-General_.

PROVIDENCE, R. I., Jan. 11, 1909.

A large party of members and guests availed themselves of the pleasure of the special train, and our comfort was well cared for by Mr. Joyce, ably assisted by Mr. P. Wilfred Heroy, Eastern Passenger Agent of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and a picked train crew.

Owing to a severe snowstorm encountered _en route_, it became evident the special would not reach Washington on scheduled time, and a telegram to Secretary Loeb was sent from Baltimore as follows:

“Special train of American Irish Historical Society unavoidably
delayed _en route_. Regret inability to reach White House before two
forty-five.”

In order that no time should be lost, orders were given the train crew to take the baggage of each passenger to the Hotel Raleigh, there to be cared for until our return from the White House.

The following copy of the order given by C. H. English, Passenger Trainmaster of the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, providing for the running of the special train, is interesting and gives us an idea of the amount of detail necessary to clear the way for the operation of a train on an up-to-date railroad, and the people to whom orders must go:

THE CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY OF NEW JERSEY.

Central Division.

JERSEY CITY, N. J., January 13, 1909.

Mr. C. E. Chambers, Division Master Mechanic; Mr. A. E. Detro,
General Foreman, Fiddlers; Mr. L. F. Duffy, Assistant Foreman,
Fiddlers; Mr. C. L. Campbell, Chief Dispatcher, Jersey City; Mr. C.
L. Hollis, Superintendent Marine Department, New York; Mr. W.
Whittaker, Ferry Master, Jersey City; Mr. G. F. Wernert, Station
Master, West 23d Street; Mr. C. H. Vanderveer, Station Master,
Liberty Street.

GENTLEMEN: Please arrange for special train Saturday, January 16, to
leave West 23d Street 8.05 a. m., Liberty Street 8.15 a. m., for
Washington, consisting of baggage car, dining car and six Pullman
cars, account of American Irish Historical Society.

HON. LAWRENCE O. MURRAY, LL. D.

Of Washington, D. C.

Comptroller of the Currency.
]

Will advise later regarding the return movement. Acknowledge receipt.

Yours truly,
C. H. ENGLISH,
_Passenger Trainmaster_.

The Dinner Committee was on hand to meet the train and special street cars were in readiness to take us to the Reception.

Nearly 300 members and guests were in attendance at the White House when President Roosevelt made his appearance, accompanied by his military attendants. He was in excellent spirits and pleased to see so large a representation of the Society in Washington.

In introducing President Roosevelt to the assemblage, President-General Quinlan said:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am especially honored today in presenting to
you the gifted ruler of our great nation, one who at all times has
shown true sympathy with our cause and who has recorded his feeling by
associating himself with our Society. It is with feelings of mingled
pride and satisfaction that I introduce to you our fellow-member, Mr.
Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States.”

President Roosevelt replied as follows:

“It is a great pleasure to me to bid you welcome to Washington, and
especially to have the chance of saying a word of greeting to you here
in the White House. I am sorry we didn’t give you a little better
weather, and I especially regret that, in view of the fact that so
many of you have had the wisdom to bring your better halves with you;
for I have always insisted that, while the average American citizen is
a pretty good fellow, his wife is a still better fellow.

“I need scarcely say the great interest that I take in the work of
this body. Here on this continent we are building up a great new
nation, a nation akin to, but different from, each of the Old World
nations of middle and western Europe. To this country have come men of
many different origins, and here they are being fused together into a
new type, and it is greatly to be desired that we should have
historical associations like this which shall commemorate the
different strains in the national blood.

“It is a mistake to suppose, as is so often assumed, that at the time
of the Revolution our people were not of mixed blood. They were then,
just as they are now. Many different strains from the beginning
contributed to make up what is now American citizenship, and from the
beginning in this country the men who themselves, or whose fathers,
came from Ireland have played a great and leading part in the affairs
of the nation. I myself have some of that blood in me, and doubtless
this accounts for the difficulties with which I have found myself
confronted at times. It may also account for my disposition after
getting into a fight to let the other fellow know I was in it. I thank
you, ladies and gentlemen, for coming here.”

There was great applause and much enthusiasm upon the well-chosen words, and afterwards the assemblage formed in line and each person was presented to President Roosevelt by President-General Quinlan and Hon. Edward A. Moseley, Michael F. Dooley, Esq., Hon. Lawrence O. Murray and Patrick J. Haltigan, Esq., of the Dinner Committee.

At the termination of the Reception the party went to the Hotel Raleigh for the annual meeting.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Society was held this 16th day of January, 1909, in the banquet hall of the Hotel Raleigh, and was called to order at 3.30 p. m. by President-General Quinlan, a large number of members being present.

Reading of records of the previous meeting was omitted.

The first business being the election of officers for the ensuing year, the Secretary-General read the following list of nominees selected by the Executive Council to be voted upon at this meeting. Each of the general officers were voted upon separately, and the members of the Executive Council and list of State Vice-Presidents as a whole, and all were unanimously elected to serve until the next annual meeting and until others are chosen in their stead.

_President-General_,

FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., LL. D.,
33 West 38th Street, New York City.

_Vice-President-General_,

Hon. PATRICK T. BARRY,
Chicago, Ill.

_Secretary-General_,

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE, Esq.,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.

_Treasurer-General_,

MICHAEL F. DOOLEY, Esq.,
President National Exchange Bank, Providence, R. I.

_Librarian and Archivist_,

THOMAS B. LAWLER, Esq.,
New York City.

_Historiographer_,

Hon. JAMES F. BRENNAN,
Peterborough, N. H.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

The foregoing and

Hon. JOHN D. CRIMMINS, New York City.
Hon. WILLIAM MCADOO, New York City.
Hon. THOMAS B. FITZPATRICK, Boston, Mass.
PATRICK F. MAGRATH, Esq., Binghamton, N. Y.
Rev. JOHN J. MCCOY, LL. D., Worcester, Mass.
THOMAS ADDIS EMMET, M. D., LL. D., New York City.
EDWARD J. MCGUIRE, Esq., New York City.
Hon. JOHN F. O’CONNELL, Providence, R. I.
JAMES L. O’NEIL, Esq., Elizabeth, N. J.
STEPHEN FARRELLY, Esq., New York City.
CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY, LL. D., Kansas City, Mo.
Hon. THOMAS J. LYNCH, Augusta, Me.
Gen. PHELPS MONTGOMERY, New Haven, Conn.
PATRICK CARTER, Esq., Providence, R. I.
Hon. PATRICK GARVAN, Hartford, Conn.
JOHN J. LENEHAN, Esq., New York City.
Col. JOHN MCMANUS, Providence, R. I.
Hon. WILLIAM GORMAN, Philadelphia, Pa.
J. LAWTON HIERS, M. D., of Savannah.
JOHN F. DOYLE, Esq., New York City.

STATE VICE-PRESIDENTS.

Maine—JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Esq., Portland.
New Hampshire—Hon. JAMES F. BRENNAN, Peterborough.
Vermont—JOHN D. HANRAHAN, M. D., Rutland.
Massachusetts—M. J. JORDAN, Esq., Boston.
Rhode Island—Hon. PATRICK J. MCCARTHY, Providence.
Connecticut—DENNIS H. TIERNEY, Esq., Waterbury.
New York—JOSEPH I. C. CLARKE, Esq., New York City.
New Jersey—JOHN F. KENAH, Esq., Elizabeth, N. J.
Pennsylvania—HUGH MCCAFFREY, Esq., Philadelphia.
Delaware—JOHN J. CASSIDY, Esq., Wilmington.
Virginia—JAMES W. MCCARRICK, Esq., Norfolk.
West Virginia—JOHN F. HEALY, Esq., Thomas, Tucker County.
North Carolina—MICHAEL J. CORBETT, Wilmington.
South Carolina—W. J. O’HAGAN, Esq., Charleston.
Georgia—Capt. JOHN FLANNERY, Savannah.
Ohio—JOHN LAVELLE, Esq., Cleveland.
Oklahoma—JOSEPH F. SWORDS, Esq., Sulphur.
Illinois—Hon. MAURICE T. MOLONEY, Ottawa.
Indiana—Very Rev. ANDREW MORRISSEY, C. S. C., Notre Dame.
Iowa—Rt. Rev. PHILIP J. GARRIGAN, D. D., Sioux City.
Mississippi—Dr. R. A. QUIN, Vicksburg.
Montana—Rt. Rev. M. C. LENIHAN, D. D., Great Falls.
Minnesota—Hon. C. D. O’BRIEN, St. Paul.
Kentucky—JOHN J. SLATTERY, Esq., Louisville.
Kansas—PATRICK H. CONEY, Esq., Topeka.
Utah—JOSEPH GEOGHEGAN, Esq., Salt Lake City.
Texas—Gen. A. G. MALLOY, El Paso.
California—Capt. JAMES CONNOLLY, Esq., Coronado.

OTHER VICE-PRESIDENTS.

District of Columbia—Hon. EDWARD A. MOSELEY, Washington.
Ireland—Dr. MICHAEL F. COX, Dublin.
Germany—Hon. T. ST. JOHN GAFFNEY, Dresden.
Austria—Dr. THOMAS F. KENNEY, Vienna.

After the election, the Secretary-General stated that several letters of regret had been received by the Society, and they were ordered read. They are as follows:

January 14, 1909.

_My dear Doctor Quinlan_:

Nothing could have given me greater pleasure than to be able to attend
the annual meeting and reception to the American Irish Historical
Society by President Roosevelt on Saturday evening, the 16th inst.
Unfortunately, I am so tied up with engagements on that evening that
it will be impossible for me to leave here, one being a dinner
engagement of long standing, which, however, I might be able to break;
but, in addition, I am scheduled to speak at the annual meeting and
banquet of the field force of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,
of which, as you know, I am a director, and which is to be held at
Delmonico’s. This arrangement was made prior to the time when the date
of the reception to your Society was fixed, and it is incumbent upon
me to be present, and while I fully intended going to Washington and
attending the reception, and so expressed myself to Judge Dowling,
who, I understand, is to deliver an address, yet I now realize the
impracticability of being in two places at the same time, and will
therefore have to forego the pleasure of being there.

I trust you will appreciate my position, and I assure you that
ordinarily I would be only too glad to break any engagement I might
have and avail myself of the pleasure of being present on such an
occasion, but in reaching a decision I could not do otherwise than
give way in favor of the engagement which was prior in point of time.

I deeply appreciate your kind expressions, and the more than
attractive manner in which you urge me to be present, all of which
would be unnecessary in any matter in which you were concerned,
because the mere expression of your wish that you desired my
co-operation in any of the good works in which you are interested
would always receive from me a prompt response.

With kind regards personally, believe me to be,

Sincerely yours,

FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., MORGAN J. O’BRIEN.
33 West 38th Street, New York City.

THOMAS Z. LEE, Esq., AUGUSTA, ME., January 14, 1909.
_Secretary-General American Irish Historical Society_,
Providence, R. I.

_My dear Mr. Lee_: I have received your several communications in
regard to the meeting and annual dinner on January 16 at Washington,
and I planned to go, but things have so shaped themselves that I find
it impossible to leave at this time. I certainly regret very much my
inability to attend, but do wish you all possible success.

Believe me, Yours respectfully,
THOMAS J. LYNCH.

Hon. THOMAS Z. LEE, NEW YORK, January 14, 1909.
_Acting Secretary-General_,
Providence, R. I.

_My dear Judge_: I have to thank you for your letter of the 13th
inst., but regret that I shall not be able to leave New York on
Saturday to attend the meeting of our Society in Washington. Herewith
I give you my check for $5 to cover the amount of my dues for the
current year.

Wishing you a very delightful trip and a good time at the convention,
I remain,

Yours very truly,
WILLIS B. DOWD.

SALEM, MASS., January 14, 1909.

Hon. THOMAS Z. LEE, _Secretary-General of the American Irish
Historical Society_, Providence, R. I.

_My dear Sir_: The Mayor has been sick since Friday of last week, and
although he is now out of bed the doctor positively forbids him to
make a trip to Washington. He sent a message to me requesting me to
notify you of this fact and to express to you his deep regret. I know
he was looking forward with very pleasant anticipation to this trip
and to his meeting with you again.

I find in the mail two tickets to the banquet and not appreciating the
situation fully I am enclosing them to you, thinking that you may be
able to make some use of them as long as the Mayor can not go, but if
these are sent out and charged to the persons to whom they are sent,
you will please advise the Mayor and he will send you the cost of the
same.

Yours very respectfully,
JOS. B. SAUNDERS,
_Secretary to the Mayor_.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
WASHINGTON, January 8, 1909.

Hon. THOMAS Z. LEE,
Providence, R. I.

_My dear Sir_: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of a ticket to
the annual banquet of the American Irish Historical Society, to be
held at Hotel Raleigh January 16, 1909, at 7 p. m., and sincerely
thank you for the favor.

Will endeavor to be present, but on account of business appointments
that I have about that time that will take me away from Washington and
probably will not allow my return in time, would suggest that you do
not figure on my making any remarks at the meeting.

With best wishes for the Society’s success,

Very truly yours,
BIRD S. MCGUIRE.

MR. BERNARD J. JOYCE.

Of Boston, Mass.

One of our most earnest and learned members.
]

January 12, 1909.

MR. THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
_Acting Secretary-General_,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.

_My dear Judge Lee_: I have deferred writing you on the subject of
attending the forthcoming banquet of the American Irish Historical
Society in the hope that I might find it possible to be present.
However, I am doomed to disappointment. I cannot, much as I regret it,
find a way to be with you and our friends to share in the festivities.
That you will have an edifying and jolly good time goes without saying
and I regret exceedingly my inability to share in it. With cordial
best wishes,

Sincerely yours,
A. C. EUSTACE.

January 7, 1909.

MR. THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
Providence, Rhode Island.

_My dear Mr. Lee_: It is with sincere regret that I am compelled to
advise you of my inability to participate in the annual exercises of
the American Irish Historical Society in Washington, D. C., January
16. I assure you it is a grievous disappointment to me, but conditions
are such that it will be impossible for me to leave Utah at the
present time.

Please convey to my fellow-members my very best wishes for the
continued prosperity of the Society. With my best personal regards to
yourself, I remain,

Yours very truly,
JOSEPH GEOGHEGAN.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 8, 1909.

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE, Esq.,
Providence, R. I.

_Dear Sir_: I regret that an engagement to consecrate an altar at
Columbia, S. C., on January the 17th will deprive me of the pleasure
of joining you at the reception at the White House January 16.

With best wishes for the New Year, I remain

Very sincerely yours,
D. J. O’CONNELL.

ELMIRA, N. Y., January 7, 1909.

Hon. THOMAS Z. LEE,
_Secretary-General, etc._,
Providence, R. I.

_My dear Judge Lee_: I am just home from the Appellate Division of our
Supreme Court at Albany, and have your kind invitation to attend the
dinner of the American Irish Historical Society at Washington on the
16th inst. as the guest of the Society.

I very greatly appreciate the honor of this invitation and I have
delayed answer for a day trying to arrange my engagements so that I
could have the pleasure of meeting with the Society on that occasion,
but I am very sorry to find that it will be impossible for me to reach
Washington for the 16th. I cannot tell you how deeply I regret my
enforced absence.

With kindest regards to yourself and the many members of the Society
to whose hospitality I am so indebted, and with cordial thanks for the
honor of the invitation believe me,

Faithfully yours,
D. C. ROBINSON.

NEW YORK, N. Y., January 4, 1909.

THOMAS Z. LEE, Esq.,

_Dear Sir_: Justice Hendrick acknowledges notice of the general
meeting at Washington and expresses regret that owing to the pressure
of court duties it will be impossible for him to attend.

Very truly yours,
EDWARD T. MCCRYSTAL,
_Secretary_.

NEW YORK, December 31, 1908.

MR. THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
_Acting Secretary-General American Irish Historical Society_,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R.
I.

_My dear Sir_: I regret exceedingly that I cannot go with you and be
present at the reception to the American Irish Historical Society by
His Excellency President Roosevelt, as I anticipate being away from
New York about that time.

I believe you will have a very pleasant time and my best wishes go
with you.

With all the compliments of the season, believe me,

Fraternally yours,
RICHARD DEEVES.

NEW YORK, December 31, 1908.

FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., 33 W. 38th Street, City.

_Dear Sir_: Yours with enclosure received. Regret to say I will not
have the pleasure of attending the annual meeting of the Historical
Society at Washington, as I expect to be in the South at that time.

Trusting you will have the usual good time, I remain

Very respectfully,
JOHN F. KEHOE.

DUBUQUE, IOWA, January 2, 1909.

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE, Esq.,

_Dear Sir_: I beg to inform you that Archbishop Keane is not home, nor
is his return expected for some months. It will therefore be
impossible for him to accept the kind invitation of the American Irish
Historical Society.

Sincerely yours,
M. BARRY,
_Secretary_.

BOSTON, January 5, 1909.

T. Z. LEE, Esq., Providence, R. I.

_Dear Sir_: I am sorry I will be unable to attend the meeting of the
Society in Washington. Am very sorry I cannot be there.

Very truly,
F. L. DUNNE.

CHICAGO, January 4, 1909.

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE, Esq.,
_Acting Secretary-General, American Irish Historical Society_,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.

_Dear Sir_: Your esteemed favor announcing the forthcoming annual
banquet of the Society at the Hotel Raleigh in Washington, and also
the reception to be given to the Society by President Roosevelt on
January the 16th is received, and for which accept thanks. I regret
exceedingly that it will be impossible for me to be present on that
occasion. I have been somewhat ailing for several weeks past and am
recuperating so slowly that I fear I will be unable to get away from
my home at the date of your banquet. Should I feel able to do so,
however, it will afford me great pleasure to be present, as I always
enjoy the annual dinner of the Society.

With best wishes, Very truly yours,
P. T. BARRY.

29 BEACON STREET, BOSTON, January 13, 1909.

_Dear Judge Lee_: The meeting in Washington comes at the time of our
annual firm meeting and I regret exceedingly I shall not be able to be
with you. I trust you will have an enthusiastic meeting.

Cordially yours,
THOMAS B. LAWLER.

BOSTON, MASS., January 15, 1909.

MR. THOMAS Z. LEE,
_Acting Secretary-General, The American Irish Historical Society_,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R.
I.

_My dear Mr. Lee_: Your esteemed favor of the 6th inst. reached me
during a trip in the West and I appreciate very much indeed your
remembrance of me by your kind invitation to be the guest of your
Society at the annual banquet in Washington, D. C., on the evening of
January 16, at the Hotel Raleigh, and also to attend with you a
reception at the White House by President Roosevelt.

Although it will be impossible for me to accept these courtesies, I
beg to express my great appreciation of the same and to assure you
that it will always be my pleasure to at any time entertain the
Society at my home in Lexington whenever it is their pleasure to visit
our good old town.

Very sincerely yours,
GEO. W. TAYLOR.

ELIZABETH, N. J., January 15, 1909.

_My dear Judge_: My absence this evening I exceedingly regret. I trust
the dinner and meeting will be pleasant and interesting. What heart
does not dilate with feelings to this night’s occasion, and what a
host of interesting recollections spring up in the mind when we
reflect upon the time when Irishmen came to the shores of this country
in the spirit of holy zeal, leaving the land of their birth, braving
the winds of Heaven and the angry wrath of the mighty Atlantic,
landing in the wilderness and planting the seeds of a holy religion as
well as laying the foundation of the mighty and greatest of all
republics.

I am with you in spirit this evening and I hope the effects of our
good Society will establish its prestige in every city and town of
this country of ours.

Yours fraternally,
JAMES L. O’NEILL.

NORFOLK, VA., January 15, 1909.

To the American Irish Historical Society,

Hotel Raleigh, Washington, D. C.

_Gentlemen_: Until today it was my intention and hope to be with you
in Washington tomorrow. Conditions beyond control will prevent,
consequently my greetings must be conveyed by mail.

Fraternally yours,
JAMES W. MCCARRICK,
Vice-President for Virginia.

Mr. T. Z. LEE,
_Acting Secretary-General_,
49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.

Mr. Patrick M. Keating presented and read the following memorial to the late Hon. Thomas J. Gargan, former President-General of the Society, which was adopted by unanimous vote:

MEMORIAL OF THOMAS J. GARGAN.

“The members of the American Irish Historical Society by this memorial
desire to pay a tribute of love and respect to the memory of their
late associate and President-General, Thomas J. Gargan, and to express
their appreciation of his character and ability and their recognition
of the great loss the Society has sustained in his death.

“His parents were among the pioneer Irish emigrants who came to this
country in the early part of the nineteenth century and settled in
Boston, where he was born about sixty-six years ago.

“In early life he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, but the practice
of law strongly attracted him and he was admitted to the bar in the
year 1875. As a lawyer he was not merely a successful practitioner,
but an ornament to the profession, scorning to descend to dishonorable
tactics or to adopt the acts of a pettifogger.

“He filled various positions of honor and responsibility, both public
and private, faithfully and efficiently. He took an active part in
causes that brought into requisition the zeal, sympathy and interest
of worthy citizens and rendered valuable service to his city, state
and country. Whether it was a call for patriotic service for the
preservation of the republic or an invitation to join his fellow
citizens in aiding a people struggling for liberty, or in providing
relief for those who were afflicted by reason of some extraordinary
catastrophe—on all such occasions he responded cheerfully and
contributed his full share by word and by deed.

“While he rendered conspicuous public service as an American citizen
he was ever mindful of the land of his forefathers, and of the race
from which he sprung. In early manhood he became the president of the
Charitable Irish Society of Boston, which is one of the oldest
societies in this country, having been established in the year 1737,
and from the time the American Irish Historical Society was organized
he was interested in its welfare, and was honored about ten years ago
by being elected to the highest office within the gift of its members.

“His eloquence, copiousness of ideas and fluency of speech made his
orations edifying and instructive, and his voice, so rich and tender
and with depth of feeling, made the public addresses delivered by him
in memory of the late Mayor Collins and other distinguished men,
models of eulogistic oratory.

“But he was esteemed most highly by the members of this Society as a
true and kind friend, whose sunny temperament, sparkling wit, genial
humor and upright character won their love and admiration and will
long keep him alive in their memories.”

_Resolved_, That this memorial be entered upon the records of this
Society and that a copy thereof be sent to the widow of our late
fellow-member together with the assurance of the deep respect and
affection in which he was held by us and the expression of our
heartfelt sympathy in her sorrow and bereavement.

Mr. Keating’s eulogy followed the memorial and was an eloquent tribute
to our late President-General.

Mr. Gargan was born at Boston, Mass., October 27, 1844, and died at Berlin, Germany, July 31, 1908.

The following memorial to the late Mr. James J. Phelan was presented and read by Mr. Edward J. McGuire, and it was unanimously voted that the same be adopted and that a copy thereof be sent to the family of Mr. Phelan:

MEMORIAL OF JAMES J. PHELAN.

“James J. Phelan died at his country home at Allenhurst, New Jersey,
on August 3, 1908, in the sixty-first year of his age. He was a native
of the city of New York.

“His father was of Irish birth. His mother was a native of Maryland.
His father, John Phelan, came to New York in his early youth with his
father. They settled in Greenwich Village, afterwards known as the
“Old Ninth Ward,” early in the nineteenth century, and established a
successful business in the grocery trade. John Phelan was a man of
shrewdness and commercial ability, which qualities he transmitted to
his son. He was one of the Phelan family that distinguished itself in
the commerce of San Francisco in the pioneer days and still maintains
its high reputation there. John Phelan largely increased his fortune
by his relations to the trade with California in the decade between
1850 and 1860.

“James J. Phelan attended first the public schools and then the
commercial department of the College of St. Francis Xavier, of which
famous institution he remained a steadfast friend ever afterwards.

“In 1867, his father, intending him for a business career, established
him as the proprietor of a general store at Fordham, which was then a
village in Westchester County but which now forms one of the important
centers in the borough of the Bronx, New York City. He spent the
formative years of his business life in the conduct of this venture.

“In 1870, at the age of twenty-five, he formed the firm of Phelan and
Duval, which engaged in the wholesale wine and spirits trade and
became one of the important houses in its department. He continued in
active management of the affairs of this business until the year 1883,
when he took charge of even larger interests.

“The American Contracting and Dredging Company was formed about that
time among other things for construction work upon the Panama canal
under the French concessionaries. It controlled valuable patent rights
in dredging machinery. It secured several important contracts from
Count Ferdinand de Lesseps as president of the French company and
afterwards constructed fifteen miles of the Panama canal. It was most
successful financially and its careful management avoided serious
complications with the misfortunes of the Frenchmen. When its
contracts were completed it withdrew from the field. Mr. Phelan was
one of the master minds in this great work. Among his associates were
Eugene Kelly, Charles N. Fry and George Bliss of distinguished and
honorable memory in American finance, and Commander Gorringe of the
United States Navy, who will be remembered for his engineering success
in transporting the obelisk from Egypt to Central Park and setting it
in its place without a single mishap.