I was very much impressed by the last speaker, Judge Fitzgerald, when he emphasized the fact that whether we are Irish-Americans or American-Irish, we are part and parcel of this great country. It reminded me of what I had heard a great thinker in our own city say a few years ago (the late Mr. Edward Atkinson) upon the subject of restricted immigration. He, with two other very representative men, discussed this question of restricted immigration before the Beacon Society of Boston. His opening salutation was: “Fellow Immigrants, the Beacon Society of Boston.” It is needless to say they were surprised at this unexpected and novel introduction. It was sufficiently explained, however, when he said: “Some of your forefathers may have come over in the ‘Mayflower,’ some of them fifteen generations ago, some of them ten, some of them perhaps not more than three or four; but you must remember that the space of time between the landing of the first immigrant and those of today marks but a short period in the lifetime of a nation, and therefore we are a nation of immigrants. We have no more right to say today to the immigrant landing on our shores that he must not land, than your forefathers and mine had to forbid the landing of the immigrants of their day.”

I believe, Mr. President, that it would be well for us to appreciate Mr. Atkinson’s statement that this is virtually a new country, a land of immigrants, and that we are all Americans. As Americans, we are interested in everything that concerns the well-being of this great and glorious republic, being mindful at the same time of the priceless inheritance it is to every man of our blood to sacredly treasure what has been accomplished by the people of our race in the history and development of this new world. I am glad that these papers are to be published in order that they may be preserved as a fruitful means of inspiration for future generations. It shows the great field of endeavor that is open to this worthy association.

Mr. Martin I. J. Griffin: Mr. President, as these papers are to be published, it is essential that no known errors should appear in them, that is, in the papers published in the name of the Society.

In the last paper read, it was stated that James Logan was more tolerant than William Penn in the matter of the celebration of Mass in Philadelphia. I know that not to be a fact. The speaker has misinterpreted what he alleges to be a fact. William Penn did not object to Mass being celebrated in Philadelphia, and therefore James Logan was not more tolerant in allowing it.

The Episcopalians objected to the public celebration of Mass in Philadelphia. William Penn was in London at the time, and was notified by the English government of the fact that Mass had been celebrated. Thereupon Penn wrote to James Logan, his agent, to send him the fact of the matter. He did not say anything about the “scandal of the Mass,” but that Mass was celebrated in a “scandalous manner.”

William Penn was the Father of Religious Liberty in America, and it was founded in Philadelphia, not elsewhere.

But a more important statement which is common belief among us Irish and is constantly repeated, but which has no foundation in fact, is that one-half of the Revolutionary Army was Irish, and Joseph Galloway is quoted as proof of that.

Dr. Sullivan has only to go to the library and get a copy of the Examination of Joseph Galloway by a Committee of the House of Commons, and he will find that, upon his making the statement the Doctor has recited, Galloway was asked how he knew that. His reply was, “By the deserters that came in.”

I might state that previous to the Revolutionary War, Joseph Galloway had been Speaker in the Assembly. When Sir William Howe took possession of the city of Philadelphia, Joseph Galloway, having gone over to the British side, was appointed Superintendent of the City by him.

And I would say that, if the question as to what proportion of the Revolutionary Army was made up of men of our race is to be asked, we are the ones who should answer it, and not let our enemies do it. Therefore, I have always objected to that statement of Joseph Galloway’s. It is not exactly true, for I secured his report giving figures of deserters of Washington’s army at Valley Forge, and the galleys in the Delaware River. It was about forty-five per cent., not fifty.

But I ask the members not to have that statement published. Joseph Galloway was a deserter from the cause of Liberty and went over to the British. When he was before the committee of the House of Commons he made that statement; but we do not give the answer he made when questioned as to how he knew. It is unfair to have that answer produced against us when we make the statement that one-half of the Revolutionary Army was Irish.

While all the State forces and the Continental Army were largely Irish, I have no belief whatever that one-half of the Revolutionary Army was at any time composed of natives of Ireland. We ought not to assert that it was because we cannot prove it. Nothing should appear in our official proceedings but what we can prove if called upon to do so.

That is why I speak for accuracy in all statements. I would ask that those two, with any others that may be found, be stricken out or revised, and that all the papers be submitted for criticism so that nothing will appear in the records of the American-Irish Historical Society but what we can submit to the country as well-founded. But those statements relative to Joseph Galloway and William Penn and James Logan ought to be revised.

Dr. Quinlan: I think it is certainly befitting that we should go before the world as correct historians, and not state facts unless well-founded.

Dr. Sullivan: I don’t think there is any controversy about the matters suggested. My research has been an entirely scientific one, and we never let anything go out of our department unless we have good evidence to base it upon. Before the paper goes out, those remarks will all be verified. I see no reason for any controversy.

Dr. Quinlan: I thought the subject might be discussed. Perhaps it would be well for you and Mr. Griffin to take it up together.

Mr. Ryan: I think Mr. Talley’s point is admirably taken. There is one thing I would like to mention that has just come to my notice. One of the professors of Harvard University died within a very short time, and it is interesting to know that at the time of his death he was engaged in writing an article on the life and doings of Daniel Shay. At a recent meeting of an historical society here, the sentiment was expressed that the manuscript was in such shape that it would be a valuable contribution to American history if it should be published by somebody who would take an interest in the work.

Dr. Quinlan: We have additional papers to be submitted. At the close of the reading of these, I shall be very happy to receive what suggestions you may have to offer in that regard.

The next article is by Rev. Cornelius F. O’Leary of Wellston, Mo.

Rev. Cornelius F. O’Leary: I will follow the good example of others and merely submit it to the Society for publication. I may give you a preface though, showing forth the reason that led me, for I was in harmony with the great object of this Society, to trace the footsteps, of the Irish in America, and, as I am a resident of St. Louis, thought well to bring forward the early history of St. Louis.

The Connors, the McKnights and the Bradys, they were foremost in everything. The first man to open a hotel in St. Louis was a man named Brady. The first man to publish a newspaper west of the Mississippi was an Irishman named Charless. The first man to open an English speaking school in that French village was an Irishman. The Irishmen were prominent in everything.

I hope you will find this paper interesting. I will not take the time to read it now, but will submit it this evening to Judge Lee.^[2]

Dr. Quinlan: The next paper is by M. R. F. McCarthy, Esq., of Binghamton, N. Y., entitled “A Little Mosaic of the Life of Henry W. Grady.”^[3]

Judge Lee: Mr. McCarthy is not here, but has sent me his paper. I have no authority from Mr. McCarthy to read the same, but, if agreeable to yourself and the members of the Society, after approval by the Executive Council, I move that it be printed.

Dr. Quinlan: Those in favor of the motion signify by saying “aye”; those opposed “no.” The motion is carried.

Dr. Quinlan: I desire to make mention at this time of an article by Hon. Joseph T. Lawless on Daniel Morgan of Cowpens. This article was prepared after painstaking research by Judge Lawless, and should have been published in the Journal of the Society of 1907. For some reason or other, it was omitted, but will now be published in Volume IX. in accordance with the desire of the Executive Council.

Scientific papers have already been received from Michael J. O’Brien, Esq., Thomas S. Lonergan, Hon. William J. Onahan and Hon. Patrick T. Barry, and papers are promised and now in process of preparation by Rev. William J. McCoy, LL. D., Michael J. O’Brien, Esq., Hon. Michael P. Kehoe, Hon. James F. Brennan (our Historiographer), Edgar Stanton Maclay, Esq., Prof. Andrew J. Hogan, Martin I. J. Griffin, Esq., Dr. J. Lawton Hiers, Col. Alfred Moore Waddell, and Frank M. Coffee, Jr.

You see, gentlemen, there is no paucity now of literary material. We simply can’t stop the flood.

The next order of business is the reading of obituaries. The first is that of Rev. Daniel H. O’Dwyer, by Chairman John J. Lenehan of the Membership Committee. The same has been submitted and will be published in Volume IX.

The next is that of Mr. Patrick O’Brien, which, after its reading by the Secretary-General, will be ordered published.

The Secretary-General read the sketch.

Dr. Quinlan: The next is the obituary of Rev. Michael Aloysius McManus, by James L. O’Neill, Esq.

Judge Lee: Doubtless many of us who were present at our annual meeting in Washington last year will remember Father McManus. His soul was so in the work that he didn’t wait to be proposed, but proposed himself at that meeting. The obituary notice is here, and has been well prepared by one of the members of the Executive Council, Mr. James L. O’Neill. With your permission, we will follow the usual course and publish the same in Volume IX.

Dr. Quinlan: Very well. The next is that of Mr. Philip C. Walsh by Philip C. Walsh, Jr.

Judge Lee: Mr. Philip C. Walsh, Jr., is not a member of the Society, but has sent me an obituary notice of his father which is quite complete. The same will take the usual course.

Dr. Quinlan: The next is the obituary of Mr. James McGovern by John G. O’Keefe. I understand the same is to be turned over to the Secretary-General for publication.

The next order of business is the reading of letters of regret by the Secretary-General.

Communications were then read by the Secretary-General from Ex-President-General Edward A. Moseley, Hon. William A. Prendergast, Rev. Dr. John J. McCoy, John F. Harty, Esq., Hon. Martin J. Wade, Dr. J. Lawton Hiers, Hon. M. F. Kennedy, John Wood, Esq., James H. Devlin, Esq., Thomas F. Kailkenny, Esq., John H. Maloney, Esq., Daniel Hanrahan, Esq., Rev. Edmond Heelan, Anthony McOwen, Esq., Vice-President James Thompson, Vice-President Thomas J. Lynch, Hon. Patrick T. Barry, Rt. Rev. Phillip G. Garrigan, D. D., Hon. Patrick E. C. Lally, M. P. Tully, Esq., Dr. George McAleer, Hon. T. P. Linehan and others.

Dr. Quinlan: The next in order, gentlemen, is the unfinished business.

Judge Lee: There is none.

Dr. Quinlan: Any new business?

Judge Lee: None.

Dr. Quinlan: There is a communication here that I would like you to take home for consideration:

“Members and guests will assemble in this room, which will be rearranged for a reception room, at 6.30 p. m. A ladies’ room across the hall has been prepared, and a gentlemen’s room a few doors down. Attendants of the hotel under the direction of the Reception Committee will wait upon the members and guests, and until seven a reception by the officers to members and guests will be held under the direction of the Reception Committee.

“Dinner will be served at seven promptly in the Grand Banquet Hall. Seating lists have been provided and will be distributed at the reception, so that each member and guest may know where he is to sit. Applicants for tickets received today will be seated by the Reception Committee to the best of its ability. Dinner tickets of members and guests will be taken up by the hotel attendants at the entrance to the Grand Banquet Hall.”

Before we adjourn, I want to ask Mr. Michael J. Corbett, one of our members, to say a word.

Mr. Corbett: Gentlemen, I am glad to have been here today. I have enjoyed all the papers that have been read, and have no doubt I shall enjoy the banquet later in the evening.

Motion made and seconded that the meeting adjourn.

Dr. Quinlan: This closes the scientific meeting of the American-Irish Historical Society, and I declare it adjourned.

President-General Quinlan: Ladies and Gentlemen and Honored Guests, in the name of the American-Irish Historical Society, I bid you welcome to our city and to the Twelfth Annual Banquet of our Society.

During the last year, some events have crowded into the history of the Irish people in this country that give thrill and romance to the race. One feature that is preëminent, and one that stands vividly before us as if yesterday, was the pageant on the land and sea of the Hudson-Fulton celebration. That grand occasion, ladies and gentlemen, brought forth in this city and its environs a multitude of people who have come to honor the men who have placed their names in American history and who have perpetuated its grandeur. The conditions surrounding this great event are only too well known to you, and it would be like bringing coals to Newcastle were I to burden your memory by referring to that occasion.

Tonight we have assembled to commemorate an event in the history of this Society. Some twelve years ago, in the city of Boston, a call was sent out by the late Secretary-General of this organization to some men in the outlying cities and suburban towns to assemble and organize a society that would correct the wrong that had been done the American-Irish or Irish-American, and make known what they had achieved. The history of our country has oft been written by men of English blood, and it was the purpose of that body that was assembled to correct erroneous impressions and give color, feature and dignity to the men who have made it possible for us to enjoy the beautiful flag of our Union. (Applause.)

This Society is essentially American because its interests are coupled with the defence of the flag, and we have everything in common with the community of our great nation. It is Irish because its sons and grandsons have made their weight felt in every walk of life, and are commemorating the conditions that were given to them by their sires. It is historic because it is our pleasure, our pride and our privilege to record the achievements of Irishmen in every walk of life, and to make them better known in the history of today and in the history to come, and to give force and color and emphasis to what they have done for our Republic. (Applause.)

As this is an historical body, it may be my privilege tonight to refer occasionally to manuscript, in order that every word uttered by the executive may bear the imprint of record. Sustained as I am on both sides by the law and the Church, I could not otherwise but give utterance to that which emanates from and has been conceived by people who have toiled and wrought and developed a condition and a color that has stood out for what is right.

With the inception of our country, Irishmen have been ever foremost to proclaim their allegiance—from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, who dedicated his life and fortune to the cause of Independence, to the humblest wage-earner who contributes his quota, from the bleak shores of Alaska to the Mexican Gulf. They have added lustre to Columbia’s Coronet, and in the womb of the unborn future they will continue their unswerving devotion to the cause of Freedom.

This is the youngest historical daughter of Erin in America. It has been suckled at the breasts of the Mother Irish Societies here, many of whom are older than the very country itself. It has grown and matured because it was sustained by a spirit of justice, and it has lived and prospered under the sheltering influence of the Stars and Stripes.

Our fathers sought this country as an asylum from the tyranny and misrule of England, and they builded far better than they knew. For the past two hundred years, they were deprived of every condition, social and educational, that belonged to a country whose civilization at one time had illumined the world. The pages of Irish history for the past seven hundred years present little else than sorrow, privation and oppression. During the past two hundred years, Irishmen have come to Columbia’s open arms, and they have not been unworthy of her tender care and affection. We stand here tonight entrenched behind the history of our past, and Ireland’s sons and daughters have taken their place in the household of America, and we will strive to be worthy of the position assigned to us in her family.

I am pleased to announce that the past year has witnessed industrial and educational changes in the Emerald Isle. One-half of the present occupiers of the land have purchased the ground outright (Applause) and the division of the untenanted pasture lands among the people has stimulated thrift and neatness, as well as increased production, whilst the Irish trade-mark has protected its home industries. Home Rule agitation has strengthened the position of Mr. Redmond and vindicated his Parliamentary activity. The prospects for Home Rule in Ireland, whether from the tariff reform or from the Conservatives or Free Trade Liberals, are now brighter than they have been since the year 1885. (Applause.)

It is not my thought, in this prefatory address, to invade the province of subsequent speakers, but rather to introduce to you in a modest way our position as an historical body in this great nation. The gentlemen who will follow me will give you detailed accounts of our activity and strength in this country, whereas it is my humble part to explain our existence and ratify our importance as one of the races that make up this glorious Republic. (Applause.)

We know no creed except the Sermon on the Mount; no race but the community of honest purpose; no politics but those which serve for the betterment of mankind. We want our record from the voyage of Brendan, who antedated Columbus nine hundred and fifty years, to this country, down to the invention of Brennan of the monorail, inscribed upon the pages of history as products of Irish thought and ingenuity.

I will take a minute, if I may, to explain in a digressional way what I have alluded to in my last sentence. Mr. Louis Brennan, inventor of the Brennan torpedo and the Brennan monorail, of which he recently gave a successful exhibition in London, was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. He was, from 1887 to 1896, superintendent of the Government Brennan Torpedo Factory, of which he is at present the consulting engineer. The first monorail for commercial purposes will soon be in operation in the city of New York. Mr. Brennan estimates that it can easily attain a speed of 140 miles an hour, and that danger is practically negative.

Your Presidents-General, from Admiral Meade to Admiral McGowan, have been men who have stood for the great ideals of this country. Their labors in this Society have been crowned with success, and those of this group of executives who have been removed by the hand of Death can look from their exalted places tonight and feel proud of their meritorious work. They have erected the edifice; it is only left for us to maintain the structure. The work of this Society would be like a “Rope of Sand,” as my friend Clarke would say, unless we perpetuate our traditions and realize the anticipations of our forefathers.

This Society needs a Chapter in every State of the Union, where semi-annual meetings should be held for the purpose of reading historical papers, and at the same time to draw closer and closer together our people. Bring your sons into our Society that they, too, may enjoy the glorious association of our kinsfolk. (Applause.)

There is a tendency, however, among the young people (and this I say with regret) to regard anything Irish as unstylish and, perhaps, a trifle low. Now, such thoughts must be eliminated by their presence and coöperation with us, and their participation in all our allied interests.

My work among you has been a labor of love. The administration has been ably seconded in all its efforts, and the Membership Committee, headed by its indefatigable captain, has regenerated our Society by its colossal work. In two years our forces have been increased to nearly one thousand members (Applause) and the Society has benefited numerically and intellectually, as well as financially.

It is a well-known fact, that, in the event of death, either by illness or accident, of the Great Father of our Country, it was his express wish that the command of the Continental Army should be given to General John Sullivan. (Applause.)

That seven of the sixteen generals in that same army were Irishmen or Irishmen’s sons. That Commission No. 1 in the Continental Navy was given to Jack Barry of the City of Wexford. (Applause.) That the first naval victory of the Revolution on the high seas was won by Maurice O’Brien of Maine and his seven sons (Lexington of the Seas). (Applause.)

That four months before a shot was fired at Lexington, proclaiming the War of Independence, a handful of patriots, mostly Irish boys, led by John Sullivan of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, overpowered an English garrison at Newcastle and captured guns and ammunition that were used with deadly effect at Bunker Hill. (Applause.)

It was said this afternoon at our scientific gathering by one familiar with the subject that the finest lot of books that ever came into America at one time was presented to Yale College by Bishop Berkeley of Cloyne, Ireland, and formed the nucleus of its great library. That Thomas Dongan, Earl of Limerick, as Governor of New York, gave the Colony its first great Charter in 1683; and that twelve of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Irishmen or men of Irish extraction.

Wireless telegraphy owes its discovery to the son of a Dublin mother, steam navigation to a son of Erin, and the great Erie Canal—it ought to be the Erin Canal—to the descendant of a Celt. Through the bodies of eight presidents of our Nation coursed Irish blood, and many of the gifted dramatists and actors of our country have come from gentle Irish stock; whilst editors and literateurs have been pleased to call their inspiration purely Celtic. Fortified by such forces in the past, we are here tonight to blow life into the mummified historians of our day, and to awaken in them the honest motto of our Society, “That the World may know.” (Applause.)

George II had reason to say: “Cursed be the laws that deprived me of these subjects,” and how George III could re-echo these fateful words after his unjust taxation upon the early colonists is to be marvelled at; but the Irish were here then, as they are here now, ready to avenge to the hills their treasured wrongs.

It is not my purpose on such an occasion as this to dim your eyes or sadden your thoughts with unhappy reflections, but custom holds me to a strict account; therefore a befitting allusion to our departed brothers is not out of place, and such an omission would indeed be culpable.

Our ranks have been depleted during the past year by the Great Leveller. Many of these we could ill afford to lose, but, by Divine Command, they have gone where, with watchful eyes, they will continue to follow us in spirit. Let us be worthy of the heritage they have given us, and when we, too, part company from those we love, let it be said of us as it is said of them, “They are absent but not forgotten.” (Applause.)

The band will now play the “Star Spangled Banner,” and I will propose a toast to the President of our Nation, William H. Taft. (Toast drunk standing.)

President-General Quinlan: Ladies and gentlemen, you will kindly be seated. We are only upon the threshold as yet, we shall soon invade the building.

In my enthusiasm I forgot, in the opening part of my speech, to thank the men who have elected me for the third time to the presidency of this great Society.

I want the women here tonight to take this matter up with these derelicts—I won’t say whether it is father, husband or son. You see mothers are always before me, and I can’t get away from the mental picture as well as the physical one. But the women can do much good. Look what they have done tonight! If you could stand here and see this beautiful picture, effulgent with everything lovely, it seems that the flowers and shrubs of Paradise have been sent down here in order to give color and radiance to this picture! And then the inspiration—Mr. Crimmins says a feast in itself.

Now I want the good women to talk about the American-Irish Historical Society, to boom it, so to speak, and I feel confident that much good will be accomplished through their efforts.

I am going to ask the Secretary-General to read one or two communications from absent members, and we will go through this programme like Paderewski does with his touch on the piano.

Secretary-General Lee: Mr. President—

(Applause.)

Ladies and Gentlemen of the American-Irish Historical Society, I thank you sincerely. At the direction of the President-General, I have three communications to read. The first is from our fellow member, Mr. Victor Herbert. It is a telegram to the President-General:

“Am prevented from being present tonight on account of attack of tonsilitis, confining me to residence. Wish fellow members and guests a right good time.

(Applause.)

The next two are letters from ex-United States Senator William E. Chandler, who is Vice-President of the Society for New Hampshire:

“It gives me pleasure to be allowed to apply to be a member of the American-Irish Historical Society.

“Should I be elected, please give me the necessary notice. I find I shall not be able to attend the meeting of Saturday; but if I can be of service to you in Concord or Washington it will give me pleasure to do so.

“I recommend for membership John W. Kelley of Portsmouth, N. H. I reckon, however, he is now a member.

I move you, Mr. President, Mr. Kelley’s election as a member of this organization.

President-General Quinlan: You have heard the motion that Mr. John W. Kelley be elected a member of the American-Irish Historical Society. Those in favor say “aye,” those opposed “nay.” Mr. Kelley is unanimously elected.

President-General Quinlan: It is necessary that you give your undivided attention to the next speaker. He is the financial agent, or, rather trust president of our corporate body. Mr. Dooley has been associated with the American-Irish Historical Society for many years. You all know Judge Lee, because he is in touch with you constantly upon the various matters that concern our Society, whether historical or social; but Mr. Dooley has so little occasion to remind you of your obligations, as the wave of financial return sweeps into him without any reminder from his office. He is quiet, modest and dignified, like a great many of our New Englanders.

Now, within the borders of that section of New England—notice New “England,”—it is now nearly New “Ireland,”—Mr. Dooley represents one of the largest moneyed organizations in the City of Providence. And he is so proud of his Irish blood that sometimes I am fearful lest he be overtaken with a patriotic seizure; his enthusiasm seems to know no bounds. We will now hear him in his own plain, honest words. I have the pleasure of presenting to you the Treasurer-General of our Society, Hon. Michael F. Dooley.

(Band plays “Oh, Mr. Dooley” amid hearty applause.)

Treasurer-General Dooley: This is not the first time I have been greeted with that song, and, while the voices here tonight have been exceedingly delightful to listen to, I can’t help thinking of a criticism that was once passed by the New York Sun upon the “Boston Ideals,” who had been singing English opera, and had done it splendidly. They came to New York determined to enter the field of Italian opera, and the morning following their first night the Sun, in its criticism, started in by saying: “Ideals rush in where artists fear to tread.” I congratulate you upon the song; you sang it so well.

I regret very much that an imperfect memory makes it necessary for me to read this paper to you, but its brevity, I hope, will make good what it otherwise lacks.