Chapter VII: Part 7

“When the greatest crime of the nineteenth century was about to be perpetrated in the dismemberment of this Union the Irish people of the West, in goodly numbers, rushed to its defense and sealed with their blood, their love of the republic. You all, no doubt, have heard of a Sheridan, a Shields, a Corcoran, a Lawler, and others of the West, who died that the Union might live. Ingratitude has never been the failing of Irishmen. Gratitude for favors, even small ones, adherence to principle, through good and evil times, have ever been characteristic of the race. Prior to that war, the hereditary enemy of our people despised America. Since its termination, they have hated, but fear it. You know Gladstone, when Jefferson Davis was inaugurated President, exclaimed that a new nation had been born. We may in the future as we sometimes have in the past, send de-natured Americans to London, but no occasional slobbering over the great republic by perfidious Albion can disguise that hatred. Napoleon said, scratch a Russian and you will find a Tartar, scratch an Englishman or an Irishman of the garrison, and almost invariably you will find a hater of America.

“In conclusion, let me say, and I say it with some pride, but in no boastful spirit, that the Irish people in the West, though having to struggle from the lowest rung of the ladder, are physically, intellectually, morally, and I might add, financially, the peers of their neighbors. They are not a dying race. I wish some competent hand would write their history.”

Mr. Moloney’s address was greeted with much applause and cheering, and at this point Senator Carter of Montana arrived in the hall and was escorted to his place at the head table by the Secretary-General and Mr. Moseley.

PRESIDENT-GENERAL QUINLAN: “We are honored this evening by the presence of one of our most earnest members, whose distinguished services to his country in the United States Senate and earnest and unselfish devotion to the work of our Society endears him to all. It is with pleasure I introduce Hon. Thomas H. Carter, United States Senator from Montana.”

SENATOR CARTER: “_Mr. Toastmaster, Fellow Members of the Society, Ladies and Gentlemen_: I am billed upon this program to deliver a ‘Capital Welcome.’ I at once disclaim ability to do that.

RIGHT REVEREND M. C. LENIHAN.

Bishop of Great Falls, Montana.

Vice-President of the Society for Montana.
]

“‘Capital Welcome’ seems to imply a good or excellent welcome, and that accomplishment is beyond me,—but I most cheerfully extend to you a cordial welcome to this, the Capital City of our common country, and I sincerely hope that as you each depart from here, you will not feel impelled to write upon the register a sentiment similar to that written by one of our distinguished fellow-countrymen upon leaving a watering-place in England. Each of the party was called upon to write on the register of the hostelry a sentiment, and one bright member wrote these words: ‘I came here for change and rest; the porter has the change, the landlord the rest.’

“The man who wrote that was not the same man whom Brother Lee desires me to tell about, who described the kind of a man that Casey was. The man at the head of the table said ‘What kind of a man is Casey?’ ‘Well,’ says Murphy, ‘I’ll tell you what kind of a man Casey is. I went over to Casey’s house. Says he to me, “Murphy, will you have a drink?” I says, “Of course I will, Mr. Casey.” He says, “Murphy, shall I pour or will you pour?” “Pour yourself,” says I, “Mr. Casey.” He says, “All right, tell me when to stop.” He poured out a drop or two, and out of politeness I said “Stop, Casey,” and Casey stopped. That’s the kind of a man Casey is.’

“This Society needs no welcome to the Capitol City of this nation. Wheresoever you may turn in viewing our parks or avenues or historic halls, you will see in bronze and in marble mute evidences of the appreciation expressed by a grateful people of the achievements and contributions of the Irish and the Irish Americans, in building up and maintaining this great Republic.

“In LaFayette Square, immediately in front of the White House, is a statue of Andrew Jackson, a renowned President of the United States who was the son of an Irishman. Out in the northwest part of the city, but a few days ago, we assembled to unveil an equestrian statue to a man whom General Grant pronounced the greatest soldier of any time, the son of an Irishman, Philip Sheridan. Come down but a little farther and you will find a square adorned with trees and flowers, and in its center a beautiful statue to Admiral Farragut, of Irish blood on his mother’s side. Over in Iowa circle, to the northeast of this point, is the statue of General John A. Logan, the son of an Irishman. Pennsylvania Avenue has been gazed upon for years and years by the sightless eyes of a bronze statue of General John A. Rawlins, the confidential friend of the peerless victor of Appomattox. General Rawlins was of Irish extraction.

“Across Pennsylvania Avenue from this hotel is a great building in which throbs the heart of the mighty postal system of the country for which we will expend two hundred and thirty millions of dollars during this fiscal year. The first Postmaster-General admitted to the Cabinet of a President was John Barry, the son of an Irishman. And that reminds me of the way Cabinet officers are selected. It is generally supposed that the President’s Cabinet is organized in conformity with law, but such is not the fact. One day Postmaster Barry received a note reading thus: ‘Tomorrow and hereafter you will attend Cabinet meetings.’ Signed ‘Andrew Jackson.’ It was that which established the custom of calling in the Postmaster-General as one of the counselors of the President of the United States, and that custom has been maintained to this day.

“Go through the hall of statuary in our Capitol, and there you will find in marble men of proud fame in this country’s history—General Louis Cass, Henry Wilson, General Shields and others, making a long roll of men of Irish birth or lineage which I will not undertake to call here tonight.

“Just across the Potomac River, when the life of the nation was assailed, Colonel Corcoran of New York was the first to move forward with the Stars and Stripes. When the Capitol was menaced from the southwest, ‘Phil’ Sheridan was there with his cavalry to meet the enemy. When the fate of the nation was trembling in the balance upon the historic field of Gettysburg, the Union Army was directed by the masterful mind of General Meade of Irish blood.

“I will not go back to the early days of the country’s history. It is sufficient to say that in a parliamentary inquiry as to the conduct of the war against the colonies by a committee of the House of Commons of which Edmund Burke was a member, this interesting fact was brought forth. In the cross-examination of Major General Robertson, Mr. Burke asked the question, ‘Of what elements is the Continental Army composed?’ Robertson said, ‘On authority of General Lee, I inform you that more than half the Continental Army is made up of Irishmen.’

“The illustrious names that adorn our country’s history are entitled to imperishable renown because of great deeds well done in that Revolutionary struggle. Among them is a list of men of Irish birth, beginning with the man who struck the first blow, General Sullivan, and continuing along the line to the close of the war. And when I think of the contributions made, the common sufferings endured, and the sacrifices made without limit as to time or circumstance, I say the Irish and their descendants are entitled to the privilege of claiming with proud confidence that this is their own country.

“The history of Ireland is confined to an island with its curious, sad and heroic circumstances, but the history of the Irish people is limited only by the inhabitable portions of the globe.

“I have been, as you have been, chagrined to perceive the disposition to rob these people of the credit which is truly and justly their due. Who can read of Burke and Goldsmith and Johnson and Sheridan and Tyndale as English authors without a feeling that some one has been guilty of grand larceny and misrepresentation.

“Who can read the page of history which places Arthur Wellesley as an Englishman without feeling that the hero of Waterloo has been misplaced? Why deny to this island, bereft of the right to control its own destiny, the privilege of claiming the honor and distinction properly due to the achievements of its distinguished sons?

“It is desirable that a society like unto this should be established in England to change the trend which leads to error and confusion. What we undertake here should be undertaken there. I am glad that this Society has taken up the work of developing the history of the Irish and their descendants in the United States, for it is a great and glorious feature in American history. While proud of the past, while proud of the achievements of those whose deeds we record, it is important, I think, that we should at the same time bear in mind the duty we owe to the future.

“I would that the Americans of Irish birth and descent in this country could unite their energies and make of this force in American life a leading force for higher conceptions of civic duty, a force looking to better living, a force working for a civilization such as has not been dreamed of by those who have struggled in the past. This we may do while recording that which has gone by with fidelity and truth. Let us be true to ourselves by working for such conditions as will make our race more distinguished henceforth in its achievements than it has been in the splendid work of the past.”

PRESIDENT-GENERAL QUINLAN: The next and last toast of the evening is “Advantages of Historical Research to Irish Americans.” The response will be made by a noble American of Irish ancestry, who comes from the granary belt of the great Northwest, the land of Sitting Bull and the brave Sioux, where the ardent flames of patriotism burn with the intensity of true Americanism.

What means this gathering here tonight,
What Spirit moves along
This crowded hall and touching light
Each heart among the throng
Awakes as tho’ a trumpet blast
Had sounded in their ears
The recollection of the past,
The memories of the years.
Oh, ’tis the spirit of the West, the spirit of the Celt,
The breed that spurned the alien breast and every wrong has felt,
And still tho’ far from fatherland, we never can forget
To tell ourselves with heart and hand,
We’re Irish yet,
We’re Irish yet.

I take great pleasure in introducing to you, ladies and gentlemen, Hon. Robert J. Gamble, United States Senator from South Dakota.

SENATOR GAMBLE: _Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen_: I accept the kindly and humorous felicitations of your President. I admit I hail from South Dakota, once the land of the Sioux, of Red Cloud and Sitting Bull. In these later years, however, it has been transformed with marvelous rapidity into an empire of wealth, of productiveness, of social and civic development, and with ideals at least equal to those of any in the Sisterhood of States. In her wonderful prosperity she has been as jealous of the one as the other. In her Constitution and in her laws she has sought to make liberty secure, to foster and provide for the education of her children, to encourage the highest ideals of citizenship, to inspire a patriotism worthy of the opportunities of her people. Along all of these lines we feel South Dakota has met with a high degree of success. She stands almost the lowest in the percentage of illiteracy of her population. Pauperism is scarcely observable. Wealth and comfort are very generally diffused amongst her people. Her schools and colleges are equal to the necessities of the state. The door of opportunity is open to all. For more than a decade she has produced each year more wealth per capita than any other state in the Union. (Applause.)

Mr. President, at this late hour I give you assurance of brevity in what I have to say. I appreciate very much the compliment of your invitation, and indeed it is a great pleasure to be present on this occasion and to respond to the toast to which I have been assigned.

The history of Ireland in itself is a sad one, but the high purpose and invincible courage of her manhood and her womanhood, their high ideals and devotion to liberty and to national integrity, have been fraught with blessings and have brought encouragement to human liberty the world over. (Applause.)

Within the circumscribed limits of their own nationality success rarely crowned the patriotic efforts and heroic struggle for liberty of the Irish people. Their field of activity, however, has not been confined to the land of their birth, and has been limited only wherever humanity has asserted itself against tyranny and in a struggle for better conditions and for orderly liberty.

America owes a wonderful debt of gratitude to the Irish race. We must recognize that preceding American independence there was a strong element of our population composed of Irish Americans.

Among the strongest advocates for American independence were Irishmen, or the descendants of Irishmen. Hancock and Rutledge and the Carrolls and their co-workers contributed vastly to the development of a National spirit. The work of these strong, patriotic and efficient men had much to do with drawing the colonies together in united effort and cementing their interests in the common cause. Their voices had long been raised in protest against the Mother Country before the musketry was heard at Lexington. These brave and courageous men, and their associates, with their large vision and patriotic purpose, pointed out the way and crystalized the sentiment for national independence. The work they performed for the cause of national independence, though different in character, was as important in its way as that of the actual participants in the field, of the general or the soldier.

As indicative of the high character of the Irish race, and of their activities and large influence in the formative period of our National history it is gratifying and with a sense of pride in this presence to state that in the First Continental Congress, with a membership of fifty-four, eleven were Irish or of Irish descent. The same race has also to its credit three presidents of the Republic whose ancestors came from the Emerald Isle. And Roosevelt, an honored member of this Society, not only our President, but the most distinguished citizen of the world, takes pride in the fact that he can trace his lineage to this indomitable people. (Applause.)

Of the membership of the Continental Congress that put forth the immortal Declaration of Independence, twenty per cent was Irish or of Irish descent. The hand of Thompson that first transcribed it upon parchment was Irish; the first signature that was placed to it as President was that of John Hancock, an Irishman-American; and when those immortal words were read for the first time to the assembled multitude from the balcony of Continental Hall at Philadelphia, it was by the voice of an Irishman, Mr. Nixon; and when it was placed in type for the first time it was by one Dunlap, an Irish printer.

In the spring of 1777, when Congress appointed eighteen brigadier-generals, six of those who were thus commissioned were Irish by birth or descent. Among the number were the dashing and brilliant Mad Anthony Wayne and the strong and courageous Clinton. I need only speak of the accomplished Montgomery, whose valor has been justly praised and who died a hero’s death upon the plains of Quebec, or of Sullivan, the splendid leader and the associate of Washington, upon whom the latter leaned more than upon any other, and for whose great service the thanks of Congress were extended; of Knox and Stark and many others who were ideal and successful leaders in the great Revolutionary struggle. It has been asserted, but undoubtedly with very much exaggeration, that half of the Continental Army were Irish or of Irish descent. Even if this be not true it must be admitted that the race had a large representation in the Army, and it speaks well for their patriotism and devotion to the cause of American Independence.

The Irish race I think can take a just pride in the accomplishments of its people, not only as statesmen and leaders in contributing vastly towards shaping the policies of the colonies in the formative period of our history with a view to the ultimate forming of the Federal Union, and also in leadership and on men in the field of battle.

But it was not alone upon the land that the heroism of the race asserted itself in the cause for National Independence. If not the first, at least among the first naval fights of the Revolution was the capture of the British ship _Margaretta_ at Machias Bay on the Coast of Maine on May 11, 1775. The Americans were commanded by Captain O’Brien, the son of an Irish immigrant. This victory has frequently been called “The Lexington of the Seas.”

It was John Barry, a native of Ireland, who received one of the first naval commissions from Congress. Through his ability and leadership and his many well earned victories he brought the highest credit to America upon the seas. Commodore Barry today is justly called “The Father of the American Navy.” He was the great naval commander of the Revolution. I might name many other distinguished officers of this nationality who rendered conspicuous service to their country and added to the fame of the Navy in the war of the Revolution.

Irish womanhood also gave evidence of its devotion and heroism in the person of Mollie Pitcher, who took the place at the cannon of her fallen husband and is accorded a hero’s place in the battle of Monmouth.

The devotion of those of Irish blood did not exhaust itself in the cause of the Revolution alone. In the War of 1812 it contributed some of its most conspicuous figures. It was Jackson at New Orleans, Commodore Stewart on the sea with his _Constitution_, McDonough on Lake Champlain and Perry on Lake Erie that won imperishable glory for the American Army and Navy in that War.

In the war with Mexico the men of this race had representatives in the persons of Generals Kearney and Shields. The latter also received the exceptional distinction of having been elected to a seat in the United States Senate on three different occasions in separate elections from three different states.

In the recent war, among the most illustrious names is that of General Sheridan, the son of an Irishman, and although less conspicuous others of the same blood rendered high service to their country, and amongst them are such honored names as Meade, Logan, Meagher, Mulligan, Shields and Corcoran.

It is no idle boast to assert that the names of the men of Irish blood adorn the most conspicuous pages of the history of the Republic. They aided as wise, safe and patriotic counsellors in laying the foundations of our institutions. They fought with heroism and devotion in the struggle for independence, both upon the land and upon the sea. In every trial and test that has come to us in our history they have made willing and great sacrifice to defend the honor of their country and to perpetuate and sustain her institutions.

Ireland has contributed much to the Republic. In a high degree the race has been unselfish. The devotion of the race has not alone been confined to the United States. It has been frequently and truthfully said though not always gratefully and freely admitted that she gave a Wellington to England and in these later years she has also contributed a Wolsey, a Roberts and a Kitchener. To France she gave McMahon, and to Spain an O’Donnell.

Many of her brave and devoted men followed Bolivar in South America and aided materially in laying the foundations of the Republic in the Southern Hemisphere.

On every field of human endeavor the Irish name has a conspicuous place. In statesmanship she has given Burke, who enriched our language with his oratory. She supplied also Phillips, Grattan and O’Connell.

In literature she has been most generous in giving to the world Goldsmith, Moore, Collins, Knowles, Sheridan and a host of others. In the sciences she has contributed Lardner, Rowe, Proctor, Tyndall, Faraday and our own Fulton.

Nor has she been lacking in the field of Art, but America adopted as her own the gifted St. Gaudens. In philosophy and theology she has many distinguished names.

Mr. President, in conclusion I would state I believe “The advantages of Historical research to Irish Americans” will give them a more just appreciation of the Irish character, of the services they have rendered in founding, sustaining and perpetuating our institutions and in maintaining the highest ideals of our common country.

PRESIDENT-GENERAL QUINLAN: One final word. The Secretary-General wishes to say something, and I know it will interest you all.

SECRETARY-GENERAL LEE: Mr. Chairman, I move you that the thanks of the American Irish Historical Society be tendered the speakers of the evening for their excellent services in our behalf, and that the entire address of each be printed in the Journal.

Motion carried by unanimous vote.

SECRETARY-GENERAL LEE: Mr. Chairman, I move you that the thanks of the Society and its invited guests are justly due and are hereby tendered Mr. Thomas J. Talty, Manager of the Hotel Raleigh, for his careful personal attention to the banquet and its details, and for his uniform courtesy to members and guests.

Motion carried by unanimous vote.

SECRETARY-GENERAL LEE: Mr. Chairman, I move you that the thanks of the Society be tendered to our fellow-member, Mr. Henry L. Joyce, Manager of the Marine Department of the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, to Mr. W. C. Hope, General Passenger Agent of said Railroad, and to Mr. P. Wilfred Heroy, Eastern Passenger Agent of said Railroad, for their courtesy to members and guests of the Society and for their successful efforts to make our trip by special train pleasant and comfortable.

Motion carried by unanimous vote.

PRESIDENT-GENERAL QUINLAN: This ends the proceedings of the Eleventh Annual Banquet of the Society. I thank you one and all for your attendance. The next annual dinner will take place in the city of New York, and we hope you will all be with us there and that the attendance will be even greater than tonight.

There being no further business before the Society, I declare this meeting adjourned.

COMMITTEES.

The Committee in charge of the entire proceedings in Washington were as follows:

DINNER COMMITTEE.

HON. EDWARD A. MOSELEY, _Chairman_, Former President-General.
REAR ADMIRAL JOHN MCGOWAN, Former President-General.
MICHAEL F. DOOLEY, ESQ., _Treasurer-General_.
HON. LAWRENCE O. MURRAY.
PATRICK J. HALTIGAN, ESQ.

RECEPTION COMMITTEE.

MICHAEL W. NORTON, ESQ., Rhode Island.
HON. JOHN D. CRIMMINS, New York.
HON. JOSEPH GEOGHEGAN, Utah.
PATRICK F. MAGRATH, ESQ., New York.
HON. JOHN F. O’CONNELL, Rhode Island.
DR. M. F. SULLIVAN, Massachusetts.
BERNARD J. JOYCE, ESQ., Massachusetts.
PATRICK CARTER, ESQ., Rhode Island.
T. VINCENT BUTLER, ESQ., New York.
JOHN J. DALY, ESQ., New York.
GEN. D. F. COLLINS, New Jersey.
FRANCIS I. MCCANNA, ESQ., Rhode Island.
HON. ALEXANDER C. EUSTACE, New York.
HON. THOMAS J. LYNCH, Maine.
GEN. JOHN R. MCGINNESS, Virginia.
HON. THOMAS M. WALLER, Connecticut.

NOTES.

The entire proceedings of the Reception by President Roosevelt, Annual Meeting and Eleventh Annual Dinner were stenographically reported by Miss Viola Follis of Providence, R. I., and by her transcribed. Within a few days afterwards, a copy of his speech was furnished each speaker, so that it would come to the hands of the Editor of the _Journal_ exactly as the speaker wished it finally to read.

The stenographic report and transcription were absolutely complete and without error.

The floral decorations on the tables and walls were beautiful and lavish, and at the termination of the dinner some of the nice pieces were sent to the quarters of our lady guests, while the remainder were sent to the hospitals.

During the evening music was furnished by a good orchestra. The words of “Star Spangled Banner,” “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean,” “Wearing of the Green,” “Minstrel Boy,” and “Yankee Doodle” were printed on the program, and the assemblage, accompanied by the musicians, sung these songs with a will.

HON. WILLIAM F. SHEEHAN.

Of New York City.

An Honored Member of the Society.
]

A large number of guests left Washington Sunday, January 17th, on the Royal Blue Line 3 p. m. express for New York, and for their comfort special cars were attached exclusively for their use. In the dining car a special dinner was prepared and served under the supervision of Conductor Lewis A. Herring, which was enjoyed by nearly all who returned on that train, and he made the occasion enjoyable by pointing out several interesting bits of scenery _en route_, among which was the place where Washington crossed the Delaware. The menu was as follows:

Broiled Sardines on Toast
Blue Points on Half Shell
Ox Joint, Anglaise Consomme, Macedoine
Celery Olives
Baked Mackerel, Royal Sauce
Potatoes, Julienne
Lamb Chops, with Green Peas French Pancake, au Rum
Prime Roast Beef, au Jus
Mashed Potatoes Fried Parsnips
Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce
String Beans Spinach, with Egg
Claret Punch
Chicken Salad, au Mayonnaise
Tapioca Pudding, Custard Sauce
Vanilla Ice Cream Assorted Cake
Sugar Wafers
Roquefort and Edam Cheese
Toasted Water Crackers Saltine Wafers
Black Coffee
Benedictine

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 17, 1909.

A special meeting of the American Irish Historical Society was held in Room 124, Hotel Raleigh, Washington, D. C., this day at 1.30 p. m., President-General Quinlan in the chair.

On motion of Mr. Donovan of New York, it was voted to revise the constitution and by-laws of the Society, and the President-General was instructed to appoint a committee of five to do this work, they to report to the Executive Council.

On motion of Mr. T. Vincent Butler of New York, the thanks of the Society were tendered to the President-General and the Secretary-General for their efficient services in preparing for “the grandest meeting the Society has ever held.” Mr. Butler, in support of his motion, made interesting remarks concerning our fellow-member, President Roosevelt.

The President-General later announced that he had appointed the following gentlemen members of the Committee to Revise the Constitution and By-Laws: Messrs. Michael J. Jordan, Patrick J. McCarthy, Joseph T. Ryan, John E. O’Brien and Thomas Z. Lee.

Short addresses were made by the President-General and several other members on subjects connected with the welfare of the Society, after which the meeting adjourned.

THOMAS ZANSLAUR LEE,
_Secretary-General_.

=Historical Notes and Papers.=

THE CIVIC VALUE OF MEMORIALS.

BY MISS MARY A. GREENE OF PROVIDENCE, R. I.

HONORARY STATE REGENT FOR RHODE ISLAND, NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, GREAT-GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER OF THOMAS HUGHES,
CAPTAIN IN THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION AND MAJOR IN THE WAR OF 1812
AND AN ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY OF THE
CINCINNATI—A MAN OF IRISH PARENTAGE.

Who that visits Italy can fail to be inspired by the ruins of the Forum and the palaces of the Cæsars on the Palatine? The Italian Government has done wisely in making its work of excavation a work also of restoration by replacing as far as possible the statues and monuments of ancient time in their original positions, and in entrusting visitors to the care of guides educated for their duties by a university course in the history and archæology of the Eternal City. Such a guide, after a whole day spent in enthusiastic descriptions of the temples, public buildings, rostra and tombs of the Forum, was asked, “How happens it that you are so very enthusiastic over all this, when it is your duty to make this round day after day?” Never will the hearer forget his reply as, drawing himself up to his full height, he exclaimed with the proudest, loftiest accent, “_I am a Roman_.”

“The grandeur that was Rome” was the spirit of her citizens, their expression in the life of their city, of their high ideals. When these ideals failed to inspire, Rome fell.

That which makes a State is the character of its citizens. One of the strongest influences in the moulding of character is the example of the heroes of the past. Preservation of the history of those who helped to make and mould the nation is, therefore, essential to the maintenance of patriotism. Indeed, it is essential to the true moral development of the nation,—to the very preservation of the nation.

One great advantage of the memorial tablet and the statue over the printed page is that the former are seen and understood by all, while the pages of history are only turned by those who have a certain degree of education and interest. “What mean ye by these stones?” the children in the land of Canaan would ask, gazing upon the heap of twelve smooth stones by the banks of the Jordan. Then would the fathers in Israel reply, “Because the waters of Jordan were cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, and these stones from the bed of the river are for a memorial forever of Jehovah’s leadership of his people through the dry bed of the river into the promised land.”

The historical and patriotic societies of the United States are doing a much needed work by the erection of tablets and the marking of historic spots. A want of reverence for those who founded our nation and fought to establish it; a carelessness as to the lessons to be learned from the early history of the country; a desecration of places consecrated by the blood of our heroes, had much to do with making us, in appearance, a flippant, boastful people, glorying only in the “bigness” of our country and what our own generation was doing, in short, the boastful Yankee caricatured by our European kinsmen.

That temper has changed. While the greater seriousness with which the American people undertake their problems of government is no doubt in part due to territorial expansion and greater international relations, credit must also be given to the impressive influence of the memorials placed in our State houses, our parks, along our streets, commemorating the worthy deeds of our ancestors.

It is then a direct benefit to the State, and aid to good government, and to the realization of the highest civic ideals, to place, where all can see, memorials reciting the virtues and the heroic deeds of men like Washington, Lincoln, Greene, Sullivan, Sherman and a host of others whose splendid achievements, in war and in peace, are a part of our heritage as American citizens, and are the inspiration of our youth to give also of their best, in talents and in loyal, patriotic effort; to make our country great in the best sense,—great in the character of its citizens, great in the accomplishment of high ideals; great in the enjoyment by all of the blessings of liberty.

Providence, R. I., February 12, 1909.

MR. PATRICK CARTER.

Of Providence. R. I.

Member of the Executive Council.
]

CARTER DAY NURSERY. GIFT BY MR. PATRICK CARTER, MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL, IN HONOR OF DECEASED SON.

CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT HANDSOME BUILDING, CORNER PINE AND BYRON
STREETS, IN PRESENCE OF CLERGY, PROMINENT BUSINESS MEN AND
REPRESENTATIVES OF RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL.

In the presence of members of the clergy, prominent business men and representatives of various religious denominations, the new Day Nursery, erected at Pine and Byron streets as a memorial to Edward A. Carter, by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Carter, was formally transferred to Bishop Matthew Harkins at 11 o’clock yesterday morning. Previous to this ceremony there was a low Mass, at which Bishop Harkins was the celebrant, Rev. Austin Dowling, also a member of the American Irish Historical Society, acting as his assistant, at which time the building was blessed.

A large audience assembled in the hall on the second floor to witness the transfer of the keys, the deed and other documents to the Bishop. It numbered men and women prominent in the business and social life of the city, as well as others interested in charitable work.

After Bishop Harkins, wearing the purple robes of his office, had taken a seat on the stage, with Fr. Dowling on his right and Rev. William Pyne on his left, Mr. Carter made the following speech in presenting the structure to the Bishop:

MR. CARTER’S ADDRESS.

“Bishop Harkins: In my own name and that of Mrs. Carter I have great pleasure in handing over to you this morning, as the representative of Nazareth home and the head of the diocese of Providence, the keys of the Edward A. Carter Memorial, the receipted bills for its cost and a paid-up five years’ policy of insurance on the building for $15,000.

“I am sure it is a happy moment for Mrs. Carter and for me; I may say, the proudest moment of our lives, to be in a position to commemorate in this way our son who gave such promise in his youth, and who was taken from us so suddenly.

“A little more than a year ago we laid him away in St. Francis Cemetery and with him the hopes that we had built upon, but the money which would have been his to invest in business had he lived we have resolved to lay aside for his memory in another kind of investment.

“This is our only stipulation—that it be administered prudently, scientifically, but with mercy and in the spirit of Christian charity.

“We have no fear, Bishop, that the money which we have given to the Nazareth Home will ever be diverted from the purpose for which we intend it. We require no bonds from you, for your high standing makes the ordinary safeguard of business in this case unnecessary. Into whatever hands you entrust it, we feel certain that they will execute what we plan.

“You, ladies of the Queen’s Daughters, honor us with your presence here today. You have presided at the formation of this work; your ideas are here incorporated and you have pledged yourselves to its support; therefore, may I be the first to welcome you to its hospitality.

“Let me then, Bishop Harkins, in closing, hand over to you these evidences that the building so happily completed is entirely unencumbered; and let me assure you that while in doing so I now resign the responsibility which has been my preoccupation and pleasure for several months, still, while either Mrs. Carter or myself live, our hearts are in this building, both for the name it bears and for the work which we have confidence it will never fail to do in our community.”

RESPONSE OF BISHOP.

In response Bishop Harkins said in part: “Mr. and Mrs. Carter, I receive very willingly and gratefully these evidences of your generosity. I express to you my thanks and those of the entire community. There may have been other cases in the United States like this, but this is the first case that has come to my knowledge where a memorial of this kind has been reared to an apparently lost, but not really lost, son.

“This is a very special, a very peculiar case. It shows not only a very strong affection, but a very lively faith. It is that faith that is necessary, a faith in the future, a realization that death does not end all.

“Your son was a Cathedral boy, and when I say that I speak with a considerable degree of pride. He was one of us and we knew him and loved him. You determined that he should live on in a certain way and live just about where he lived when he was here. So you have made your boy to live; you have given him a kind of earthly immortality, if I may use that term.

“He will live in the persons of the poor children who will be cared for here. They will have the uplifting influence of the good sisters, the Queen’s Daughters, the clergy, and all who can help them in any way. Yet it will be he who will be living here.

“I thank you in my own name and in the name of the diocese of Providence. I am sure that all those here present agree that no better example can be given a community than that given here today. There is gratitude in the hearts of all the citizens of Providence for this gift.

“In the name of the sisters who will have charge of this institution, I wish to thank you. I welcomed them to our city here in Providence, for I knew that I could not do greater service than to bring here the wise and careful administration of charitable work they have always shown. They will be mothers to the children. They will try to give, and will well-nigh succeed in giving, all the maternal love that is given children in the most favored homes. They will train them not only in their duties to the church, but in every duty they must perform in civil life.”

In conclusion Bishop Harkins paid a tribute to the Queen’s Daughters, the organization which has assumed the maintenance of the institution.

DONORS ARE HONORED.

After the Bishop’s address, Miss Mary A. McArdle, President of the Queen’s Daughters, made a brief address, in which she stated that Mr. and Mrs. Carter had been elected honorary members of the Daughters of the Queen of Heaven, concluding by presenting to Mrs. Carter a bouquet of roses, in number the same as the years of life of the son in whose memory the structure was given.

Mr. Carter responded briefly and the visitors then inspected the building, many registering in the book provided for that purpose.

Among those present were: Mgr. Thomas F. Doran, Vicar General of the diocese; Rev. Owen F. Clarke, Rev. Edward E. Seagrave, Rev. D. F. Lowney, Rev. James C. Walsh, Rev. M. J. McCabe, Mayor P. J. McCarthy, Mayor-elect Henry Fletcher, Attorney-General William B. Greenough, Assistant Attorney-General Harry P. Cross, Cyrus P. Brown, Col. Cyrus M. Van Slyck, Judge Frank E. Fitzsimmons, Judge Thomas Z. Lee, John E. Canning and Thomas F. Monahan.

MODEL INSTITUTION.

This nursery, said to be one of the finest institutions of its kind in the country, has been erected for the accommodation of poor children, regardless of race, creed or color. The Queen’s Daughters, a body of Catholic women with a membership of 700, which was organized in January of the present year for the performance of charitable works, has assumed its maintenance. The organization is affiliated with the Queen’s Daughters of St. Louis, formed in 1889 by thirty-two women of that city for charitable purposes.

The Sisters of the Holy Ghost, also known as the White Sisters, to whom the institution was donated, first came to work among the sick poor in this city in September, 1907. In their errands of mercy they found that a day nursery was very much needed in the section in which their home is located. The two day nurseries already established have been unable to take care of all the children, both having long waiting lists, and the building blessed yesterday will relieve the situation to a considerable degree.

The building is admirably arranged, the purpose for which it will be used having been taken into careful consideration by the architects, Stone, Carpenter & Sheldon, and the ideas of the architects being faithfully carried out by the builder, M. J. Houlihan.

VICTOR HERBERT.

Of New York.

The Eminent Composer and High Authority on Music.

A New Member of the Society.
]

Mr. Carter’s intelligent liberality has rendered possible in Providence a charity of peculiar value. The handsome building is a better monument to his son’s memory than the most costly sarcophagus would be. It bids fair for many years to come to minister to the needs of great numbers of children of tender age whose parents cannot care for them during the working hours of the day; and the community would have double reason to congratulate itself if the example set by these donors were to inspire other citizens of Providence to similar generous gifts. There are twenty-three thousand women in this city who are employed in gainful occupations, and many of them are married, with small children to provide for. It is difficult to think of a more useful institution than one that helps to lighten the domestic anxieties of these workers during their enforced absence from home.

Mr. Carter is a member of the American Irish Historical Society and of its Executive Council and served on the Reception Committee at the events in Washington January 16, 1909.

WAR RECORD OF COLONEL JAMES QUINLAN.

ONE OF THE EARLIEST MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

BY FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., L. L. D., PRESIDENT-GENERAL.

In Volume VI of the Journal appeared a short sketch of Colonel Quinlan’s life, in which his military record was incomplete and the date of birth and receipt of certain commissions were incorrectly stated. The data having been carefully collected and verified, a revised sketch is hereby submitted:

James Quinlan was born in Tipperary, Ireland, September 13, 1833, and came to New York in 1850 and there studied engineering. In 1853 he joined the National Guard and became a member of the Sixty-Ninth Regiment, being commissioned a Lieutenant in 1855, under Charles S. Roe, and commissioned Captain in 1856.

On April 23, 1861, a few days after the fall of Fort Sumter, he left New York with the Sixty-Ninth as Captain of Engineers. He was present at the battle of Blackburn’s Ford, July 18th, and Bull Run July 21st, where he was severely wounded. After this battle Acting Brigadier-General T. F. Meagher recruited the celebrated Irish Brigade, and he was commissioned Major of the Eighty-Eighth New York Infantry, one of the regiments of that organization, in 1861, and ordered by General Meagher to proceed to Fort Schuyler and take command there until further orders. (As far as we know, he was the first volunteer officer to take command of a Fort in the Civil War.) He was present in all the battles of that famous Brigade in the Peninsular Campaign and commanded the regiment all through the Seven Days’ fighting. He won his Medal of Honor by leading a charge on a Confederate battery at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. The battery in question was one of six guns, and had been very annoying to the Union troops. Several other regiments had made efforts to silence it, but without avail. General W. W. Burns, U. S. A., who was in command on that memorable day, wrote at the time Major Quinlan received his Medal of Honor as follows: “The Medal of Honor won by your gallant charge which silenced the enemy’s battery at Savage Station and closed that desperate attack upon the rear of the Army of the Potomac, June 29, 1862, is a just reward and memento for conspicuous bravery due from a grateful Republic to the brave leader of the gallant Eighty-Eighth New York. No one can feel more satisfaction for this signal proof of distinction and glory than your old Commander of that day. The Eighty-Eighth saved the lives of many gallant soldiers by that forlorn-hope charge, and cleared our way to victory that day. It commemorated the charge of the Irish Brigade at Fontenoy.” In the Circular “Medals of Honor” issued by the War Department October 31, 1897, the ground of award of Major Quinlan’s medal is as follows: “Led his regiment on the enemy’s battery, silenced the guns, held the position against overwhelming numbers, and covered the retreat of the Second Army Corps.” He was honorably mentioned by General McClellan for bravery at Malvern Hill and Antietam. He was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel on September 22, 1862, and received his honorable discharge for disability on medical certificate February 4, 1863.

After a few weeks’ illness of heart trouble he died at his home, 104 East 96th Street, August 29, 1906.

And so has passed into history the name of a citizen of foreign birth, who owed allegiance to the whole of his adopted country, and when her troubles came he was found early at the front, dedicating his all to her perpetuity.

A firm, honest friend, a devoted Christian, a loyal brave soldier went to his rest when James Quinlan joined the soldiers of our great Republic who had gone before.

JOSEPH O’CONNOR, EDITOR, AUTHOR AND POET, WHO DECEASED AT ROCHESTER, N.
Y., OCTOBER 9TH, 1908.

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. ONE OF HIS FAVORITE POEMS.

A great editor laid down forever a brilliant, beautiful and useful pen when Joseph O’Connor, the Rochesterian, passed into Eternity from his home in Rochester on the night of October 9, 1908.

In a few hours the news had flashed to all points of the compass, bringing a pause and a hush of sadness to thousands of homes, from Maine to California, wherein his unique personality was known and loved through his nearly forty years of journalistic leadership.

Born in New York State of Irish parents in 1841, he was educated in the best schools of his native State for the practice of the law, but he early chose journalism instead of law for his life work and he made a magnificent success of it.

He brought to the work a mind well-stocked with more of the true history of the world than falls to the lot of most students of history. He brought to his work a mind imbued with the true Christian philosophy of the Catholic catechism. He had formed from youth up a habit of broad, kindly outlook on things in general. He assumed and maintained a manly attitude in politics, uncompromising in principle, but tolerant of other men’s opinions. He had a born poet’s appreciation of true poetry, and a literary judgment that came to be universally respected. He had a gift of expression as a model of unique, finished, sincere writing. And his humility was the best of it all.

He won his readers to his way of seeing things as much by the very apparent unconsciousness of his own superiority as by his logical presentation of his subject.

Through all his long life of varied editorship and many degrees of political and literary success, there is no pessimism charged to his account, no animosity, no bitterness; not even discourtesy.

Many a time in the heat of a political campaign he had to strike at a champion of the other side, but his blow was always leonine. It was a settler of the subject in dispute, but it left no ugly memories—no galling personalities ever marred his political battles.

He scored his successes by the friendly hand shakes of his worsted antagonists.

He prized his independence in politics, and never jeopardized it by accepting favors or honors from friend or foe.

With one or two exceptions, every change that he made in his position was due to his insistent desire to maintain his personal independence as a writer. He left the _Indianapolis Sentinel_ because he did not wish to conform to its political policy. His editorial work on the _New York World_ became irksome on this same account. He broke with the managers of the _Buffalo Courier_ in 1886 because he disliked Grover Cleveland and because he did not propose to stultify his editorial utterances in a newspaper whose proprietor was specially friendly at the time to the Buffalo President. He is said to have refused a flattering offer from Charles A. Dana to become editorial writer on the _New York Sun_ because he did not believe he could conform to Mr. Dana’s ideas, however much he might admire the genius of that brilliant editor.

He set his editorial chair on a calm high level and from it addressed daily a clientele that loyally followed him in all his journeyings through fields of philosophy, history, poetry, romance and even the common things of everyday life. To read him once was to seek him again and remain his disciple.

He might have made his fame rest on his poetry, but he subordinated that gift to his passion for regular, constant work in his editorial chair, indulging in flights of fancy only as a pastime.

Mr. O’Connor was a master of the English language; indeed, it is doubtful if any man on the American press ever wrote it better. Some twenty years ago a correspondent of the _New York Sun_ asked Mr. Dana for information regarding literary style. In the course of his reply he said:

“Among the newspaper writers of our own country and of the present day, perhaps the best style is that of Mr. Joseph O’Connor, the editor of _The Post Express_ of Rochester. It is terse, lucid, calm, argumentative, and without a trace of effort or affectation.”

After quoting this tribute, said Father Cronin of the _Buffalo Union and Times_: “It is no small source of pride and gratification to us to know that one of the great princes of American journalism is an Irish American. Mr. O’Connor’s pen is like the Damascene blade, polished and beautiful, yet withal so smooth and keen that the victim of its blow is severed in twain almost without realizing the catastrophe. Long may Joseph O’Connor wield it, as he has always wielded it, a menace to evil and a swift and sure protection to the right.”

All over the State of New York the daily and weekly papers, the day after his death, contained most flattering and affectionate tributes to his memory, and these were echoed and reinforced since by the press of the whole country, for “The Rochesterian” gave the key to the right solution of many a question to hundreds of editors who sought in the exchanges for “J. O’C’s” latest.

Said the _Rochester Times_: “For intelligence and insight he had few peers among the great journalists of his time; but in addition he had what some more renowned than he have lacked—absolute bravery of conviction. His pen was unconditionally consecrated to truth as he saw truth; and nothing could weaken his allegiance. It is familiar history that he could have held some of the highest posts in American journalism had he been willing to bend his honor or relax his sincerity.”

“Intellectually,” says the _Syracuse Herald_, “he was one of the frankest and bravest of men, never hesitating to champion a cause that appealed to his reason or humanity because it happened to be temporarily unpopular.”

“Journalism,” says the _Troy Press_, “loses a philosophical writer, a brilliant scholar and a veritable ‘knowledge-box’ in the death of Joseph O’Connor of _The Post Express_. He was one of the few editors whose talent and resources were so abounding that adequately to replace him is practically out of the question.”

“He set before the men of his profession,” says the _Rochester Herald_, “an example of frankness, courage, and independence which is emulated wherever it is possible to follow it, and is admired and envied where conditions do not permit of its acceptance. The utterances of newspapers, elsewhere in the country as well as here, are more sincere, more fearless, and freer from cant and sham because of the ideals revered and upheld by Joseph O’Connor.”

“Mr. O’Connor,” says the _Rochester Times_, “was a man of extensive acquaintance, of legions of friends but with few ‘cronies.’ Among these favored few might be numbered Rev. Louis A. Lambert of Scottsville, editor-in-chief of the _New York Freeman’s Journal_; Rev. John L. Codyre of Fairport, Judge John D. Lynn, and a few others. His friendships were for literary characters and their conversation was of the ultra intellectual thought. Abstruse theological and philosophical problems were discussed with as much freedom as ordinary persons talk of the weather. Yet Mr. O’Connor in his kindly, lovable, winsome way could talk entertainingly on the commonest topic with any acquaintance and his was the tactful manner which never made one feel his smallness before him.”

Such is the tribute paid him by the _Rochester, N. Y., Herald_ of October 10th, 1908, in its editorial column.

The Society, in response to its request for further information for its archives, received the following communication from Mr. O’Connor’s lifelong friend, Edmond Redmond, Esq., which we print in full:

230 Spencer St., Rochester, N. Y.,
November 13, 1908.

_Mr. Thomas Z. Lee, Secretary-General American Irish Historical
Society,
Providence, R. I._

DEAR SIR: I duly received your letter of the 5th instant requesting
such material as I may have in relation to a biographical sketch of
the late Joseph O’Connor.

I assume that you have seen the notices printed in Rochester and other
newspapers immediately following his decease. I regret that I can add
but little to those eulogies, which were, I have reason to believe,
written by intimate associates and came from the heart.