Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-09-19
VISIT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OF Irish ClTlZENA TO THE BRESIDENT

yesterday afternoon. at three O'Clock, the
Executive Committee Of Irish Citizens of the
District of Columbia called, by appointment
upon President johnson. and had pleasant
interview. Hon. John Hogan, Of Missouri,
accompanied the committee. The purpose of
the committee was to make known the wishes
and feelings of Irish American citizens upon
matters of interest to themselves and those
whom they represent
DIR. ANTIsELLs ADDRESS.
DIR. Thomas Antisell, chairman of the com.
mittee, unlimited to the President a statement
OF the views and sentiments of the committee,
and OF those in whose interests they spoke
he commenced by welcoming the PresIden.
back 10 his post The committee. he SAID, had
been in communion with their friends in the
Northern States, and represented the IRISH
people. They have been called upon to dis
criminate between their lifelong friends, the
Democracy, and the RADICALS. They look to
Washington and see the machinery Of war still
operating, although war has long ceased
They ask that changes may be made in the
lieye more liberal spirit would prevail.
The Irish citizens, by. an intense yearning
for their native country. have placed them
selves in an apparent antagonism 20 the Gov
eminent They think the conduct of some of
our consuls in Ireland, in not standing up
strictly enough for the rights of adopted citi-
zeBs, deserves rebuke. and they ask their re-
moval and more acceptable ones be made
They speak of the way of transit in Europe
and they desire that this subject should he
presented to the attention of the British Gov
eminent.
The Irish people deny that they have ever
committed treason in trying TO tree themselves
from the British yoke. They allude to the re-
Irrespective statute of the British Parliament
in 1eis, and referring to the course of the Min
lister at ST. James. they suggest that a person
OF more liberal sentiments would better repre-.
sent the opinions of the American people
They suggest that the Alabama claims should
be pressed TO adjudication. They suggest that
II would be well If England would initiate the
wise policy of the United States in pardoning
those concerned in the civil war and hope that
an effort Will be made to in uenee her to release
Irish prisoners confined for no offense The
IRISH are nation here, with three-fourths OF a
million of voters, and they suggest that in
appointments 10 be made in post offices and in
the internal revenue that Irish citizens shouId
receive their pro rata share of the Offices. Not
alone IN the State offices, but in the diplOmatic
corps they suggest that our Irith citizens he
Represented. They hope these suggestions
Will receive the Presidents favorable consid.
Grafton, and they extend their best wishes to
him.
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY.
The President, In reply, brief1y v, but forcibly
and earnestly, said that the action of the Ad-
ministration shall be so directed as to thor
oughly promote the best and dearest interests
of the Irish citizens. He felt, he SAID the force
OF their suggestions, and highly approached
the deep In terest manifested by those present
He referred them TO his past record wherein
ne had shown he was always consistently and
earnestly friend of the Irish. He might saw
he was himself strongly tinctured with avn
pathy for the Irish. He reiterated his DECLARE
ton that the Administration would do all in
Its power 10 promote the interest of the Irish
citizens, and In reference 10 the Irish prisoners,
said determined action had already been taken
10 effect their release and attain the end thew
sought.
In conclusion, the President forcibly re.
naked that all the suggestions of the committee
should have deliberate, and in all instances
where 1t could be properly done, especially
In the interests Of the Irish citizens, favorable
consideration.
Upon the conclusion of his reply all the
members OF the committee cordially shook
hands with the President aid withdrew.