The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-11-05

CAM" !" said q generous American, himeelf
the great adopted son of Washington,
Americana, recall to your minds the re :
collections of that heroic time when Irish
men were our friends, and when in the
whole world We had not friend beside "
Thousands of Irishmep, he adds. had died
for their cause before the flag of France was
advanced to their assistance. Let us not
forget it; beneath that broad banner of
France beat the gallant hearts of officers
and men of that Irish brigade whose irwin
cib!e front struck terror into the foe on the
slopes of Fontepoy ard marched again to
victory on the plains of America.
In recognition of the services of liish-
men the General in-Chief of tie American
forces became a n ember of the Irish asso
citation known as the Friendly Sons OF st
Patrick, twenty seven of whom had con
tributed over 100000 70 t1ccor bis army
in Valley Forge. 81 accept he said, with
singular pleasure the ebsign of go worthy a
fraternity as that of the S Jns of st. Patrick
In this city-a society distinguished for the
firm adherence of it's members to the cause
in which we are all embarked" 1t has
been q consolation to our country in her
darkest sufferings, it has been and shall be
throughout all time one of the greatest
glories of our nation that George Washing
ton, who rejected the honors of Britain.
repudiated her title and cast down her yoke,
accepted an Irish ensign and became the
first adopted citizen OF Ireland"
Since that suspicious day century has
elapsed, but in all those hundred years not
one second has interrupted the fraternal
amity of onr nations. Trials which come to
test the hearts of both have but served to
call into being new proofs of their fidelity
each to the other. When by foreign threat
and international violence gigantic effort
was made to overthrow the Republic OF
Washington, and heaven secured its safety
by our hand, the Irish race renewed the
memory of our fathers deeds, aud the testi-
mony of its truth is inscribed on the tombs
of the battle fields. Amidst tie noble OBJ
liviOn with which America has veiied all
the errors of the way ward past ttIs testi-
moDy will remain mperisbable to enncble
our present and inspire our future.
Sir, we recall not these evidences of
history in order to formulate claim upon
American sympa by. That is Il free will
Offering, too lofty 70 bear control, too
abounding to evoke in our hearts one
other feeling than that OF manly gratitude.
Throughout our sufferings its vIvl;y ing
rays have never failed to fall upon onr
souls, quickening into speedier life the un-
dying germs of hope. America has stood
by us, like the Samaritan by the wounded
man, not only during an artificial famine of
food but likewise an qually artificial fsmine
of freedom. If her Intervention helped to
preserve fruitful land from that priva-
tion which destroys the body, her minis
tering hand also guarded liberty loving
nation against that privation which would
slay the spirit, if the Providence of God
were not superior to the malice of foes.
Life and liberty constitute the birthright of
mankind, and both are consecrated by reli
gion, which teaches justice in loving
kindness. Because you, who would not be
tenants at will of your lndefeasible rights,
have declared liberty to be the fee simple
of all men, because you have generously
shared your treasure with all who stood in
need, because you have msgnanimonsly
ministered unto all who have suffered,
therefore the God of liberty has exalted
your name, enlarged your Inheritance,
augmented your prosperity, and invoked
upon yonr heads the benediction Of the
earth. Wherefore we approach the august
presence of your majestic nation in order
that the voice of suffering Ireland may re-
echo the TIE Deum of victorious America,
and that the commingled anthem may as
cend to the altar of the Father of mankind,
the Lord and giver of life aid liberty.
ROBERT j. DUNNE, Hon. Secretary.
PATRICK EGAN, Chairman,
JAMES CAVANAUGH, Chairman Com.
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