National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1876-03-17
ST. PArRIcK,s DAY.

The anniversary of ST. Patrick's Day
will be celebrated throughout the country
with unusual splendor and patriotism
The programme of the celebration in this
city is printed in full in our news columns,
and it indicates an imposing affair day and
evening. More than on any similar occa-
sion citizens of the United States, outside
ola proud Irish nationality, are interested
in this, because Just one. hundred years
ago to-day Washington gained his first
grand triumph over British troops in COM
polling them to eyacuate the city of Bos.
ton. Washington, on that day, was not
unnindful of st. Patrick, and the follow
ing is true copy of the order he issued:
HEADQUARTERS, lTth March, l77s.
"Parole, 'BosToE.' COuntersign, ST. PATRICK
to morrow morning. BrIgadisr OF the Day, Gen
\ by HIS E1cELLENcY's COMMAND"
He wss also a member OF the Friendly
SoEs Of St. Patrick. " and In addition to the
order quoted he further gave an Irish COM
piexion to the victory by appointing Gen.
Sullivan as ''Brigadier of the Day." Then,
again, Boston derives its name, as con-
traction, from Botolph 's-town in Lincoln
shire, England. where st. Botolph built a
monastery more than twelve hundred years
ago. Washington's victory on the 18th of
March. its celebration to. day in connec-
ton with St. Patrick's name, re7ives most
grateful memories OF the civil and military
services Of Irish citizens to the land
Of their adoption and inheritance. In
the forum and in the field; in our
workshops and in agricultural pursuits, IN
the extension Of our commerce and in the
development of American resources, the
Irish race have labored with the firm and
steady hand OF a giant. Without their
aid we should, as natl on, be far behind
what we are to day; and if their churches,
schools, academic institutions, wealth in
business, newspapers, labor and general
influence should be Obliterated from our
nation the void could not be filled. In no
other country, though, on the face of the
globe could the Irish have found soil so
congenial for their growth in civil, re-
ligious and financial power. If America
owes much to them they owe an equal
sum TO America. They understand and
appreciate the institutions which have so
uniformly and powerfully contributed 10
their elevation, and when endangered
they have stepped forward in their defense
with the happiest results. In the embel-
lisbment of the history of our country, in
painting, poetry, sculpture, eloquence,
drama and song, Irish genius.has and now
holds eminent rank. ireland in America
is the theme we would like to hear Irish
orators dwell upon to-day. St. Patrick's
career in Erin, the story of Ireland kings,
how the emerald gem sparkled from the
sixth to the ninth century, while the bal
ance of Europe sat in the shadow of igno-
rance and superstition, and how she passed
under the control of the British crown, are
all familiar as elementary history; they only
serve TO remind US of withered beauties,
but the new Irish-American history is of
vital importance. 1t deals with the living
present, and fastens itself upon real inter
ests. Taken up in detail and by skillful
orators, it will closer bind the tie which
makes an American and an Irishman in this
country one-St. Patrick and George
Washington