The San Francisco call., 1895-12-15

sympathize with every movement for the
betterment of the old land. Their chief
aim is to foster and preserve the traditions
and virtues of their Celtic ancestors, and
to inculcate samong the members the
principles of faith and fraternity.
"It is not an oath-bound society; the
members merely pledge themselves on
| their word of honor to obey the constitu-
ton and bylaws and to assist one another
In time of need.
Though essentially a beneficial or
ganlzation, particular efforts are made for
the social and intellectual elevation of Its
members. With this end in view, a large
reading-room is being deliberately fitted up
In the new headquarters.
The following history of the develop
ment and growth of the order was given
by Father Crowley:
In the year 1897 the "Irish Charitable So
clety OF Boston" was established. During the
revolution the young members did good
service In the army, and the seniors who re-
mained at home, we read in the records of the
society, supplied those who were actively en-
! gagged in the field with clothing and arms.
| Some years later than the Boston society,
but before the War of independence, the
Friendly Sons OF St. Patrick" were organized
organization distinguished themselves in the
| Continental struggle Prominent among those
were Moylan, Meade, Barry, Hand, Shea,
/ Kelley and Plunkett.
During the early spring of 1880, when the
army OF Washington was in dire distress at
Valley Forge, this society of "the Friendly Sons
OF st: Patrick contributed $25 900 toward the
relief of the Father of his Country" and the
brave soldiers who were suffering in the cause
OF liberty. OF this association Washington
afterward became an honorary member.
Years rolled on and the Friendly Sons
changed their title to' The Hibernian Society,"
OF this Matthew Carey, the great writer on
political economy, was guiding spirit for
many years. and from 1t in other days the An
| Order a
| largely recruited
Before the Rebellion the order was strong in
many of the States, and the mem bers, generally
men of strong frame and active habits, were
not slow to respond to the call for troops to put
down the revolt OF the South. From New York
they marched with their own chief, Colonel
CoTcoran; and how they acted in the first en-
gagement of the war the story of Bull Run can
tell. They were first in the fight and last on
the retreat. Corcoran, while covering the re-
! treat of the Federals, was taken prisoner with
about thirty of the brave Hibernians who re-
! fused to leave his side.
| 2Such were the Hibernians, riefly, in time OF
war What they did in time Of peace to
develop the resources OF the United States no
tongue can recount. In war they were the de
| tenders of our National flag; ID peace they are
the producers of our National wealth. Com
pared to them our kid-gloved aristocracy are
but powdered haircloth,'' 1t is well, there
fore, to perpetuate society that has been pro-
ductive OF such results. Some OF our patriotic
American Celts, it is true, object TO its very
Irish name, as if mans name had anything
to do with his allegiance to our flag.
We are not questioning the patriotism of
German citizens because the names of nearly
all their societies are German. The ST. An
drew's Society annually commentaries the
glories of Scotland when she was free Catho-
lie nation. The Welsh have also their socie-
ties in this free land and the Sons of st. David
still endeavor to inculcate in their new homes
many of the virtues of that old Cymnic saint.
They do not love the new land less because
they cherish the best traditions of the old. The
affectionate son generally makes loyal and
devoted husband, and the benediction in
which he holds his mothers memory detracts
not jot or title from his love and fidelity to
his wife.
We are glad to notice, here in our own
beautiful city, a revival of the grand old Hi
bernian Order, and trust our race will give it
| their hearty support, not only for what it has
done in the past, but also for the services it
promises in the future. In the ranks OF the
A. O. II. of America is notably represented
that type of manly courage which put down
the anarchists of New York and Chicago. AS
long as the Hibernians entertain an attach
ment for the customs, traditions and virtues OF
their race they are likely to remain with US, q
"tower of strength against the enemies OF re-
ligion, morality and social order.