The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1895-12-07
THE ANCIENT ORDER.

lowing excellent article upon the An
cient Order of Hibernians:
In these days of societies, associations,
fraternities and brotherhoods without
number, it is pleasant to notice among
the many, one which welcomes and shell
ters the Irish Catholic alone-the An
cient Order OF Hibernians. 1t is greater
in mum bers, organization and amount Of
benefits than any other society which
has the courage to publish it's work.
Friendship, Unity and True Christian
Charity, is the motto whose principles
actuate and inspire its members. Loyal
ty to one another under all circumstan-
ces, assistance to the needy at any cost,
and fidelity to the precepts of the mother
church, are the virtues which win the re-
spect and retain the membership of the
only tlistinctiyely Irish Catholic organ
ization in the world. The path of pro-
gress, at times bestrewn with thorns has
been one of triumph for the men of the
A. O. H., Notwithstanding the attacks of
prejudiced journals and frothing Know
nothings. This society has proved itself
a benefit. to our communities, its mem
bers an honor to our citizenship, and its
rules in accord with our country's laws.
For thirty years the Ancient Order of
Hibernians have toiled in our midst for
the cause of faith and race. Their work
has been of that earnest and devoted
character which is inspired by love
united to principle. Love led them to
forgive errors and remain blind to Short
comings, while principle bound them to
justice and self-sacriice. Looking back
over the career of the Hibernian socie-
ty in this state, and carefully studying
their unpretending, transformations meth
ods one is forced to the conclusion that
but for this noble order Of men, coming
entirely from the ranks of the middle
this side of the Atlantic would be at u
very low ebb indeed. When, some sew
enteen years ago, the sad news OF Ire
lands distress reached Americas shores,
it was the Hibernian organization which
made successful the appeals for help. 1t
was the nucleus around which were
gathered the children Of the scattered
Gael, and to the enthusiasm and energy
of that society was due the success of the
many magnificent demonstrations held
in the cities of America. The Land
7 oh hri1 iii n
career, was mainly sustained by the pat
riotc Ancient Order men, who were the
bone and sinew Of it's mem bership. 1t
was successful in its appeals and a power
of strength for the parliamentary party
in Ireland until the A. o. H. grew
wearied of the unpleasant spectacles of
the political arena of the mOtherland.
From the moment the mem bers Of the A.
O. Fl. began to lessen their efforts in the
ranks Of the League, the fortunes Of the
latter organization began to wane. In
every effort since. the Hibernians have
been the moving spirit. Other men and
either societies than theirs may have the
honors of prominence and n0toriety, but
the Hibernian is satisfied with the self
consciousness of having accomplished
something for the elevation of the race
of his forefathers.
Historical tradition tells us the pro-
genitors of the society were the guard
ians and guides Of the fleeing priest in
penal times. The devotion of older days
to church and priest burns as fervently
today, and was magniicently demon
strated in the splendid reception ten
dered the popular Archbishop of Chicago
a few weeks since in the exclusive resi-
dence district of Hyde Park.
In loving attempt to save the tongue Of
Gaodhal from extinction, the Ancient Or
der OF Hibernians have appropriated the
sum Of $4,000 for the endowment
OF Gaelic chair in the Catholic Univer~
sity at Washington. D. c., and despite a
period of almost unequaled financial de-
preston they have almost completed the
collection OF this large amount OF money,
from membership whose ranks are al
most entirely composed of men who are
the worst sufferers in days OF money
stringency.
Nor have they been wanting in sterner
works, because when the call went forth
for Irish Americans to assemble and de-
eide on a. future policy in Ireland's cause,
there came from North and South, from
East and West the men of the a. o. H.
to join in the deliberations of the con-
vention which gave birth to the Irish Ma
floral Alliance. In fact the names of the
most prominent leaders in the conven-
ton referred to, were for the most part
those of men high in office and prominent
in the ranks of that organization.
Certainly so noble a society, so distin-
guished an order has earned and is wor-
thy Of the congratulations and gratitude
Of the race in whose cause they long have
labored. When the pilgrim children Of
Gael return to the green wales and brown
hills of their forefathers to enjoy the free
dom long sought for, it will be their pleas
ant duty to emblazon on the record of
fame the work of the Hibernians, and her
patriots will entwine the regalia of the
Grand Old Order with laureis Of merit
won by the gallant fight in Ire1and's cause
OF tens of generations of Americas best
and brayest citizens-the members Of the
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