New-York tribune., 1905-07-23
SAYS BARRY RANKED PAUL JONES.
President of Irish Society Denies scotchman
Was Father of American Navy.

President James Fitzgerald of the Society OF
the Friendly Sons Of st. Patrick has sent out
for distribution letter explaining that John
Barry outranked John Paul Jones in the first
American navy. His letter reads follows:
The personal achievements Of John Paul
Jones constitute the basis of mis- imperishable
fame and entitle his memory TO the highest
honors within the power of people for all
time to confer. The recital Of his heroic deeds
must ever thrill US with pride, and no mani
festatOn Of popular gratitude can oUtmeasure
the value of his splendid services to our be-
loved country No borrowed plumes neces-
sary, no padding required for his proud record:
why. then. should history be falsifed to fur
nish him with needless credentials?
What Interior motives suggest persistent ref
erences to him as father" or founder of our
glorious navy, It is not my province to discuss
but matter Of fact he neither one nor
the other, and I might add that those express
stons father" and founder" being
what contusingly applied; they are interchange
able terms, and the use OF the word FOUNDER
Is inexcusable or worse when the right TO be
styled father does not exist
John Barry was appointed to command the
first armed vessel Of the colonies, the Lexington.
December Z, 1775. Paul Jones appointed
lieutenant on the same day, and did not receive
Barry captured the first British prize upon the
ocean, the ship Edward. He served throughout
the entire period OF the Revolution under orders
OF the Continental Congress, and fought the
last naval battle OF the war. winning the final
victory on the sea by defeating the Sybille
In 1888 he the senior commander OF all
American vessels, his flag flying the ALI
ance the last vessel owned by the United Colo
MES until she put out Of commission and
sold. When subsequently,. and in brighter days.
the Congress Of the United States decided upon
the establishment OF permanent navy Barry
was the first TO receive a captains commission.
Upon the face or this historic document in
scribed No. l. and the signature at the end is
that of George Washington, as President of the
United States He was assigned TO superintend
the construction Of the first warship Of our
national navy as to-day organized. and his pen
nant was hoisted upon this frigate (the United
States) Immediately upon being put in commits
sion.
Other famous early Romans there than
Romulus but the nursing of the she wolf
nevertheless the founder Of Rome. The hero
whose precious remains are now approaching our
shores was a most distinguished OF our in
fant navy but he not its father or it's
founder" The honor OF being the father of the
American navy belongs TO John Barry. The
archives Of the Continental Congress and OF the
Congress Of the United States prove HIS title TO
be so designated to an absolute demonstration.
II is certified under the seal Of the Union at
tested by the signature OF Washington.
To attempt to ignore his claims by any one or
upon any pretext is unfair and un-American
AS president OF an ancient and patriotic society
OF which Captain Barry was long a member
feel called upon. in justice to hts memory, TO
write this letter, which 7 take the liberty Of
asking you 10 publish in that spirit OF fairness
at all times characteristic Of the American press.