The Irish standard., 1906-12-29

Americans all over the United
States are Justly proud of the gallant
and meritorious record of the Sixty
ninth Regiment Of New York, says
the Kentucky Irish American. From
Maine to p California soldiers never
tire of praising this gallant regiment
which has done so much for the coun-
try in the field of battle and else
where. The people Of the great City
Of New York recently erected a mag
nificent new armory for the gallant
sixty-ninth, and there was great
military display when the Irish
American soldiers took possession Of
their new quarters which are the
finest in. the country. On the oc-
caaion Of the installation Of the new
orpaory two Irish regiments which
won glory in the field of battle in the
Civil war marched through the .prin-
cipal Streets OF the Metropolis, es-
corted-: by tho best drilled body Of
Stkt0 4Ai44lAA s1AlU IWO UdLeI1eS VI
artillery. Tens Of thousands cheered
tlieint on the way. The occasion was
asTeminder that the Irish are still an
important portion Of the fighting force
of the country.
The new at1n6ry is on + Lexington
avenue, running the entire length Of
the block from Twenty-sixth to Twen-
ty-seventh street, and is. a splendid
structure with all the latest improve
ments. It is four stories high and
built Of soft-toned red brick, with
trimmings Of freestone. The drill
hall measures 202 by 16s feet, with
arches springing completely across
the hall with span Of ninety-two
feet. There is large gymnasium OH
the second floor and complete
equipment Of mess balls, company and
dressing rooms, reception rooms, and
other rooms designed for the comfort
and convenience Of the men.
The first ceremony was the simple
one Of the presentation Of the battle
SCARED nags Of tho two veterans or
sanisations to the regiment. The
presentation was made by James j.
Smith, who as Second Lieutenant led
company Of the sixty-ninth in 6.
charge in the battle Of Gettysburg
after all his superior officers in the
company had been killed or wounded
Then came a prayer by Archbishop
Farley and a short address by Su-
preme Court Justice Fitzgerald. Presi-
dent MCGOWAN, Of the Board Of Alder
men, on behalf Of Mayor Mcclellan,
then presented the armory to the
regiment and Col. Duffy in short
speech accepted. Lieut.-Gov. Bruce
delivered a short consratulatory speech
and the formal ceremonies We're
brought to a close by the reading of an
ode. written for the occasion by Joseph
!. G. Clarke.
The Ninth Massachusetts, also an
Irish regiment Of renown, participated
in the exercises.
The history Of the sixty-ninth Regi-
ment il interesting. It was organized
by order Of the Adjutant General of
New York in November, 1851, and was
mostly made up Of young men who be-
'longed to the Young Ireland move
ment. Its first commander was Col
Roe, who was succeeded in 1855 by
Col. James R. Ryan, who held the
position until his resignation, In 1859.
In that year there was elected to the
Colonelency a notable and worthy char
acter. a patriot and soldier, a man
possessed of ''one of the few, the i'm
mortal names that were not born to
die" the dashing and gallant Michael
Corcoran.
On April. Is, 1861, President Lin
coin issued his proclamation calling
put the militia Of the several states
to the number Of $4,000 men. corco--
an was at that time under arrest and
deprived of his command on account