The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1909-04-13
IRISH HOMECOMING
PLANNED FOR 1910
RICHARD CROKER HAS PLAN FOR
OLD SOD THAT is ALMOST
INSPIRATION.
Idea Embraces But One Object-The
in Emerald Isle.


WASHINGTON, April 13.-(Special
to the Statesman)-"Every rich Irish
man in America should invest little
of his money in some enterprise in
Ireland. The money will not only be
good investment, but will help to put
the Emerald Isle on it's feet
Richard Croker, former chieftain of
New York's great Tammany hall, was
giving a long interview on Ireland.
Time and again he repeated the quot
ed expressions.
Incidentally the veteran political
ruler, settling back in an easy chair
in the lobby of the New Willard 40
tel, described a plan that is already
we'll under way among the Irish of
America for the delivery of his native
land from the condition of industrial
stagnation in which it has so long ex-
listed.
The scheme which Mr.. Croker dis
cussed so fondly amounts to an inspir-
alton. and instead of being in it's in
fancy is so well under way as TO
practically insure success. In its en-
tirety the idea embraces but sOne OBJ
ject-the enlistment of American-made
money in Irish industry on the native
soil. 1t sounds merely business-lke
and commonplace but back of it is the
romantic love of the Irishman for the
old boys of his native sod.
The Irish Of America are to be asked
to a homecoming in the land of their
birth in the summer of 1910. The in
vitation is to be extended, Mr.. Croker
says, particularly to those Irishmen
who have accumulated wealth in this
country Mr.. Croker, who in the flu
ture will spend six months Of the year
at mis- castle in Ireland, six months in
the United States, will make it a point
to be home when the first home
coming" expedition arrives. These
rich Irishmen will be urged to return
to the Emerald Isle for the pleasure Of
it in the first place; but, in the second
place, with an eve out for business op-
portunity. If after investigation they
are convinced an investment would be
profitable for themselves as well as
Ireland, they will be asked to leave
some Of their wealth with their native
country.
"a new era will result for Ireland
said Mr.. Croker, IAN era such as 1t
has never known in it's fight of CEN
turtles for prosperity under conditions
that have been anything but favor
able.
I'm America there are hundreds of
thousands of Irishmen who have be-
come men Of means, leaders in many
lines of activity. The breadth of en-
terprise in which these sons of Erin
have engaged is limited merely by the
opportunities of the broad land of their
adoption Their cumulative knowledge
and understanding Of affairs in the
broadcast sense cannot be surpassed by
any race of people in the world today
for there is no race so versatile.
SThere has lain dormant in Ireland
through the centuries all manner of lat
ent opportunity. A fecund soil is poor
ytilled for lack of tools: great min
ing wealth has remained untouched
for the reason that there is little rail-
road transportation: unlimited labor
of the highest grade remains unem
ployed because spindles have never
been set to work in Ireland at which
they might work. From end to end Of
the island there are opportunities that
have gone to waste and are still going
to waste.
''The object of the home coming is
to bring the experience of the Irish ir
America and the capital he has amass
ed to the virgin opportunity of the
motherland, and cause that experience
in, he
sible and profitable Industries there Of
fered''
Mr.. Croker does not take credit for
having conceived the ''come back TIC
Erin idea" For full credit is due
Francis j. Kilkenny, a young Irish
American patriot who is secretary to
the comptroller of the treasury here in
Washington. He first launched the
Irish homecoming plan at local
meeting of Irishmen, and then SET
about the task of interesting Irish
men in other cities. The idea seemed
contagious, for in short time Mr..
Kilkenny began receiving letters from
wealthy Irishmen in all parts of the
United States.
Kilkenny has organized a headquar-
tiers for "The Home going pilgrim
age in Washington, and number OF
prominent Irishmen are taking up tbs
idea in other cities.
Mr. Croker is cooperating with Kill
kenny, and is one of the most enthus
iastic workers in support of the idea
He declares he has retired absolutely !
from politics, although there have been
persistent rumors to the effect that his
visit to Washington and later to New
York will have a bearing on the COM !
ing mayoralty fight in Gotham.