New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-04-27
TAFT LIKES FIGHTING IRISH
Dimes with seth Regiment on It's
Wartime Anniversary.

There is something as harmonious be-
tween the Irishman and the fight as there
is between nature and the color green
remarked President Taft last night at the
dinner Of the 69th Regiment commemorate
ing the departure OF that military body TO
the Civil War fifty years ago. His words
kindled anew the long cheers that had
greeted his arrival at the dinner in the
Hotel Astor. and every Irish heart in the
roon-and they were all Irish-went out TO
The President in a spontaneous feeling of
good will and loyalty.
The seth turned out in full force, and all
Gre veterans were present 10 commemorate
fhs great event in which they had taken
so active a part. Two long tables were SET
aside one for the guests. the other for the
veterans and above them shone the illumi-
,ated seal Of the regiment 6anked by the
battered battl, flags that had seen the
,nnumerable encounters in which the gal
liant regiment had taken part during the
Civil War.
President Taft was greeted with great
enthusiasm. and the proposal of his health
NY Justice Edward f. Mccall. who pre-
sided was the signal for another outoufst
Of applause.
Of any one 10 attempt an introduction OF
our loved Executive" said Justice Mccall
and il took several minutes before the
President was able to begin his speech.
Il rejoice and feel highly honored 10 take
mart with you in doing honor TO the vet
Grams who did honor to their country hfty
wears ago." said Mr.. Taft. There Is
something as harmonious between the
Irishman and the fight as there Is De-
tween nature and the color green sup
pose-no | don't suppose-that NOBODY no"
reads the novels that seemed so Interesting
10 me in my youth. ] remember me stories
Of Charles O'Malley and Mickey Free anu
the stories OF the brave Irish dragon that
showed me early how the lrishman loves
10 fight There is an association between
2 fight and the feast that makes the feaS'
a delightful thing to take part IN.
Il am glad TO he here as President and
10 recognize the value 20 the community OF
a national guard regiment like yours. You
are all Americans. IL YOU are lrishmen by
birth. and want to say how glad am 10
he able TO show my interest in your regl-
inent and my appreciation of its history,
and everybody who knows the history OF
The great struggle knows what this resi-
ment has done for the country.
1T seems that whenever | strike New
York | must keep a large number OIL
engagements. and that | cannot give more
than FIVE minutes in each place. 1t seems
10 me as If | were doing what l did when
ran for the Presidency. But some day
shall come here and have long talk with
you"
Governor Dix spoke early, because he
had other dinners 10 attend. lie said that
he vas honored to attend an occasion
which had brought together the 69th Regi-
ment TO commemorate an event of history
which was marked by the valor and cosir-
age Of The best citizenship 10 perpetuate
united country.
II need not speak 10 the veterans the
Governor said, but YOU, the younger men
who have the inspiration 10 perpetuate the
institutions of this country. may well take
a lesson from the men who marched
through the streets of this city fifty years
ago. many of whom had not been born ii
this country, but who had learned 10 ap'
preciate her ideals. Victory was not es
sential 10 them. but the love for freedom
and liberty gave them the inspiration Il
perform the hard task that awaited them
You have never disobeyed orders anc
you have never lost a flag, and this motto
ought TO lead you in the desire TO serve
your country in every way"
Colonel Louis u. Conley introduced Jus
tice Mccall as POSTMASTER. Justice Vic
Tor j. Bowling spoke on The Irish II
America" Justice John j. Delany on "Th'
Irish Soldier" and Joseph Rowan on TIT
toast THE seth Regiment