The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1911-05-13
HONOR MEMORY OF
FIGHTING 69TH
Fiftieth Anniversary of Response to
Call of President Lincoln
CommemOrated.
President Taft Pays Tribute to
Gallant Irish Veterans of
Civil War Fame.
Says, Il Rather Think You Are Bet.
ter Citizens Because You
Are Irishmen."

The memorable anniversary Of the
fiftieth year since the Fighting Sixty
NINTH" in response to the call OF
President Lincoln, rose to arms in de-
fense of the solidarity of this great
Republic, eliminated in a banquet at
the Hotel Astor, says correspondent
of the Irish World.
Flags were draped and one OF them
in the center, over the entrance, con-
tanned the modest two figures that de-
note the number OF the Irish regiment
which covered itself with glory as one
Of the units of the famous Irish Bri-
gade, commanded BY that soldier, ora
tor and genius, "Meagher of the
Sword" 1t was certainly an event to
with pride.
! An Impressive Scene.
a very brilliant and representative as
scmbly of guests awaiting the signal
to enter the dining room. Old friends
who had not met for years were to be
seen exchanging greetings. The Col
onel and officers Of the Sixty ninth had
Ia busy time passing from group to
group Of the assembled guests, who
represented the judiciary, the law, the
medical profession, universities, sci
ence and art. commerce and industry,
and in fact every avenue of the lHfe
of this Empire City. Statesmen and
prominent politicians We're chatting in
groups, while Generals and officers of
the regular army and navy-some in
resDlcndent uniforms and wearing
medals and decorations--lcnt an air Of
brilliance and distinction that was to
me almost European In its aspect to
this notable and distinguished gath
cring Of the "Exiles OF Erin" who
have come to the front in various de-
partments of the public life of this vast
Republic. 1t was, of course, essential
ly a military affair and my stalwart
friend, Drum Major Mullins of the
Sixty ninth sounded q rousing blast on
the regimental war-bugle, notifying
the guests to proceed to their places
In the dining room. Everything here
was arranged with military regularity
and fully seven hundred sat down
when Col. Conley had taken his place
us the Chairman. Lslooked around and
was much impressed by the scene
which presented itself to the eyes Of
the assembled guests of the Regiment.
The Arrival of President Taft.
About ten o'clock shout Of welcome
was borne up from below to the room
Of the dining celebrants of the stirring
events Of fifty years ago, and once
more the bugle sounded Il stirring and
enlivening blast--it was the arrival of
the President of the United States,
who came specially after a veritable
wfirlwind of speaking and dining en-
gagements in all parts OF the city At
once the whole of the vast assembly,
representing every shade OF political
thought were on their feet, and spon-
taneously accorded f1attering honor to
the Head of the United States. The
Chief Executive seemed to be highly
pleased at the warmth of the truly
Irish welcome which was accorded to
him, and advanced bowling and smiling
: to the place allotted to him on the
. platform, to the immediate right hand
of Col Conley, amidst a tempest OF
; cheers.
Toastmaster Justice Edward T.. Nc
Call OF the Supreme Court, with some
difficult: got a moments silence from
the enthusiastic guests and said in a
voice that rang through the dining
room that the President OF the Unit
ed States wanted no introduction to
an Irish gathering'-and his words
were the signal for another roar OF
applause. The President then said:
President Taft's Address.
Col. Conley, my dear friends and
gentlemen of the Gallant sixty-ninth:
I consider it great privilege to be
here, and to take part with you In
doing honor to these veterans tina,
honorcd the name Of the Sixtynintf