The Irish standard., 1914-03-21
that the British stores at

work Of the Irish Generals Conway,
Hand, Griffin, Ewing, on the field at
Saratoga. Could he possibly forget
the terrible crossing Of the Delaware,
which made possible the, victories of
Trenton and Princeton, that with him
were the Irish Generals Butler and
Wilson, and to the skill and bravery
of Patrick Colvin, the humble ferry
man Of New Jersey, and all the way
from Ireland, was entrusted the haz-
ardous task of ferrying his army
through the ice cakes and tempestu-
GUS waves of that river? He knew
that Smith, Taylor and Thornton were
of Irish birth, and that Rutledge, Car
roll, Lynch, Mexican and Reed GALL
signers of the Declaration of Independ-
ence) were of Irish descent. The man
who read aloud the Declaration on the
birth-morning of the republic was
Charles Thompson, born in Ireland.
AS another evidence of the cordial
relation existing between him and the
Catholics he accepted membership in
the Society of the Friendly Sons of St.
Patrick, which was composed mostly
of Catholics. This was in December,
1881. Washington was unanimously
adopted as Friendly Son of st. Pat
rick. In January, 1882, the society
gave special dinner at the City Tav.
ern in Philadelphia in honor of Wash
ington, which he attended together
with his staff and the most distin-
guished generals of the allied armies
of America and France.
On the occasion of the election of
Washington as President of the United
States, the Catholics of the country de-
livered to him an address of congratu-
lation, expressing their pleasure and
joy at his being chosen the first Presi-
dent of the nation which he had saved.
This patriotic address was signed on
behalf Of the Catholic clergy of the
United States by the Right Rev. John
Carroll, and on behalf Of the Catholic
laity by Charles Carroll. of Carrollton.
Daniel Carroll, of Maryland, Dominick
Lynch, of New York, and Thomas Fitz-
simmons, of Pennsylvania.
On March IL, 1890. Washington re-
piled as follows:
ITO the Roman Catholics in the
United States-Gentlemen: While l
now receive with much satisfaction
your congratulations on my being
called by unanimous vote to the first
station in my country, 1 can not but
duly notice your politeness in offer
ing an apology for the unavoidable de-
lay. AS that delay has given you an
opportunity of realizing, instead of an
ticipating, the benefits of the General
Government, you will do me the JUS
tice to believe that your testimony of
the increase of the public prosperity
enhances the pleasure which 1 should
otherwise have experienced from your
affectionate address.
II feel that my conduct, in war and
in peace, has met with more general
appreciation than could reasonably
have been expected, and I find myself
disposed to consider that fortunate cir
cumstance, in a great degree, result
ing from the able support and extra
ordinary candor of my fellow citizens
OF all denominations. The prospect of
national prosperity now before us is
truly animating, and ought to excite
the exertions of all good men to estab-
lish and secure the happiness of their
country in the permanent duration of
its freedom and independence. Ameri-
ca, under the smiles of Divine Provi.
dence, the protection of good govern
ment, and the cultivation of manners,
morals and piety, can not fail of at
tanning an uncommon degree of emf
nence in literature, commerce, agri-
culture, improvements at home and
respectability abroad.
GAS mankind becomes more liberal
they will be more apt to allow that all
those who conduct themselves as
worthy members of the community
are equally entitled to the protection
of civil government. hope ever to
see America among the foremost ma
tions in examples Of Justice and lib
erality. And presume that your fel-
low-citizens will not forget the patri.
otic part which you took in the accom-
plishment of their revolution and the
establishment Of your government, or
the important assistance which they
received from a nation in which the
Roman Catholic faith is professed. I
thank you. gentlemen, for your kind
concern for me. While my life and
my health shall continue, in whatever
situation l may be, 1t shall be my con-
stant endeavor to Justify the favorable
sentiments which you are pleased to
express Of my conduct. And may the
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