The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-04-17
Major Michael A. Kelly Replies to Attack Made
 By Judge Wilkinson

made a CheValier of the Legion of Honor Dy the French government last night issued statement in reply to the attack made on him by Judge Horace c. Wilkinson published in The Age-Herald on April IA
 Major Kely's statement follows:
 My mission in m on S Sunday Mdy A APf m IT, waT of the 12th was much pleased with the courteous and hospabe treatment received from my friends and from my comrades in the Rainbow Division.
 When leaving for Jacksonville on the 18th had an- ticipated cordial invitation when returned to Brming at meeting tonight It quite surprise to and may say shock when received telegram from one of my friends telling that had been attacked in The Age Herald of the 14th by Judge Horace Wilkinson In ref erence to this attack will that all the traditional chvary and courtesy of the southern gentleman has been
 Judge Wilkinson bases his attack on me upon an inter- view which appeared of the afternoon of the 13th in which quoted making certain statements. Without giving me an opportunity to say whether this m quoted correctly not should give another Judge Wilkinson attacks if criminal q have not read the interview to- matter what it says say that accused Judge Wilkn- member of the American Legion of being in any British gold my word commissioned officer of the National Guard for fourteen years and the U S. Army three year not good enough to have Judge Wilkinson apologize for the attack he made on me- then hope he is enough to meet that we can talk over quietly can be found at the Hotel Tutwer.
 The statement that introduced the religious question into this controversy is absolutely false know the Irish question is not religious question This has been ad- med by the present British ambassador at Washington, Sir Auckland Geddes did that British propaganda, carried by British agents throughout the country has fasfed President DeVaeras cause and has msrep cities it has created little sentiment against him. As this opposition has bven publicity to his cause has only
 
 all ibertylovng Americans hope he will accomplish.
 Judge Wilkinson also accuses me of being apostle is the Gaelic term for selfdetermination that neither the Judge other true American be posed to it. It is the greatest of all the ideals rades died for in France and if to keep faith with dead in Europe must pledge ourselves to work sefshly for the vindication of that glorious ideal.
 A baseless charge made by Judge Wilkinson against e ar m he as they time again Now, wonder why Judge Wilkinson did not refer to the great reception to the American fleet in Queenstown will history of the
 "Any who says the Irish did not do their share in making the world safe for democracy either ignorant of the facts or blndly prejudeed On the 5th day of Nc sh Under Secretary of War asked by Mir. Devin, Nationalist member the number of Irishmen serv ing in the British army who lost their lives in the world war The Under Secretary replied that he could give the exact number but that he could officially say more than 100000 This admission was forced from him. For some another the British government has British forces under the headings of Irsh Scotch English and Welsh separately Two hundred thousand out of per cent ot the total population ask every American who reads this to figure out what four and half cent of population and then ask himself if the Irish have
 Tn the last paragraph of his statement Judge Wilkn- son maliciousy attacks He misrepresents nten- tionay and islanders cunningly while he represents himself speaking for the American soldier and the other means slandered the American soldier him too we'll went through the hell of Europe with him. would gladly give my life in his I will inform Judge Wilkinson however, that the only people that know of who h have andered the American soldier public
 
 the sacred duty of veteran of the to do thing in his to promote the good fellowship fredshp which should always exist among the who willing to give their lives for their country It this that visited Birmingham last Sunday thinking veteran knows that the injection of politics the Legion will not serve to maintain this friendship the contrary it will stir up strife within it's ranks which will only serve to ultimately destroy it's good influence in the life of Republic.
 Judge Wilkinson also states that the Jacksonville Fa post of the Legion has followed his example, The vile post has not passed resolutions against Mr. De- Valera And the post has been sandered the same have been sandered through misrepresentation the press As to Judge Wlkinsons reference in Birmingham in which he states that be no benefit to the city, can only that American citizen who has been charged with offense against the laws the constitution of the States and who twice to give his life for his country and who is willing to sacrifice the future the altar of liberty justice Every courtesy and hosp talty that could wish for has been rendered by my comrades of the Rainbow Division that are representative of the tolerant spirit of the people Birmingham As stated before, this city on a mission of and goodwill but have been forced by personal attack by of its citizens come back and defend myself.
 have sworn to defend the constitution of the United DeV violated would be depored MT needs defense before European countries for 1778 to