Mr. Gargan called attention to the fact that on Dec. 14, 1899, occurs the centenary of the death of George Washington, for whom, he said, we still feel an affection and an awful reverence, notwithstanding the imperial policy of the government at Washington, which continues dangling with foreign alliances. Mr. Gargan requested the Society to coöperate with other historical associations in commemorating the event.
The paper of the evening was by Michael E. Hennessy, of the Boston Daily Globe, his topic being: “Men of Irish blood who have attained eminence in American journalism.” It was an able effort, showing much research.
Joseph Smith, of Lowell, Mass., spoke entertainingly, and then offered the following resolutions, which were adopted:
Whereas, The American-Irish Historical Society, a body representing all phases of religious and political opinions among members of the Irish race in this Republic, deems it its duty to reaffirm its faith in the principles of free self-government, and in God’s Commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” and
Whereas, Freedom and honesty are the basis of all pure self-government, and any injury to them in any part of the world must in the end be an injury to this Republic and its citizens; be it
Resolved, That this Society send greeting and sympathy to the embattled farmers of the South African republics; that we express admiration for the courage, faith, and manhood of a race which has thrown down the gage of battle to a rich and powerful aggressor to maintain its freedom; and that it is our earnest prayer that the God of the weak, the righteous, and the brave may crown their heroic struggles with glorious victory and political independence.
Resolved, That any government which has entered upon a project to plunder and destroy two free republics is unfit to be allied to a nation whose basic principles are thus violated, and such alliance, political or moral, would make this Republic a confederate to the infamies thus perpetrated.
Resolved, That the American-Irish Historical Society is inflexibly opposed to any entangling foreign alliances, and particularly to any alliance between the United States and the government of England, which has so frequently sought by war and intrigue to destroy this Republic, and it pledges itself, through its membership, to strive to curtail the political career of any public official, who formulates, advocates, counsels, aids, or abets any such alliance.
Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be sent to the representatives of the South African republics in this country, and to such other persons as the secretary may deem expedient, connected with the executive and senate of the United States.
Hon. Patrick A. Collins was called upon and greeted as “the next mayor of Boston.” He said: “I came here to-night because this is a non-partisan gathering. Its object is the rescuing of the truth of history in this country. It is now not unpopular or unfashionable to be known as a man of Irish lineage or to bear the name of Patrick or Michael. There was a time within our memory when it meant condemnation to servility or obscurity. We have leavened the lump of Puritanism.”