Ireland has contributed much to the Republic. In a high degree the race has been unselfish. The devotion of the race has not alone been confined to the United States. It has been frequently and truthfully said though not always gratefully and freely admitted that she gave a Wellington to England and in these later years she has also contributed a Wolsey, a Roberts and a Kitchener. To France she gave McMahon, and to Spain an O’Donnell.
Many of her brave and devoted men followed Bolivar in South America and aided materially in laying the foundations of the Republic in the Southern Hemisphere.
On every field of human endeavor the Irish name has a conspicuous place. In statesmanship she has given Burke, who enriched our language with his oratory. She supplied also Phillips, Grattan and O’Connell.
In literature she has been most generous in giving to the world Goldsmith, Moore, Collins, Knowles, Sheridan and a host of others. In the sciences she has contributed Lardner, Rowe, Proctor, Tyndall, Faraday and our own Fulton.
Nor has she been lacking in the field of Art, but America adopted as her own the gifted St. Gaudens. In philosophy and theology she has many distinguished names.
Mr. President, in conclusion I would state I believe “The advantages of Historical research to Irish Americans” will give them a more just appreciation of the Irish character, of the services they have rendered in founding, sustaining and perpetuating our institutions and in maintaining the highest ideals of our common country.
President-General Quinlan: One final word. The Secretary-General wishes to say something, and I know it will interest you all.
Secretary-General Lee: Mr. Chairman, I move you that the thanks of the American Irish Historical Society be tendered the speakers of the evening for their excellent services in our behalf, and that the entire address of each be printed in the Journal.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Secretary-General Lee: Mr. Chairman, I move you that the thanks of the Society and its invited guests are justly due and are hereby tendered Mr. Thomas J. Talty, Manager of the Hotel Raleigh, for his careful personal attention to the banquet and its details, and for his uniform courtesy to members and guests.