“We are proud, therefore, to know that the American Irish Historical Society has taken this matter up and has shown such active interest in perpetuating the memory and the exploits of General Sullivan. I am sure that I can say on behalf of our united citizenship that the State appreciates this activity, this patriotism, on the part of the American Irish Historical Society, and we want to say to you, sirs, that the fruit of your interest—this memorial—will ever be preserved by our State as a remembrance of his splendid achievements, as well as of the generosity and the patriotism of the organization which prompted it. May your activity, my friends, be continued throughout the length and breadth of the land and throughout the entire period of your career in the same creditable and patriotic manner that has characterized your work concerning General Sullivan.
“Again, sirs, I am pleased to accept in behalf of our State this splendid remembrance, to assure you of our profound appreciation, and to say that it shall ever remain as a memento of your patriotism and character, of the gratitude and appreciation of our good State, as an inspiration to all future generations and to all visitors to this splendid Capitol, of the value and eternity of that thankfulness which a grateful people feel for those who serve them well.
“It is now my pleasure to turn the memorial over to General William Ames, the Chairman of the State House Commission, in whose trustworthy hands this monument will be placed and from whom I am sure it will receive the same careful and patriotic attention that all his other duties have received in connection with the management of our splendid State Capitol. I am pleased, therefore, to introduce to you one of our most honored fellow citizens, General William Ames, who will accept in behalf of the State House Commission.”
General Ames responded as follows:
“Your Excellency, Members of the American Irish Historical Society, Ladies and Gentlemen: As Chairman of the Commission having in its care and keeping this beautiful State House it is my privilege to bid you welcome here today. We are assembled, not for an ordinary occasion, but for an extraordinary one. We are here to inscribe upon this marble wall the name of one who was patriot, soldier and statesman, the commander who planned and fought the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778.
“General John Sullivan passed on long years ago to make his final report to the great Commander of us all. Yet we have treasured his memory, and through the years it has grown ever dearer to the hearts of all patriotic Americans—to us of Rhode Island more than all. And now that love has found fitting expression in this memorial, which shall commemorate through the coming ages his patriotism, his devotion, and his loyal services to his country.
“A State can perform no more graceful act than to make public record of the deeds and accomplishments of its famous sons. It therefore gives me great pleasure, and I deem it a high honor, to accept for the State House Commission the custody and care of the beautiful memorial placed upon these walls by the American Irish Historical Society.”
At the conclusion of General Ames’ acceptance Chairman Lee introduced Mayor McCarthy in the following words: “The thanks of the American Irish Historical Society are due and are hereby tendered to General Ames and to Hon. James M. Scott and Col. J. Edward Studley, the other members of the Board of State House Commissioners, for their great courtesy to us. It was to them we first addressed ourselves for permission to place our memorial to General Sullivan in the State House, and when it was ready for its permanent position a few weeks ago, we went to them again concerning the dedicatory exercises. Our comfortable seating was provided for, the freedom of this beautiful capitol extended us and an ample force of employees placed at our disposal. We may well be grateful for the uniform courtesy and consideration that marked all the Commission’s dealing with our Society.
“The Secretary of our committee is a very worthy member of the Society. As I happened to be the Chairman, it was my privilege to sign my name over his in issuing the invitations. It is the first time I have ever had an opportunity of putting my name before that of His Honor the Mayor, and I enjoyed the opportunity. But now, after doing his work as Secretary of the committee very faithfully, he has tendered his resignation, which we have most regretfully accepted, in order that he might do his duty as Chief Executive of the City of Providence. I have the honor to introduce to you our esteemed fellow-member, Hon. Patrick J. McCarthy of Providence, who will, I am sure, extend to us a warm welcome to the principal city of the State over the destinies of which he presides so ably.”
Mayor McCarthy said: