MY DEAR MR. ROCHE:—I regret extremely that I cannot be present at the opening meeting of the Association. All these associations do good. We are a new people, derived from many race strains, and different from any one of them, and it is a good thing to have brought before us our diversity in race origin. Like most New Yorkers, whose American ancestry goes back for more than two centuries, I have an ancestral right to belong to several societies of this kind, and I enjoy equally attending the dinners of the Hollander, the Huguenot, the Scotchman, and the Irishman. It seems to me the one lesson to be remembered always by those who belong to these associations is that in time their descendants will most surely have the right to belong to many other similar associations; for in time the different strains of blood will all be blended together, English and Irish, German and French. When that time comes, and before it, the chief thing for all of us to keep in mind is that we must be good Americans, purely as such, no matter what be our creed or our ancestry in Europe. Very sincerely yours, THEODORE ROOSEVELT. _From Senator Hoar._ WORCESTER, Mass., Nov. 12, 1896. DEAR MR. MURRAY:—I think your plan for an historical society is excellent. The facts in regard to this most important contribution to our national life ought to be collected and preserved. If, as I am sure they will, they are collected and preserved in the true historic spirit, without concealing or slurring over, or exaggerating anything, they will be of great value. Let no Irishman be ashamed of his origin or the humble condition from which so many of his countrymen came. The Irish race has done a great service to America. They made a splendid contribution toward saving our national life during the Rebellion. The story of their generosity and affection for the kindred they left behind is one of the most touching and stirring in history. But they have had, have now, and will continue to have for a good while to come, grave faults. To say this is only to say that they are human. Do not be afraid to record their faults as well as their virtues, and the faithful portraiture will be one well deserving a place in our nation’s gallery. I am, with high regard, faithfully yours, GEORGE F. HOAR. _From the Protestant Episcopal Archdeacon of Pennsylvania._ PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8, 1897.