(4) To endeavor to correct erroneous, distorted, and false views of history, where they are known, and to substitute therefor the truth of history, based on documentary evidence and the best and most reasonable tradition, in relation to the Irish race in America. (5) To encourage and assist the formation of local societies in American cities and towns for the work of the parent society. (6) To promote and foster an honorable and national spirit of patriotism, which will know no lines of division, which will be based upon loyalty to the laws, institutions, and spirit of the republic to whose up-building the Irish element has unselfishly contributed in blood and treasure, a patriotism whose simple watchwords will be true Americanism and human freedom, and which has no concern for any man’s race, color, or creed, measuring him only by his conduct, effort, and achievement. (7) To promote by union in a common high purpose a sincere fraternity, a greater emulation in well-doing, a closer confidence and mutual respect among the various elements of the Irish race in America, that, by putting behind them the asperities of the past, they may unite in a common brotherhood with their fellow-citizens for the honor of the race and the glory of the republic. (8) To place the result of its historical investigations and researches in acceptable literary form; to print, publish, and distribute its documents to libraries, institutions of learning, and among its members, in order that the widest dissemination of historical truth may be obtained and placed within the reach of historians and other writers and readers. (9) To sift and discriminate every paper, sketch, document, bearing on the society’s line of work, before the same is accepted and given official sanction, in order that its publication may be a guarantee of historical accuracy; to do its work without passion or prejudice, to view accomplished facts in the true scientific historical spirit, and, having reached the truth, to give it to the world. _Article III.—Membership._ Any person, of good moral character, who is interested in the special work of this society, shall be deemed eligible for membership in the same. No tests other than that of character and devotion to the society’s objects shall be applied to membership. Every applicant for membership shall be recommended by two members of the society before his application shall be considered by the Secretary-General, and the application shall be accompanied by the dues in the amounts laid down in the by-laws.