Speaking more in detail, it may be stated that the objects and purposes of the society are: The study of American history generally; to investigate, specially, the Irish immigration to this country, determine its numbers, examine the sources, learn the places of its settlement, and estimate its influence on contemporary events in war, legislation, religion, education, and other departments of activity; to examine records of every character, wherever found, calculated to throw light on the work of the Irish element in this broad land; 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 in America; 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; 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. _Membership Requirements._ Any person of good moral character who is interested in the special work of the 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. The society comprises life members and annual members and may also elect honorary and corresponding members. _The Mode of Admission._ The society believes that for the present as little red tape as possible should prevail in the admission of applicants. A large membership is desired. Consequently, a request to be enrolled, addressed to the Secretary-General, to any of the members of the Executive Council, or to a member of the society who is located in the neighborhood of the applicant, will generally be sufficient to effect the desired result. _Non-Sectarian and Non-Political._ The society is constructed on a broad and liberal basis. It is non-sectarian and non-political. Being an American organization in spirit and principle, it greets and welcomes to its ranks Americans of whatever race descent and of whatever creed who take an interest in the special line of work for which the society is organized. It at present includes Roman Catholics, Protestant Episcopalians, Methodists, Presbyterians, Unitarians, and members of other denominations. Catholic priests and Protestant ministers are on its roll. Republicans, Democrats, and men of no political party affiliations are numbered among its members. _The Fees of Members._