In the war with Mexico the men of this race had representatives in the persons of Generals Kearney and Shields. The latter also received the exceptional distinction of having been elected to a seat in the United States Senate on three different occasions in separate elections from three different states. In the recent war, among the most illustrious names is that of General Sheridan, the son of an Irishman, and although less conspicuous others of the same blood rendered high service to their country, and amongst them are such honored names as Meade, Logan, Meagher, Mulligan, Shields and Corcoran. It is no idle boast to assert that the names of the men of Irish blood adorn the most conspicuous pages of the history of the Republic. They aided as wise, safe and patriotic counsellors in laying the foundations of our institutions. They fought with heroism and devotion in the struggle for independence, both upon the land and upon the sea. In every trial and test that has come to us in our history they have made willing and great sacrifice to defend the honor of their country and to perpetuate and sustain her institutions. 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.