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To Mr. Thomas T. Wright, a
prominent citizen of Florida, belongs the credit of having suggested the
formation of an organization to preserve the history and perpetuate the
achievements of the Scotch-Irish race in America. Owing to the efforts of
Mr. Wright, who was ably assisted by Mr. A. C. Floyd and other gentlemen,
the movement was started which resulted in the grand and successful
meeting of the Scotch-Irish Congress at Columbia, Tennessee, in May last,
and which led to the permanent organization of the Scotch-Irish Society of
America.
It does not come within the
purpose, scope or object of this Society to cultivate or in any way
encourage sectarian feeling, for people of all denominations are eligible
to membership; nor is it the purpose of the Society to stimulate undue
pride of race, although it is impossible to ignore the historical fact, so
eloquently stated by William Wirt Henry, Esq., a grandson of the great
revolutionary orator, that the "Scotch-Irish" in America have given five
Presidents to the United States.
I have been requested to
write an introduction to this volume, which gives a carefully prepared
report of the action of the late Congress; but it appears to me that a
formal or lengthy introduction would be superfluous. The eloquent speeches
made during the session of the Congress, and the other proceedings of that
body, tell their own story. They exhibit the cordial good will, the
patriotic fervor, the indomitable spirit, the tenacity of purpose, and the
stern integrity which have always characterized the Scotch-Irish; and it
is to be hoped that the Society so auspiciously inaugurated at Columbia
will develop, as the years go on, into an organization of the highest
usefulness. |
