It is, surely, not an unimportant contribution to the history which is of the present and the future, that there should be put in enduring form something of the story of the American Irish who have taken such a noble part in making one of the greatest cities of one of the greatest nations. What part Irishmen, or those of Irish descent, have borne in building up the vast central city of the American continent is generally understood, but the biographies of those who have accomplished most have never yet appeared in a form which could be permanent. That a collection of such biographies is most desirable is believed by the publishers ; and it is felt, as well, that such a book will be welcomed by Irishmen, and native Americans scarcely less, and that it will be accepted as a good part of present local history. To living Irishmen it may not seem of as much importance as it will to their children and grandchildren, who will, because of it, be better enabled to appreciate what the men of to-day are doing and have done.