Hibernians
ANCIENT ORDER OF, an Irish society having for its object the safeguarding of religion and nationality. The society had its origin in an edict against the Catholic religion issued in 1562 by the Earl of Sussex, then lord-lieutenant of Ireland, prohibiting priests from sleeping in Dublin and ordering Catholics, under penalties, not to attend Catholic services. As a result Prince Ruadhri, of the house of O'Moore, founded "The Defenders," and through their assistance the priests said mass in the mountains. Following Catholic emancipation in 1829 the society was reorganized under its present name and extended to Scotland, the United States, and Canada. The society has actively supported the Gaelic movement and established a chair for Irish language and Irish literature at the Catholic University of America. In 1914 the order had a membership of over 250,000, including the ladies' auxiliary. In 1913 over $2,500,000 was disbursed for various purposes. In 1919 the order declared itself on the side of the Irish Republic, and set itself to work for its recognition by the United States.