open arms by the Continental Army. He was first employed in designing the defenses on the Delaware River, the success of which gained for him a colonel's commission and appointment to the staff of General Gates, at Ticonderoga. He was the major advisor in fortification of Mt. Defiance at Ticonderoga, and the failure to follow his advice in defense of the post was reponsible for its capture by the British.

The American defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga, which was largely responsible for the entrance of France into the war on the American side, was greatly the result of Kosciuszko's counsel, and the construction of American fortifications at West Point was in accordance with his design. Transferred to North Carolina, Kosciuszko served as Chief of Engineers and Transportation Officer under General Greene, who praised him for his part in the rout of British forces in the

area.

Hailed as a hero by Americans in general, and honored on every side for his contributions to American Independence, Kosciuszko returned to Poland in 1784, and was soon involved in the heroic struggle for Polish independence. Here he was defeated, by overwhelming odds-but his name looms large in Polish history. as in American history, despite defeat. He was among the bravest and ablest of his kind, deserving the respect of every American concerned for our record of National accomplishment.

As a U.S. Representative for much of Montgomery County and part of Philadelphia. I share the pride of my constituents in the accomplishments of this true hero of both America and Poland. I believe the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home deserves recognition as a National Historic Site and would be a meaningful addition to our National Parks System.

STATEMENT OF HON. CORNELIUS E. GALLAGHER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Mr. Chairman, on May 11, 1971, I introduced H.R. 8246 which provides for the establishment of the home of Thaddeus Kosciuszko as a National Historic Site in Philadelphia.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko first became prominent in the history of this country in 1776, during the time we were engaged in the Revolutionary War. At the Battle of Saratoga he demonstrated his value as a military engineer employed by the government by drawing plans for the fortification of the Delaware River. This action earned him a commission as Colonel of Engineers in the Continental Army. The next year he joined the Northern Army in Ticonderoga where he acted as advisor for the fortifications of Fort Defiance. During the next two years he was placed in charge of building fortifications at West Point, now the site of the United States Military Academy. On October 13th, 1783, Kosciuszko was made a Brigadier General.

Early this year, the Department of the Interior recommended against enactment of this legislation for three primary reasons. (1) The home in Philadelphia was occupied by Kosciuszko for only six months. (2) Kosciuszko did not live in the House until 15 years after he distinguished himself in United States history, and finally because the house has been altered since the time Kosciuszko lived in it.

Mr Chairman, although these three statements are true, there is an overlying factor which should be given priority. This home is the only structure in the United States associated with Kosciuszko which has survived through the centuries. While he resided in the House only a short time, the time he did live there is significant in the history of this country. Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State, visited Kosciuszko at this house many times, and it was from there that the Polish General was sent on a secret peace mission to France. Because of his commitment to freedom and the American way of life, it is only fitting that this home be made a national historic site in his memory. It would at the same time recognize the great contributions Polish Americans have made to the United States through the years. Surely, it would be a valuable addition to the Bicentennial celebration planned for Philadelphia in 1976. I strongly urge that this Committee act quickly and favorably on this legislation.

STATEMENT OF HON. JOSEPH G. MINISH, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Mr. Chairman and Members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present this statement in support of my bill, H.R. 9021, to establish the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home National Historic Site in Pennsylvania.

Both the Polish people and the American people have long and justly honored that hero of the American Revolutionary War and the Polish struggle for independence-Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

His contribution to our battle was symbolic of the contributions made by millions of Polish-Americans who have helped to make this nation into the great and proud democracy that it is today.

Kosciuszko was born a noble, but the lofty ideals of democracy were more important to him than the birthrights due Polish nobility. He was acclaimed for his part in the American Revolution, yet he felt that he could not rest upon his accomplishments but must, rather, take back to Poland that restless spirit of revolutionary democracy that he had both observed and been an important part of in America. Despite his noble background and military career, Kosciuszko gave to the Polish citizens their first taste of genuine democracy, initiating democratic reforms that were immediately incorporated into the Polish tradition.

America has much to be thankful for in the millions of immigrants who came to these shores from Poland-for they gave their hearts, their hands, and their minds to our land as they helped to build its civilization and culture.

Both as individuals, and the list of Polish-Americans is long indeed, and as a group they have brought splendid qualities to our Republic. They have brought something of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Old World to the New World, and we are all the richer by far for the wealth of their contributions. The establishment of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home as a National Historic Site is a fitting tribute to the man who fought America's battles as valiantly as he fought for independence in his homeland. Moreover, it is a long-overdue recognition of the tremendous contributions of Polish-Americans to the building of the United States.

STATEMENT OF EDWARD G. BIESTER, JR., A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation to favorably report H.R. 657, and similar legislation which I have introduced, to name the Thaddeus Kosciuszko house in Philadelphia a National Historic Site.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a Lithuanian-born military strategist who contributed significantly to our country's War for Independence. He arrived in America early in the war at a critical time when fortune was not on our side. His key contribution in military engineering in one of the most decisive battles of the war at Saratoga persuaded France and Spain to enter the war on our behalf. Kosciuszko's skills in engineering were also put to use in the defenses of Philadelphia and West Point's protection of New York City. He was an adjutant to George Washington and was later named a brigadier general. When he returned to Poland, he did so as a hero and patriot of the American people and became such to the Polish people as he joined his country men in their fight for independence from Russia.

The Advisory Board on National Parks, through the Department of the Interior, has recommended against designation of the Philadelphia home as an historic site. However, the Senate has already passed legislation supporting the enactment of the bill.

The major arguments opposing this bill advanced by the Advisory Board and Interior are, in my estimation, unconvincing and do a disservice to the memory of a great friend of America.

One point raised is that the building at 301 Pine Street has been altered since Kosciuszko lived there. Plans exist, however, describing how the building appeared in the late 18th century. Edward Piszek, current owner of the building, procured it for the purpose of donating it to the government as an historic site. Polish groups have pledged funds to assist in the restoration and furnishing of the building which still contains some of its original features dating back to when

the house was constructed in 1775. More is known about the original construction and furnishings of this building and more of its original construction exists than with many other historic sites which the government has considered restoring. Furthermore, the restoration of this building would be a substantial addition to the movement to rennovate Colonial and Federal period houses in this historic area of Philadelphia.

This home was Kosciuszko's only one while he lived in America. There are numerous personal items belonging to Kosciuszko and other articles of historical importance associated with his contribution to our independence which could be displayed in the house as restored to the period around 1800. It was here that his close friend Thomas Jefferson often visited him, and it was here that they planned Kosciuszko's peace mission to France at a time when relations between the two countries were near a breaking point.

Designating this an historic site would also be most appropriate considering its proximity to Independence Hall where the Liberty Bell and the legacy of the signing of the Declaration of Independence mean so much to the ideals for which Kosciuszko fought.

With the focal point of our Nation's bicentennial less than four years off, it is highly desirable that restoration be undertaken as soon as possible so that all will be in readiness when the large influx of tourists arrive in Philadelphia for sightseeing and celebration activities.

I thank the Chairman and his Subcommittee for considering my statement in support of H.R. 657, and identical legislation, and respectfully urge favorable action on the realization of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home National Historic Site.

STATEMENT OF HON. HENRY HELSTOSKI, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee: In order to inspire the living, I believe, we must also honor our dead, and in particular those who made a tremendous contribution not only to our country, Lut to mankind as a whole.

Such an individual was Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the hero of two worlds. His modesty, his skills, his accomplishments, his philosophy, and, above all, his honesty, are reknown. Kosciuszko was a man who practiced what he believed, and in so doing he was a man ahead of his time, with a vision and foresight second to none.

I am pleased to testify today on behalf of my bill, H.R. 6429, designating the Thaddeus Kosciuszko House in Philadelphia a National Historic Site. I also want to state that I am most grateful that the Senate passed a companion bill, S. 1973. Justice delayed is justice denied. In passing their measure, the Senate corrected an injustice compounded by the specious reasonings of the Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings, Monuments-reasonings which were dismantled by the eloquent testimony presented before the Senate Interior Subcommittee on Parks and Recreation.

Declaring the Kosciuszko House in Philadelphia as a National Historic Site is important not only because it preserves the last remaining American link of a great military man significantly responsible for the success of American arms and diplomacy in the Revolutionary War, but also because it reaffirms a principle on which this nation was founded whereby the enlightened American Republic continues to register its appreciation to those men and women who have contributed to its history and spiritual heritage regardless of race, creed, religion, or national origin.

Born of a modest noble family in Poland in February, 1746, Kosciuszko devoted his entire life to a messianic mission-bringing liberty and freedom to his fellow man, and in particular his beloved countrymen.

Having distinguished himself in his studies in Poland. Kosciuszko was given the rank of Captain and sent by the King to study fortifications at the Ecole Militaire in Paris where he demonstrated his natural ability for engineering.

Because of the first partition of Poland by Prussia, Russia and Austria and other factors, Kosciuszko sailed for America in 1776 to help Americans fight for their freedom and independence, and to gain experience first-hand for the day he could free his own oppressed people.

Given the rank of Colonel by the Continental Congerss, it wasn't long before Kosciuszko gained fame for his brilliance and skill in building fortifications at Billingsport on the Delaware River to defend the approaches to Philadelphia, and

at Fort Mercer-impregnable fortifications which contributed greatly to General George Washington's successful attack on the British at Trenton, New Jersey. Thereafter, Colonel Kosciuszko distinguished himself further by building fortifications at Ticonderoga, and contributed significantly to our victory at Saratoga-a decisive victory of the Americans considered by many to be a turning point in the Revolutionary War. He suggested to General Washington that the first military academy in the United States be established at West Point. This proposal was later approved by the Congress. At West Point today one can find a commemorative statue and tribute "to the hero of two worlds."

General John Patterson gave Kosciuszko a Negro slave, Agrippa Hull, as a reward for his contribution at West Point. However, since slavery was against Kosciuszko's principles, he freed the slave.

After serving with the Revolutionary Army in the North, Colonel Kosciuszko was sent to help the army in the Southern part of the colonies with technical problems and actual fighting.

Having spent eight years in the fight for American independence, Kosciuszko so distinguished himself that at the recommendation of George Washington, Congress bestowed upon the brave Polish patriot the title of Chief Engineer with the rank of Brigadier General, along with the rights and privileges of American citizenship. He was also given a voucher for the back pay of $12.280.49. to be paid when the condition of the treasury permitted, and 500 acres of public land.

On July 15, 1784, General Kosciuszko left the United States to return to Poland to prepare his countrymen for the fight for freedom. In spite of overwhelming odds, Kosciuszko and his inspired people scored some victories against the enemy, but were deeply sorrowed to see Poland partitioned a second time in 1793 by voracious neighbors.

In 1794, as Commander-in-Chief of his countrymen, General Kosciuszko took up his sword. Under the superb leadership and gallantry of General Kosciuszko, and in defiance of all military principles, the patroitic Poles scored major victories. At the decisive battle of Maciejowice, Kosciuszko was wounded, captured and imprisoned in Russia where he languished until released in 1796 along with 12,000 of his countrymen on the promise he would not set foot in Poland again.

General Kosciuszko, after being showered with gifts and praise across the European continent, arrived in America on August 18, 1797 where he was greeted by a 13-gun salute and large crowds.

He conferred with George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and many other American statesmen and generals who promised diplomatic and financial assistance in the event of another armed uprising for independence in Poland.

Due to deteriorating French-American relations, Jefferson dispatched Kosciuszko to France as his personal emissary to bring about a peaceful settlement between the two countries. Kosciuszko contributed much to that which was accomplished.

Before his final departure from American soil. Kosciuszko named Jefferson as executor of his will which directed that his American property be used to purchase freedom for Negro slaves and to provide for their education.

It was Kosciuszko's complete and unselfish dedication to the principles of human rights and freedom for all peoples that I particularly wish to call to the Committee's attention today.

As a result of this will, there was a school built in the 1820's at Parisippany, New Jersey, which educated "men of colour" to teach religion and science in Liberia and Haiti. I would like to insert at this point in my remarks excerpts from "The African Repository and Colonial Journal." volumes 1 and 2 1825-26, which led to the establishment of the Kosciuszko school fulfilling the intent of Kosciuszko's first will and testament.

[From the African Repository, vol. 1, 1825-26]

AFRICAN SCHOOL

The Board of Directors of the African School at Parsippany, N. Jersey, have made a report to the Synods of New-York and New-Jersey. recommending an important change in the plan of that Institution. They state, that efforts to obtain funds for the school in its present state. have been vain; that the insensibility to the worth of virtuous and enlightened character, among the people of colour, renders it necessary that education, to be of high benefit, should

be commenced early in life, and that the exigency of the times demands an Institution more enlarged and better endowed, to prepare coloured men for civil offices in Liberia and Hayti, and to fit them to instruct others in science -and religion:

"The board take the liberty of urging the following, among many considerations, that bear, as they conceive, with peculiar force upon the Synods of New York and New-Jersey, in view of the proposed improvement of the plan for the education of our African population.

"The States in which the Synods are located have done much in legislation to emancipate their slaves. A few years will consummate the hope of philan thropy as to one grand step in her progress, and leave not a soul in bondage within our borders. But this will be only a preliminary step; for, while the reproach of the name is taken away, the debasing and corrupting influence of slavery will remain to degrade this long afflicted people. Indeed, from the results of the manumission system, we are almost led to believe that to extend mere freedom to the slave, is like the tender mercies of the wicked. You set him loose upon society to act for himself, with no qualifications but a freedom paper; when to all the practical purposes of useful life he needs a guardianship more than infancy; and if his ignorance does not perpetuate his degeneracy, the deep rooted prejudice of the whites, that separates him from all communion in social and civil intercourse, will fix him in hopeless despondency And shall we then, after our civil rulers have yielded to the desires of humanity and broken off the shackles from the body-shall we without another struggle leave the benighted soul in darkness and the shadow of death?

"Experience has demonstrated that no system of amelioration for them can possess any energy unless it be exclusive. They are emphatically a separate people! They must be trained and educated by themselves; and it is the dictate of the soundest wisdom to deal with them as they are. Let them so understand us-that we are instructing them not for our society-not to form our magistrates or legislators; but preparing them to go home."

"The Committee to whom the consideration of this report was referred, introduced the following resolution, which was passed unanimously:

"Resolved. That the African School be continued-and that the Board of Directors be instructed to digest a more extensive plan of operations for the school, and report thereon at the next stated meeting-And that in doing this they be at liberty to correspond with the Board of Managers of the New-Jersey Colonization Society, or such individuals as may feel interested in the welfare of the Africans, as to the Board may seem expedient."

In consequence of this Report, the Synod of New-York passed several similar Resolutions, of which we insert the following:

"Resolved, That the Board of Directors, to be appointed by the Synods, be authorized to open a correspondence with such individuals and bodies of men, and to adopt such other measures as to them may be thought expedient, with a view to the more extended and efficient instruction of the African race; and that in this enterprize. they have the hearty approbation of this Synod."

"The Directors chosen on the part of the Synod of New-York are, Rev. Robert McCartee. Elihu W. Baldwin, Loring D. Dewey, Mr. Thomas Masters, Dr. Thomas Weed. Mr. John R. Murray;"

This school is one of those objects, which we think has an urgent claim for aid upon all the charitable and Religious. The resurrection of a race long morally and intellectually dead to the light of knowledge, hope and virtue, is not a matter to be despised by a generous soul. From the darkest shades of its present existence. a voice is heard, the tone of which is thrilling to every feeling heart. "Watchman, what of the night?" and is there none of those who have themselves been cheered by the day spring from on high, to answer-"The morning cometh." Affluence may make itself richer by its donations to such a purpose, laying up durable wealth, in the kingdom of Heaven, and securing an interest, which will accumulate in funds not to be corroded. and never to perish. We have reason to hope. that the bequest made by Gen. Kosciuszko for the redemption and education of African Slaves, may be in some way applied for the enlargement and support of this school, and perhaps the name of this noble friend to a people whose friends have been few, shall be associated with an institution for their benefit. durable as the liberties or mountains of our country, and bright as the discoveries of Bacon.