Remarks delivered before the Irish Literary & Historical Society in San Francisco, May 28, 1976, as one of a series of lectures of the American Issues Forum. Riordan extols Garret William McEnerney (1865-1942) as the ideal self-made man whose life is the "story of the American dream ... that social mobility remains a reality." McEnerney became a giant in his field of law, noted for protecting and maintaining property rights of his wealthy clients. In 1902 he became Counsel for the United States, presenting before the Permanent Court of Arbitration claims against Mexico growing out of the Pious Fund of California. This case was heard by the Hague Tribunal which made an award of liability by Mexico to the United States. McEnerney was also advisor to San Francisco Mayor Eugene Schmitz on matters dealing with the fire and earthquake of 1906. A legislative act followed, the McEnerney Act, which helped reestablish title to real property destroyed during the earthquake. Described in detail are McEnerney's achievements and contributions to the University of California as Regent from 1901-1942. Lastly, Riordan gives a comparison between McEnerney and Peter Christopher Yorke, both Irish Catholics, and their contributions to American society.
