America. Since the records indicate that no other structure in the United States associated with Kosciuszko has survived, it becomes all the more imperative to take prompt action in order to restore the Home in Philadelphia as a national site which all our citizens may visit in the years ahead.

Once again, I urge the members of this Subcommittee to take prompt and favorable action on the proposal to designate the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home as a National Historic Site and I thank the members of the Subcommittee as well as the distinguished Chairman for scheduling this hearing and for giving the other Members of the Congress the opportunity to express themselves on this important proposal.

STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES A. BYRNE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

I would take this occassion to recommend to the Committee the establishment of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home in Philadelphia as a National Historic Site, in the name of the best American traditions. To be eligible for the Registry of National Historic Landmarks, an historic site must meet the criteria of exceptional value in the same theme or period of history, must stand out in National significance. The site must be needed in the National Park System to fill gaps in a theme or period of history in order that a well-rounded representation of America's historical and cultural heritage may be achieved. The site must be suitable for, and adaptable to, effective preservation, administration, interpretation, development and use.

The Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home, in Philadelphia, lives up to every one of these specifications, and more. It represents the Spirit of '76 above and beyond the Independence of America, extending even to the Old World where the evils of tyranny were pressing as hard upon the people of the Eighteenth Century as they were on the American continent. In the 1760's and 1770's-on the brink of our own revolutionary outburst-Europe was largely concerned with preparations for and consumation of the First Partition of Poland in 1772.

The Partition was brought about by the aggressive policies of Russia, Prussia, and Austria, aided and abetted by a large body of Polish noblemen. Following the Partition, that part of the Polish nobility and gentry openly hostile to foreign domination were rendered unwelcome in their own land, and many moved away. One of these was Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

A member of the small, gentry, Kosciuszko had received an education at the Royal School at Warsaw, from which he graduated with the rank of captain in 1769. While the Partition was taking place he was abroad, studying engineering and artillery in France. Following a brief and unrewarding visit home, he returned to France where he remained until 1776.

Advised of the outbreak of the American Revolution, Kosciuszko declared in favor of the American cause. Borrowing money for the venture, he sailed to America and offered his services to Congress, which was deeply impressed by his knowledge of military engineering. Desperate for assistance in the vital matter of fort construction, the Congress welcomed his arrival and put him instantly to work. He was employed at Ticonderoga, under General Gates, in the fortification of Mount Defiance against Burgoyne, where American victory was largely attributable to his endeavors; the construction of West Point, the so-called "Gibraltar of the Hudson;" and in the Carolina Campaign, under General Greene, in which the British Army of the South was led a merry chase for two years and driven from the area in 1782.

As a construction engineer, transportation officer, cavalry commander, and allaround tactician, where was none superior in the Continental Army to Thaddeus Kosciuszko. And in the matter of democratic purpose he was equally important. When the American Revolution was won, he returned to Poland to lead the democratic forces of his homeland in a futile but dramatic and heroic campaign to drive the Russians from Polish soil. The campaign thus begun has never been fully suppressed to this very day.

In tribute to a Polish-American of the highest caliber, I take this occasion to express my ardent support for H.R. 6827, a bill I introduced in March 1971 for the establishment of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home National Historic Site located in the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania, which I have had the privilege of representing for the past twenty years.

STATEMENT OF HON. THADDEUS J. DULSKI, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate very much your scheduling these hearings on my bill. H.R. 11621, and similar House bills, as well as on the Senate-passed S. 1973. For the record, I am Thaddeus J. Dulski, a Representative of the 41st District of New York.

The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Secretary of Interior to establish the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home National Historic Site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Senate bill was approved unanimously last March, both by the Senate and by its Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.

There is no question about the authentic historic significance of the Kosciuszko Home because it already has been recognized for listing by the National Park Service in its National Register of Historic Places.

As our Nation prepares to mark its own bicentennial, attention naturally turns to those historic days 200 years ago when our forefathers were laying the foundation for the United States of America.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko played an important role in the American Revolutionary War even though he was a native of Poland and never gave up his citizenship although he lived the later years of his life as an exile.

Kosciuszko was a Polish patriot and revolutionary soldier who had studied engineering and artillery. Learning of the American fight for independence, he traveled across the Atlantic to work with DeLisle and Payne in developing plans for fortification of the Delaware River.

His successful work led to his commission as Colonel of Engineers in the Continental Army in October 1776. The following spring, he joined the Northern Army and advised on the fortification of Mount Defiance.

Kosciuszko's skill in choosing battlefields and erecting fortifications was integral to the stunning victory of the Americans over Burgoyne at Saratoga. Indeed, the Commander of the American Forces at Saratoga, General Horatio Gates, described Kosciuszko's part in this battle as follows:

"Let's be honest. In war as in medicine, natural causes not under our control do much. In the present case the great tacticians of the campaign were hills and forests, which a young Polish engineer was skillful enough to select for my encampments."

Kosciuszko's engineering skill was utilized in the fortification of West Point to which he directed his attention from 1778 to 1780, helping to protect New York City from British attack by way of the Hudson River.

Following his work at West Point, Kosciuszko was attached as Chief Engineer with General Nathaniel Greene and the Army of the South where he contributed further to American successes. His chief functions were to survey the fields of operations, to point out strategic areas, to determine potential sources of food and water, and to devise means for the rapid transportation of troops and provisions.

Records show that when the campaign turned into guerrilla warfare, as so often happened, Kosciuszko disregarded his rank and fought alongside of the foot soldiers. For his service to the American cause he was promoted to brigadier general at the end of the war.

Thus it can be seen that Kosciuszko's role in the Revolutionary War was extremely important and was recognized at the time by the founders of the new Government, particularly Thomas Jefferson.

In fact, while Thomas Jefferson was Vice President of the United States, he visited Kosciuszko at the Philadelphia residence involved in this legislation. He asked Kosciuszko to travel to France on behalf of the United States and in the interest of world peace.

The relationship between Kosciuszko and Jefferson was so close that Kosciuszko, while living in Philadelphia, wrote and delivered to Jefferson his last will and testament in which he bequeathed his fortune for the purpose of freedom of enslaved blacks.

Mr. Chairman, it is only fitting that this home in Philadelphia-the only home which Kosciuszko had in the United States-should be preserved as a national historic site in his memory.

The historic significance is clear, and there is wide suport for the pending proposal throughout the Nation.

It would be most appropriate to have this legislation enacted so that the property can be acquired and renovation completed in time for the bicentennial observance in 1976.

I urge approval of pending legislation at the earliest possible time.

STATEMENT OF HON. DANIEL J. FLOOD, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

Mr. Chairman, the time has come to end the status of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko as a "hero without a home". The legislation which I had the high privilege of introducing last April and which is being considered by this committee today would serve to properly distinguish this great man.

Even the most cursory glance at the history of this man's life reveals a multi-faceted talent with a fiercely driving desire for freedom which led him to become a patriot in America as well as his native Poland. Quite aside from his obvious talent as the foremost military engineer of his time, he was also a noted political philosopher, painter, and architect of outstanding ability. But it is as free men-as Americans-that we owe this man a debt which can never be fully repaid. Born in Poland in 1746, Kosciuszko's education was steeped in the philosophy of Plutarch and resulted in his deep belief in personal liberty for all men. Learning of the American Revolution, he borrowed money and sailed to the heart of the battle in the new found States. He was soon at work applying his genius for the Pennslyvania Committee of Defense to work planning the Delaware River Defense of Philadelphia and the embattlements at West Point on the Hudson. It was his work, now at the rank of colonel in the Continental Army, that later contributed to the American victory over Burgoyne at Saratoga; as we all know, the turning point of the War. At the end of that War, with the official thanks of Congress fresh in his mind, the volunteer hero of the Revolutionary War was promoted to brigadier-general at the request of General George Washington. Need I say more? This man was a hero of his age-indeed, a hero for all ages where men cherish freedom.

The historical significance of the Philadelphia residence of General Kosciuszko cannot be viewed apart from what he did there. During his term as Vice President, Thomas Jefferson visited Kosciuszko at the Philadelphia house we now seek to enshrine. It was then that Jefferson asked him to go to France on behalf of the United States to act as a peacemaker. It was also at this house where Kosciuszko wrote his last will and testament, delivered to Jefferson, and which devoted his entire fortune to the purchase and freeing of enslaved blacks. Perhaps even more important, this home is the last tangible site that can be definitely associated with Thaddeus Kosciuszko, for he was a man who most of the time stayed with his troops in the field.

Mr. Chairman, it is most fitting that tribute in the highest measure be paid to this man. I have urged, and will continue to press for speedy action on this legislation. General Thaddeus Kosciuszko is the first Polish-American hero, and twelve million Polish-Americans deserve the recognition we seek to convey to him-indeed, all of us as Americans owe to ourselves to keep alive the memories and heroics of that great struggle nearly two hundred years ago. I believe it would be most fitting as we approach our bi-centennial celebration that we consecrate the memory of General Kosciuszko, a true hero of the American Revolution.

CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C., September 20, 1972.

HON. ROY A. TAYLOR, Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, House Committee on Interior & Insular Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Your Subcommittee is presently considering H.R. 657 and related bills which would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania. Such an action would be a proper and fitting tribute to the General's tremendous contributions to the success of the American Revolution which

include the victory at Saratoga and the establishment of the Military Academy at West Point.

I, therefore, strongly hope that your Committee would look with favor upon turning General Kosciuszko's home into a lasting tribute to his memory. With best wishes, I remain

Sincerely yours,

JAMES M. HANLEY,
Member of Congress.

STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN Y. MCCOLLISTER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEBRASKA

Chairman Aspinall and Members of the Committee, I am pleased to add my comments today in support of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko home at 301 Pine Street in Philadelphia as a landmark worthy of recognition and preservation by the National Park Service. General Kosciuszko's invaluable service during the American Revolution included the engineering of fortifications at Saratoga, West Point and Yorktown, all of which were vital to the defeat of the British. In 1797-98 Thomas Jefferson frequently visited him at this home, and it was there that Kosciuszko's last will and testament was written. He bequeathed his fortune (mainly land holdings granted him by a grateful U.S. Congress) to Jefferson for the purchase and freeing of slaves and for their education. This gesture preceded Lincoln's Emacipation Proclamation by more than fifty years. The Department of the Interior initially issued a report that the house did not meet the criteria for a national historical site because of Kosciuszko's short time of residence there. The Assistant Secretary of Interior has since suggested that it be designated a national memorial instead. It still would be developed and maintained by the National Park Service, but the emphasis would shift, as it should, to the man. The house itself is only important as a reminder of the outstanding Polish general who served his adopted country as courageously as his own. I, therefore, endorse the amendments proposed by the Department of Interior to establish the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial.

STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN E. HUNT, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity to submit a statement for the record in support of H.R. 11141 which proposes to establish the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home National Historic Site at 301 Pine Street in the City of Philadelphia, within eyesight of Independence Hall.

As a free nation, we are indebted to men like Thaddeus Kosciuszko, born in Poland on February 12, 1746, who through great personal sacrifice, endurance and ingenuity contributed greatly to America's success in her fight for independence. His genius as a military strategist, his expertise as an engineer, and his compassion as a humanitarian made him a hero in the eyes of the American people who will survive beyond our own time. It was the Congress of 1783 that took the extraordinary step of recognizing Kosciuszko's selfless service by the award of citizenship, a land grant, and promotion to the rank of brigadier general. We could never have expected more of an American-born officer than this energetic Polish-born patriot gave with unyielding dedication to the sulting from an unsuccessful fight for Polish freedom.

Kosciuszko's one-time residence at 301 Pine Street is a most fitting and living tribute in which the tangible evidence of his contributions can be collected and preserved for posterity. More than anything else, this home has become a monument to more than 12 million Americans of Polish descent and a symbol to all Americans of the pride and admiration with which we remember one of our nation's great heros.

Speaking of the significance of the home itself, The Philadelphia Bulletin once editorialized that "for lack of a shrine to commemorate his services, Kosciuszko strides through American history like a hero without a home". It went on to observe that the country needs "a place for General Kosciuszko to put away his spyglass and maps, within eyesight of Independence Hall where the Declaration he fought for was signed".

Mr. Chairman, the Congress of 1783 awarded citizenship to Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Let it be the Congress of 1972 that immortalizes his memory as a national hero with the establishment of his home as a National Historic Site.

STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD J. DERWINSKI, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

Mr. Chairman: Thank you for the opportunity to testify before your committee.

Inasmuch as I had originally sponsored legislation which would have established the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home in Pennsylvania as a National Historic Site, I am taking recognition of the position of the Department of Interior, which is in favor of the establishment of a Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial. The Department concluded that the Kosciuszko Home does not meet the administrative criteria for a National Historic Site and recommended that this legislation, H.R. 7813 and S. 1973, be amended to authorize a National Memorial designation for the Kosciuszko home.

Even though this is not as much as I had hoped for, looking at the matter as pragmatically as possible, I feel this is something in which we might all agree and I hope the subcommittee will expedite action on this legislation so that the recommendation made by the Department of Interior can be realized. General Kosciuszko was a great patriot who served two countries. There can be no question of his great contribution to the American Revolution, which was significant to the winning of American Independence. The recommendation of the Department of Interior will go a long way in rectifying past omissions regarding official recognition of a great patriot.

STATEMENT OF HON. LAWRENCE COUGHLIN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

As sponsor of H.R. 14008, I am pleased to testify in favor of this bill and companion measures which would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a National Historic Site.

The purpose of these bills is to preserve for the American people the only remaining structure in the country that is identified with the great American Revolutionary war hero. The house at 301 Pine Street, Philadelphia, was the residence of General Kosciuszko from 1797-1798 after his temporary exile resuling from an unsuccessful fight for Polish freedom.

Kosciuszko arrived in the struggling Colonies in 1776. In just more than a year, his efforts had contributed significantly to the Continental Army's victory at Saratoga. He was a patriot, soldier, engineer and statesman of whom all Americans can be proud.

This remarkable man was a product of democratic upsurge in Europe and in every European colony. The tyrannies of emperors had driven the people to a frenzy throughout the world, and everywhere the spirit of democracy was rallying the popular attention and concern. The period in question was one of the most dramatic in modern history, and its participants-on the democratic side-some of the most important persons in the history of man. In spirit and accomplishment, none of these exceeded Kosciuszko.

The First Partition of Poland, carried out in 1772, was the last great outrage of the tyrants, in advance of the furious popular reaction. Under the terms of the Partition, Poland was divided up among its greedy neighbor-states, with the connivance and cooperation of certain Polish nobles, and at the expense of any Polish citizen hostile to its purpose. The same spirit prevailed in England, where the British government was bent upon a policy of bleeding dry America, in the interest of British nobility, at the expense of the American people.

Against the tyranny of the Polish Partition, a large number of Polish aristocrats and gentry offered open resistance, and for so doing were driven from their homeland. Of these, an outstanding example was Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

Abandoning his commission in the royal Polish forces, he quit his homeland, temporarily, to serve under Washington, in the American response to British oppression, and as a military engineer of some consequence was welcomed with