I do not know whether Mr W T Cosgrave is the godfather of many Irish babies, but I learnt with some pardonable surprise that President von Hindenburg is the godfather of 14,000 German children, and that this honour has cost him £14,000.
Not every little German, of course, may select the president as his godfather. The privilege is subject to strict conditions, since, otherwise, the president might see himself at the head of a whole army of godchildren.
Papa Paul makes no distinction between boys and girls, but the child must be the seventh in the family. He requires that the parents enjoy a good reputation, and can be trusted to rear the child well. Approved parents must then sign a declaration agreeing never to put the president under any obligation, financial or otherwise, because he has acted as godfather. After this the baby receives his christening present in cash from the old marshal.
The Irish Times, June 15th, 1931.