Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-01-06
From, the National Journal.

According to invitation, General Ia
FAYErrE dined with the Members OF
both Houses Of Congress, at William
sons Hotel, in this city, on Saturday
last.
At half past four O'Clock, the front
rooms Of Williamson's range OF build
ings, now occupied by private fami-
lies, were thrown open for the compa-
ny, having been politely rendered for
that purpose. In about half an hour
afterwards, the President OF the United
States, (who had accepted the invita-
ton to honor the company with his
presence,) entered the room, accom-
panied by his Secretaries. At hall
nav S, General La Fayette arrived, at
tended by his son, Mr.. George Wash
ington La Fayette, and his Secretary,
NJ. La Vasseur; and at 6 O'Clock, the
company (Which, including the invited
guests, amounted to about 2oo,) sat
down to dinner. Mr.. Gaillard, the Pre-
sident, pro tenn. Of the Senate, and Mr..
Clay, the Speaker Of the House fire
representatives., presided. On the right
of Mr.. Gaillard, sat the President OF
the United States, and on his left Gen.
La Fayette, supported By his re.olutioaa-
ri brethren. On the right of MIR. Clay,
sat the Secretary Of State, aud on his
left, the Secretary Of War.
During the dinner, the Marine Band
performed variety of national and ia
vorite airs; and after the cloth was re-
moved the following toasts were drank:
/. The Day: which exhibits the Patriarch
of Liberty surrounded by his brethren in the
midst of his children.
9. The Memory of Washington.
3. The President Of the United Statse: Our
abroad, and prosperity at home,
are the best eulogy of his administration.
When this toast was announced, the
whole company rose ,oith one accord
Evidently and deeply affected with this
sudden and simultaneous tribute OF re-
spect the President rose, and, with
much feeling, addressed the company as
follows:
81 cannot but be deeply affected by
the generous sentiments which you
have expressed in favor of my con-
duct, in the high trust which | have
so long held from my country. In our
responsibility abroad, and prosperity at
home no one can take more profound
interest than do. 1t is to the virtue and
intelligence of our fellow citizens that
we owe this success; and see in it the
most decisive proof of the excellence
and stability of our republican institu-
tons. That l have exerted my best
faculties, in long course OF public
service, to support the institutions, and
to promote the welfare and happiness
of our Union, is most certain. To re-
ceive this public acknowledgment,
from so distinguished an assembly, on
an occasion so highly interesting and
honorable to the nation, affords me a
qualification which l shall forever che
rish."
4. The Statesmen who proclaimed, and the
Heroes who achieved ourindependence: I'm
speakabIe gratitude for unspeakable benefits.
S. A Nations Gratitude: The tribute Of the
heart, which millions of freemen are paying
to one of the most generous Of their benefac-
tors.
6. The Constitution of the United States:
The happy result of mental energy and moral
excellence.
z. The Union of the States, cemented by
the blood of our martyrs: Endeared to us alike
by the trophies of War and the blessings OF
Peace, it rests on the immutable basis of our
common glories and interests.
8. Gen La Fayette, the great Apostle Of
rational liberty: Unawed by the frowns OF ty.
ranny, uninfluenced by the Establishment Of
wealth, and unseduced by popular applause
the same in the Castle of Olmutz as in the ac-
tive SCIENCES of his labor, and the height of
his renown.
After this toast was drank, General
La Fayette rose, and thus expressed
himself:
"Gentlsm,en of both Houses: l want
words to express the respectful, CRATE
full sense have of all the favors and
kindnesses you are pleased to confer
upon me. Ihope you will do justice to
the warm feelings of an American heart,
and / beg leave to propose the follow
ing toast:
Perpetual union among the United States
it has saved us in our times of danger-it will
save the world"
g. The army of the United States: New
Orleans, Bridgewater and Chippewa, appro-
pirate combinations of the history of Bunkers
Hill, Saratoga and Yorktown.
10. The Navy of the United States: 1t has
nobly won the garlands that adorn it. May
it flourish, like its own oak, in invincible
strength and perpetual verdure.
IL. The People the only legitimate source
of political power While rulers are respon-
sible agents, they can never long abuse their
authority, or be unfaithful to their trust.
IL. Public opinion and Free Press: The
cherubim and flaming sword Switch keep the
way of the Tree" of Liberty.
i3. The memory of Kosciusko and Steu.
ben, Pulaski and De Kalb-illustrious COM
peers of our illustrious guest.
IA. The Republics Of South America and
Mexico: Instructed by our example, may they
participate in our success.