The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1826-07-13

JUBILEE. Among the interesting incidents
which the occasion furnished it should
particularly be remembered that many of
our fellow citizens who heard the Declara-
ton read in l776 were present at this cele:
bration, and among them the venerable
Isaac Barker, Esq. Of Middletown, who re-
ouested permission to stand beside the
Reader IN Tie same place ,shere he lad
stood Fi0y gears before' The Military
also observed the same order of arrange
ment as in I77G.
Celebration IN Propidence.--The partic.
ulars ofthe celebration of the 50th Ami
versary in Providence occupy nearly five
columns of the Journal of Thursday last
The arrangements were numerous, splcn-
did and benevolent, and were executed
with taste, jud gment and perfection,
which do honor to the State, and its com
mcrcial capital. Numerous revolutionary
incidents were developed, in which the
Rhode Islanders were the actors, but which
have heretofore escaped the due notice of
history. We mention only two the des-
truction of the Gaspee Sloop ofwar in 1772
"A wear before the destruction of the tea
in Boston and the extraordinary capture
of Major general PRESCOTT, Of the British
army, at a most memorable period of the
war of Independence. Rhode Island too
rave birth TO General GREENE, "who in the
list of glorious names that constitute the
glory Of our country is always mentioned
neytm order to WAsHINGToN." The toasts
at the festive board were the first fruits Of
sanctified principles, and an address deliv-
cred by the Hon. Mr.. ROBBINS, Senator
of the United States, in acknowledgment
Of toast Of which his public services were
the subject, contains principles and truths
well worthy perusal and preservation.
Boston Centinel.
THE following was the Toast given to
Mr.. Robbins, and his reply to the same.l
William Wilkinson, Esq. being called up.
on for sentiment, gave the following:
The Hon. fisher Robbins, Senator from
this State in the 10Th Congress; the firm
and able supporter the present Admins
tration.
This toast was received with 6 cheers,
and the greatest applause, upon which MIR.
Robbins arose and spoke as follows:
Mn Friends and Fetlo,c Citizens,
In gratitude for the honor done me on
this occasion, in affection to this State, per-
NIT me to say a few words, previous TO the
toast, which in conclusion shall beg leave
to propose.
There is no state in this union, relatively
to extent Of territory, to be compared to
this, in capital, in successful enterprise, in
prosperous industry and Twill add, nor in
the enjoyment of the full blessings Of Sc
curity and freedom. Here is no tyranny
of rule, none of opinion-of opinion, that
worst Of all tyrannies-as it is exercised o.
yer the free-born mind, that represses her
native energies,--that by conhning her
wings prevents her agile flights. Here is
an exemption from that worst species Of
tyranny,--a privileged spot in that respect,
without parallel as | believe on the globe,
and almost without example. This species
of tyranny reigns but too much elsewhere,
und every where else and wherever it
relgns, it operates as an impeachment to the
Improvement ofthe condition Of man, in Sc
curing to him the full enjoyment of all his
rights, in perfecting him in all his faculties,
and in precluding him from the glorious
fruits to be expected from combination of
both.
1t is to this perfect freedom, intellectual
as well as personal, enjoyed in this state,
that is to be attributed that originality Of
character, which distinguishes her citizens;
their energy Of pursuit; their occasional
bursts and displays Of extraordinary talent
II has been a pleasure to me to find the
truth OF this picture, recognised by great
and liberal minds in different parts of this
union; and the distinctions of this State
made the theme Of their eulogy. On one
occasion in debate, in answer to a vulgar
sarcastic fling at the littleness of Rhode-Is-
land, one ofyour Delegation took occasion
proudly to reply (not to boast, but to repel
the INSULT that Rhode Island, though least
among the States in territory was only Sc
cond to the greatest in glory-alluding to
her Greene, who, in the list of glorious
names, that constitute the glory of our
country, is always mentioned next in order
to Washington, and almost as his compeer.
This reply was admired and reported in
many circles, and it was quoted as was
told, by the chief magistrate of the nation
at his own table, and with particular appro-
baton. Nothing could be more gratifying
to heart whose affections are bound up
in the peculiar welfare and dignity of his
State, than to meet with these multiplied
evidences of growing disposition to do
justice to the merits otths; ; ola disposition
to indulge even pride, in the credit which
she has done and is doing to our common
country ; our common country that is rising
rapidly to height; that is advancing with