Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1839-10-15

s-~uo'cA waves oFas' ~ AVS country IdllS
to 20 down with il
For his worthy predecessor.who finds tito his
interest to take up his abaae n a sister Civ
Of the South, he solieits the cordial support Of
the whole Wing parlythroughcut the country
at large as he goes to connect hinself with
one Of the leading Journals Of the great and
good cause, stillio do battle in defence other
Institutions and Laws.
EUGENE B. DRAKE.
DINNER TO FHE HON. Mr.. PRENT1ss
This distinguished orator and eminent
statesman, the terror ofall enemies Is free
government, By invitation, attended a pub
lie dinner given BY his fellow citizens Of
this cOunty on Saturday the 18th in.
slant.
AS tho invitation was general, and the
day fine, the crowd was immense-num.
benng, we should judge, near two thOus-
and.
Attic hour Of -, drawn out BY a short
address from Mr.. Henry Dickinson, Mr..
Prentiss assembled the rostrum previ-
ously erected for the occasion, and
held forth in an unrivalled strain of tile
most ra6ned eioquence and sound argu.
ment, on the leading topics of the day, for
more than four hours; which, however, to
use his own expression, only allowed him
time TO present but "birds eye view" Of
a few of the subjects and events that SC
deeply interests the country at the present
time.
The subjects he principally dwelt upon,
were; The constitutionality and expedien.
cy Of a National Bank-the exploded
State bank experiment-the famous sub.
treasury system, and its inevitable conse-
quences-the rewarding of defeated Party
candidates with high ofices--the interfcr-
ence Of government officers in elections
the infamous expunging process, that en-
stamped blank stain upon the journals
Of an American Senate, and furnished the
fair fame of our National glory, and, the
increasing power, patronage, end mon.
strous aspirations ofihe executive over the
liberties of the peopIe-alE of which, Mr..
Prentiss touched with master hand, and
proved conclusiyely, 10 the satisfaction Of
every one present, we believe, both wings
and democrats, that the country was in
imminent danger; and that if something
was not done to arrest the CoRRUPTloN Of
the present party in power, the govern.
ment could not survive.
Those who have heard him, only, can
testify TO the great powers of his mind, and
the mastery style with which he handles
bis subject. Gifted with the highest men.
tai endowment, added to which is a well
cultivated mind, he grasps, with gigantic
intellect the mIghtiest Subjects before him,
and with giant strength, twirls them as an
atom before your view. Nothing appears
either too deep, or TOO remote; but, draw
ing from every source, and dashing from
the beautiful to the sublime, intermixing
CALLING irony and attic wit--each scathine
in its turn the head of the devoted victim
he enchains the minds oEhis hearers, unit
hours Fly as minutes, and day, seem;
but an hour.
During Mr.. Prentiss' speech, he was
frequently interrupted by the spontaneous
cheering of his audience; and at the con.
closion, there was one general burst 0
applause.
There were many ladies' present, il
carriages, literally surrounding the ros
trum, who never fail to listen to the clio
quence of this champion of ''Freenen'
Rights" whenever he visits our city. Tn
noblest boon that can be bestowed on
warrior 5rauet
| At the conclusion, the mighty multilud
repaired to an arbor constructed for th
purpose, where was spread for their repasr
the grateful offering of Republican din
ner, and thrice or more, were four lon
tables filed, with the honest citizens {
our country, many Of whom had traveIe
far and near, to hear he truth promulga
ted, and their rights defended against tn
grasps Of tyrant hands.
|. During the banquetiug, many toast
were drank; and letters, from the Hon
John Bell of Tennessee, the Hon. Geo
w. Crabb, of Alabama, and Chanccllo
Turner of this state, who had been invites
guests, were read.
At a late hour, the vast assemblage dis
persed, intent, no doubt, TO profit by tn
information received, and, when the prop
er time arrives, to hurl, from the high sta
lions they occupy, these enemies of thei
country, who have, hitherto, by falsehooc
intrigue and corruption, imposed upo
their credulity, and abused the too conf
ding trusts reposed.
Col HoIderpess, Maj. J. /. Moore, Co
James II. Smith, and Reuben Hodge:
Esquire, presided, as presidents and vic
presidents Of the day.
The committee ofarrangoments consis
ted Of, Col. Mckinney HoIderness, Robi
!. nl.l..I O. SILL n,