Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-09-02
LAUNCH OF THE GREAT BRITAIN
SPEECH OF MIR. EVERETT.

tOIEECl1 of Mn E-lAE
The collation. given by the Great Western
Steamship Company upon the launching OF
this new and magnificent iron steamer, was
an occasion of considerable interest. A num-
Der ofspeechcs were made complimentary to
the company and TO Prince Albert. who was
present as its guest. A toast in honor OF the
representatives of foreign governments pres
ent was replied 10 by the Prussian AmoasSa-
dor and by Mr.. Everett, our Minister whose
speech, which we give below, was recei'eu
with much enthusiasm. MIR. Everett sad:
Mr.. CnaArMAs:-May it please your Roy
al HQhness, Ladies' and Gentlemen, the Int-
nation which has been given 10 me, that IN
consequence Of the kind alluson you have
been pleased 10 make to my country and
myself, some acknow edgment is expected OF
me, induces me TO Intrude myself for mo-
ment on your notice. | feel 1t, sir, very
agreeable privilege, TO be permitted to par
take OF the hospitality of tins interesting oc-
casion. We read in one Of the delig htiul pro
auctions, with which the literature of our
common language has been enriched by Sir
Walter Scott, Of the Cheftain, who, by the
sound of his whistle, called up five hundred
cansmen from the ,hcket of highland gen
His Royal Highness has performed 4 greater
wonder TO day. He has literally covered
your walls, your road sides, your house tops,
and Brandonhll to the very summit, not with
hundreds, but with hundred thousand loyal
subjects anxious to testify their devotedness
to their gracious and beloved Sovereign, and
their attachment 10 him the partner OF her
affections. ! re Joice, Sir. as the humble rep
yesentative of one Of the allied or friendl Y
powers to which you have alluded, to have
had an opportunity OF witnessing spectacle
SO pleasing even TO a stranger.
But could hardly feel myself a stranger,
when on stepping on board that wonderful
ship, this morning my eye caught from the
foremas: head the sight OF the flag Of my
country, gracefully mingling It's folds with
yours and those of the other friendly powers.
1 rejoice in the belief, that the interests OF the
two kindred nations, rightly understood, are
as near to each other their banners on
Your mast heads; and pray from my heart
that their best affections may be closely
interwned, i'll honorable peace.
We read in the Arabian tales of the won,
defs of magic; OF flying steeds; of palaces
starting by enchantment from the ground
Sir, let Us leave magic 10 the nufSery,-give
me the magic of the Mechanical Arts. Con
slider that science, acting by their agency, has
but waved her wand over the dark caverns
of the iron NINE, and out of them has start-
ed up this noble, this stupendous structure,
ready TO launch upon the waves. | rejoice
to understand that ny native shore is one of
the destinations OF this beautiful vessel; and
assure YOU that when she has passed the
Narrows at New York, she will be saluted
by thousands of my countrymen, AS cordially
as by those, which now haul her entrance
upon her destined element.
His Honor the Mayor has spoken Of the
declining trade of this ancient city; rather
let us with HIM, on tins suspicious occasion,
anger favorably of It's revival. 1t Is the ma
turc of foreign trade like the element on
which it is conducted, to fluctuate hither and
thther;-the wave rises on one shore and
SINKS on another. But will not readily be-
lieve, that this ancient seat OF English en-
terprse and rade,-trom which the discov-
crers of North America went forth three
centuries and a half ago,-is destined to
permanent decline. ! rejoice TO behold, in
the active part she has taken in the noble en-
terprse of navigating the ocean by steam, a
great and speedy revival. Let US hope, that
this wonderful ship, whose Introduction to
her destined element we are assembled to
witness, may prove one OF the efficient agents
for bringing about that suspicious result. A
wonder, indeed 1t is OF modern art, that she
will be able, with her immense bulk, with
her way faring hundreds, borne on her iron
wings,-to conduct her course across the At
lantic and reach her destined haven, as reg
uiarlv. almost certainly, that mimic
steamer, which has been busIly pursuing its
voyage before the table al which we are seat
ed. and is now fast anchored IN front of his
Royal Highncss. Mr.. Everett alluded TO
the ingenious piece OF mechanism represent
ing the "Great Britain IN foil sail. Sir, |
thank you again for your kind remembrance
of my country, and beg to tender you and
the Great Western Steamship Company. my
most cordial good wishes for the success of
this great enterprise.
Two curious philosophical facts are stated
on the authority of the foreman OF the rope
walk IN the navy-yard al Charlestown. One
Is, If you heat tar. such as they use for their
cables, 100 degrees above boiling heat. YOU
may dip your hand in it with the greatest Inn