The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-04-12

IRWIN DINNER. Al a..
We give our report u Mis- splendid eners, innenl
n We haye not b~en ahls TO obtain miauts sceoupt
ffosa tbs Sscre taries InAced Il would b mpossb>6
to have kept note of bait the hae tossts sod RE ;
speeches that were showsted on the occasion. Al 3
o'clock the company, which htied 10 oscrdowing bs
large dining room Of the Exchange sat down to q
most glorious feast.
Col. Nm. kosiSsos, Jr, was selected for fres'-
dent Of the evening" assisted by the following officers
yiee Preside ai,--John Stevenson, Esq (of Moon)
John Freeman. George A. Bayard, John Turbets,
William J. Totem, Henry Mccullough, Major Henry
lun, Hon. VIM. b. Foster.
Seereiaries-Dayid Richie, Samuel W. Black
After the cloth was removed, the President rose
aud introduced the name of MIR. Irwin, Ia the an.
nexsd remarks and toast
Csatiess~a--- We have met together this evening Ia
greet our Representative his retrn-to extend IL
him tho right hand Vi fellowship to offer him we'll
n,crilcd compliment, 10 hts uuwearied attention "
the interests Of his constituents whilst representing
this district in Congress. As meeting under
stood TO be without distinction OF party, and
one, am sure, would desire to interfere with that
understanding. may yet, with propriety, be permit
ted to advert briefly 10 some few topics IN the course
Of our representative which regard our own imme-
date concerns in which all cord ally unite in SEN
tiIneDt. To his exertions and influence and to his
alone, does this city stand indebted for being inted
out as the first and most appropriate place Tor bu,ld-
ing and cquippny Iron Steam SHIPS both for the Ma
yal and Revenue service Of the nat on and her
manufacturers and mechanics Gas we ought to ire
sume) for valuable contracts for their construction.
TO what extent this fortunate selection of city by
the Government for such important branches of pub
lie service may benefit US, is impossible to forcsee
or cacula.e-it will be hundreds of thousands and
may be millions-spreadng its beneficial influences
in The means and profits Of labor throughout our
whole community. In this alone, for il is his own
work as can we'll testify, is our friend entitled to
cordial thanks and lasting gratitude. lie has Sc
cured for by his zeal in procuring payment from
the Government for site, the ultimate construction IN
our neighborhood of morne hospital. To his uIi-
firing exertions the appropriation for improving
the Ohio, owes much Of its success. | need
not dwell the lasting and incalcuabe value to
trade and commerce OF tins improvement before this
assemblage, or say to you, in him we have always
found steadast and enlightened advocate Of the in
crests Of our manufacturers, artisans and mechanics.
Mr.. Irwin is about 10 leave us on an honorable mis-
sion, TO which he has been appointed by the Presi-
dent, in distant land, aud whilst in this way we
have to greet him on his return and offer him fe-
cnations on his appointment, cannot but regret the
absence of useful and Jealous for the inter
ests Of Pittsburgh At this uncture do particular.
y regret his absence and the and he could give
arousing US from our supineness, and inspiring with
animation in proceeding with the only important
work which yet remains TO render this city unrvalled
in its facilities for trade and travel, and to which
rejoice TO see, within few days, the public atten-
ton has been in degree directed 1t is scarcely
necessary to say fer TO the necessity of immediate
action, unsleeping effort, and generous sacrifice on
the pat Of our citizens to connection by railroad
with Cumberland.
will detain you no further, and conclude by offer
ing the following sentiment:
w. w. IRwR, our late Representative in Con-
gress. We tender him our cordial thanks Tor his SER
vices and sincere aspirations for his health and
happiness in the new department Of public duty to
which he has been called
Thro ghout the speech, every alluson to the CUES,
of his constituents received with the cor
dial applause and the sentiment at the close called
forth repeated and renewed bursts Of approval.
Mr.. Irwin rose, laboring under the deepest emo
lions, which even his usual self possession could no,
conceal, but, witha, the only opinion WIS., he never
have endeavored to collect accurately as possible
we need hardly say filled the hearts Of all his friends
Mn. CHMRMAN, | would be wanting in manly sem
sibility did not feel deepy feel, the kindness and
generosity Of the compliment paid to me- by my el-
iow-citizens, this evening
IL is no light matter TO tear oneself from home,
and kindred aud constituents and country but il is
q cheering consolation to him who is thus about 10
separate iron almost all that be holds most dear on
EARTH t. know that he leaves behind him hearts
who will sympathise with his fortunes Sir, / want
words TO give utterance 10 the emotions which crowd
upon me at this moment
Gentlemen, your worthy chairman has been
pleased to aude to my humble services as your Re-
preventative the value Of hch he has too highly es-
timaied. Without, gentlemen, presuming to offer a
word of argument, or OF discussion, in connection
with any political topic, which may, even in the
slightest degree wound the feelings Of any one, it is
perhaps due TO the occasion that should, brief as
may be, disclose 10 you the Of policy and prin-
cPics by which ! was governed, while IN Congress.
Gentlemen, II was with no light heart, or bold con
hdence, took my seat in The Hall Of Representatives
at the opening OF the 9th Congress. / saw before
me and around me Nh array Of intellectual force and
power, such as is seldom witnessed any theatre
even IN this enlightened country. There were veteran
ststcsmen, experienced parliamentary tactic bril-
liant orators, adrolt politicians, and who had
appeared Tor the first time on that arena, but who
were burning with an ardent ambition for honorable
fame. had succeeded men, your former represen
tatlves who Tad left behind them reputation for SER
vices and ability, such as IL would have been pre-
sumptuous in me to have hoped TO attain.
1t would have been impossible for any Of or
binary reflection not to have oreseen that all the great
questions Of national policy all the great measures
Of federal administration. not excepting the fearful
issues of peace war, which had agtated, divided
and copvulsed the American people for the last TWEEN
ty-6ve years. would be marshallcd for the considera
tion discussion and action Of that 9th Congress Ii
quite easy to that, daily, nay hourly, qucs
tons of vital importance to the interests Of the whole
country might be suddenly sprung upon The inexpe-
rienced rep escntstve. You, my constituents, were
not at my elbow to counsel and advise me in my
votes. was not long, gentlemen, in deciding upon
the course which should pursue. II may have been
perlous one, but il was simple and straight for
ward
In the first place, determined that in emcrgep-
cy in stress Of weather, Tor earthly considera-
tion would consent to any violations of that sacred
instrument, the Constitution Of the United States
IL struck me when looking over the history of men
and psrtcs that in no single instance had that inst-
ment been departed from, without subjecting the
country 10 suffering. ltseemed as though Providence
had, on every occasion, determined TO punish our
presumption m forsakDg the counsel OF our father,
In the next place, ought il prudent aud exped-
en to forbear the exercise OF any doubtful power on
the part Of Congress Our history proves that fede-
raj legislation indeed all legislation to be pc fmsnen
must meet w,th the general and cordial acquio
OF The peoplc The idea of forcing La " nnn n n I'M