The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-02-23


NE
GRAND GALA DAY-YouNe AMERICA PLANTS HER
FIRST LIBERTY PoLE.-Yesterday was a glorious
day. bright spring sun shone warmly and clear
not cloud dimned the blue arch of heaven, and
the world looked bright and beautiful From every
flagstaff floated the stars and strpes-from every
avenue was poured forth the youth, beauty and chi
valry of our gay city-all enjoying the day, the
scene, 'and the occasion 1t was proud day for
young America, and commemorated in worthy
manner. The birthday OF Washington was the
proper occasion which to plant the first liberty
pole raised to bear the flag of the Native American
party. He had crushed tyranny and oppression, and
established on its ruins nation of freemen. They
have arisen to crush corruption and party domino
ton, and to establish on its ruins, a pure.
wholesome and incorruptible city government
AT an early hour in the day, the members ,ot
the several wards assembled at the head quar-
tiers in the Eighth Ward, where the pro-
cesson was formed The Brigade Brass Band,
composed entirely OF Native Americans, was en-
gagged for the occasion. At ten o'clock, the line OF
march was taken up, and all moved of in excellent
order, the rear being brought up by the huge pole,
drawn by four horses, caparissned fttingly. After
fatiguing march through the principal Streets the
order to "halt'' was given, opposite the spot on
which the pole was to be erected, in Wooster
street. All the tackle and gear being prepared and
ready, the pole moved into position, and after
some little delay, the word ''pul was given, and
with will. the mast was raised in an instant into
the air. amid the crash of trumpets, the cheers of
several thousand spectators, and the waving of
handkerchiefs from every window and balcony,
which were filled with lovely women-the fair
daughters and blooming wives of the honest, intel
ligent and hardy sons of b" Young America
The pole having been lodged securely in the bed
prepared for it, the President of the Eighth Ward
Association mounted the staging, which had been
erected directly in front, and exhibited to the
crowd the tin case containing the documents and
memorials to be deposited at its base This was
the signal for another burst of enthusiasm. The
case was then fixed in its resting place, and the
earth and clay filled in The ceremony being
over, the Chairman called the multitude to order,
and desired them to choose their officers. The
following were nominated and chosen unan-
meusy:
President
JOHN F. briggs, ESQ.
Fice Presidents,
| L.
WIN. Is. CozzENs STEPHEN SAMMoNs.
Secrtta,ies
Messrs. JAMES WEBB and - WOOD
The Band struck up Hail Columbia, and nine
cheers were given with hearty good will The
President then introduced Mr.. Oakley to the meet
ing, and in moment the utmost order prevailed ::
Mr. OAxLEY-Fellow Americans-We have met here
to-day to commemorate in fitting manner the birth.
day Of a MANTLE greatest that the Of Heaven has
ever shone on. We have come together in a common
cause and in support Of noble princplesin unanmity
and good with the Of party spirit
or with sore corruption fostering in ranks No. we
met as band OF band of freemen to do
honor to the name OF him who gave liberty
try, and who first in war; first peace and first in
the hearts OF his counrymenthei immortal Washington
(Chesrs) Yonder Liberty Pole has been raised by the
exertons of the Native Americans Of the Eighth
Ward 1t is the first which has been raised by u.s. but
hope it will not be the last. Cries of No, non We
have sprung into existence as il by magic We have
arisen out Of q corrupt and vitated community
and labor to separate the gold from the drosso
endless against evil and tyranny. Well may The
citizens Of city be proud of that emblem Of our
misunderstanding to the Liberty Pole) gives them
hope, gives them guarantee that work and
prepared to assert their rights and honor
will read you the list of documents and articles de-
posted at the base Of the POLE there rest until future
ages when perhaps may come forth testimony of the
birth Of great sad mighty olution sre Mr. Oakley
the list which will found at the close of the pro
ceedngs) 1t is grateful and heartfelt pleasure to
very American citizen to lend his aid the erection OF
such an emblem of liberty, either by his hand his voice.
his money or his talents Our act this day renders
peraye that should defend it and the principles
upon which is based, at all hazards 1t is no child's
grow pale at the shout OF Young America which has
arisen in her strength and majesty to hur them from the
seats they have 50 long and SO unworthiy filled They
kren. The day has passed. when freemen car
tolerate anything which is rspugnant to liberty
and foreign influence to govern counsels Here to
day, We call upon each and every member throughout
tand nv WI have al al
we are triumphant. We know not what are doing
This movement may be but the commencement OF new
throughout the old and naughty Giles and countries
The East we may be nainsing power an impulse which
to the world Stand, then by your guns-stand to you
! arms-watoh every man his neighbor-mark the mar
who proves recreant to the principles Of American
| tizen-hold no communication with him-et him b.
aone-our task is one of ncessant watchfulness-w,
guard every passage against the traitor by eve
ry means must resist foreign oppression Be but vgi
liant in the cause. and the shade of washington Wi
smile upon efforts He will rejoice see his SON
esolue defending the freedom which he had purchase,
with his bloodand maintaining the liberty Of our Ian,
and Of nation. Let this day be prelude of what
| to come. when the ides Of April shall round A
party hacks party corruption, and party gold But
memb Der the republican party cannot fal-they must ri
umph or perish in the struggle to institutions
loud and enthusiastic cheers, amid which Mr. Oake,
| retired)
song was called for and in few minutes the poet d,
La Rec, was upon the stand and in load clear mani,
voice, he sung one Of his original songs to the air
| "Rockaway" He was loudly cheered.
Mr.. sAMMoNa next read series of resolutions which
were adopted He then addressed the meeting at some
length He was not he said. surprised to that upor
this day-a day never to be forgotten by American c
lenthat hundreds OF his fellow citizens had abandoned
their ordinary occupaons and assembled hereand for
what? What was the and what the purport of this
gaherng' was to celebrate the birth day. to honor
nan who had fulfilled Of the most remarkable des
MES in the history OF the world. Although he pos
sessed Of no very peculiar shining talents yet he had
talent oil honesty OF rmness Of confidence in the immu
table laws Of justice. He needed better euogy than
that he had made countrythe greatest the world ever
saw The principles advocated and established by that
man will yet be the acknowledged principles of all the
world This was no idle talk When the native Amer
Their first gathering but handful AT first ten
then twenty-and swelling with miraculous rapidity
thousands acknowledged the causs-and now see our
and for what purpose are destined ] would rather
next spring that our party should 20 down. than that
Wes adj any