The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-11-20
Forty-thirti Anniversary OF the New Yor
Historical Society.


At half past O'Clock yesterday evening" the members
of the society began to assemble the library
Of the society in the University previous to the general
rendezvous In the chapel to hear the annual oraon to
be delivered, on this occasion, by Benjamin f Butler,
Esq. After the transaction of some preliminary and
formal business the members proceeded In order to the
chapel Of the University attended by a numerous and
highly respectable company Of ladies and gentlemen
Among the assembled crowd noticed Senator Dix
General Gaines with other eminent public characters
On arriving in the beautiful chapel Of the University
which was filed from top to bottom with company,
saw q larger assemblsge) the proceedings of the
evening were opened by Jno Bradish, Esq, the Vice
President Of the so0ssy who IN neat and nd brief ad
meeting viz the celebration Of the fortyhrd annver-
sary fthe society
The Rev Dr. MILNoR being conducted to the chair
then open"d the meeting, by delivering impressive
and solemn prayer
BESJAMIN +. BUTLER, Esq, was then introduced to
Mr.. BUTLER commenced an Grafton replete with deep
historical interest," and bearing marks Of profound and
suson to the new constitution Of this state referring
to the remarkable manner In which 80 important
and Important conclusion that here we see estab-
shed and proved to the world the ability OF the Peo'
pie to sustain free republican government MT But
Ter then proceeded according the plan by him stated
to discuss and upon the history Of the State
governments Of New York, which he proposed for the
subject Of his discourse The whole distributed by
him into three heads or divisions. as follows LIST
| The united provincial original Dutch govern
| ment 2nd. The English government Sd The
stitutional government established after the great
American revolution and Independence. Under the
| first head the orator entered into pleasing &C.
count and description Of the PATRON system, and
threw much light upon this dark but interesting period
Of New York history Under the second head the pro-
gress of liberty and liberal sentiments, In spite Of the
oppressive and unjust character OF the English govern
ment, happily traced out Under the third head
Mr. Butler entered into deep and learned yss OF
the various constitutions under which the State Of New
York has successfully ourshed since tho period Of the
| revolution, concluding with an elaborate and In
terestiDg analysis Of the present new constitution
| comparing 1t with the fsrmsr, and those Of the
sister States Mr. Butler showed that there Is charter
in the world which equals 1t In the freedom Of its prn
cipes. IL Is the standard of OWL dutv, and the
political liberty All that is valuable in
has been added By Its provisions the immediate
agency Of the people in the has been much
enlarged IL Is particularly distinguished by watch
full and jealousy of the egssture but its most
important provisions those which relate to the nd
and property Of the State To these ehec
tusliy the great object OF calling the convention
| There two great principles which it Is based
delegated power ought to be restrained These two
principles fully and faithfully carried out in our new
constitutions the largest eest and most liberal OF any
that has been drawn since man was united In civi
government. MIR. Butler having concluded powerful
able, and profound address, which regret our mit
only enable to sketch thus briefly motion of Mr.
Benedict the thanks of the society were voted to hin
un snimously and copy requested for publication
| A benediction was then pronounced by the veners
BILE cbsirman, upon which the meeting adjourned tt
parake Of refreshments In the elegant saloon OF thu
society.