The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-01-03

has shown that institutions do possess this defect
The contemplation, them of the proofs which have
exhibited TO the world of the efficiency OF our free nsti
on IN war as wen as in peace must be grateful to every
The world must look with asonshment the spectacle
which has been presented That perhaps is the adj
mirabe in historical point OF view, which has been pre-
sened during the last quarter OF century by the rapid in
crease OF our country IN prosperity That may be regarded
by philosophers and statesmen the grander spectacle
but has struck the observation OF foreign nations with
achievements OF arms in the present [Cheers
Look at the spectacle which exhibited when the Ex
country for force wherewh wage war with foreign
power between whom and this republic war was de,
cared 10 exist and prosecute which had but small
regular army Why it has been said thai two hundred
thousand ieemen from all parts of the land span their
feet ready battle defence of the honor of their country
LCreat applause Thus the history OF this has shown
only that raised, but that free American c
zens who had a will of their readily forward
men with sl and military science which the institutions OF
has greatly contributed. They merely Of
citizens for the history OF this war has shown that in few
veteran regulars of the standing army tGreat applause
This, gentlemen proud spectacle to exhibit the
world 1t showed that fathers in their wisdom
right in declaring that large standing armies not
for the defence OF this great country that they
had mistaken the spirit which would actuate their
counymen when they anc pated what ireemen would do
when called to the field of conflict Applausel 1t is true,
there may be- many causes TO which may be attributable
the glorious successes oil Due credit should be
given the brave and ski'l generals in both portions of
the country who commanded victorious armies Credit
should also be- gwen to the military skin which IS dnused
throughout this OF the
which we have Credit, too, should be given to the gallant
and brave officers that army system has cherished But
genemenA mericansfere is great basis of our glo
es by the of arms Is TO be found IN the
lca institutions OF our country lCheesl 1t is these free
glorious and fe strong hands and hearts IRE
newed cheerngI 1t is because they fight with intelligence
as well as with strength and bravery.
Mr. President will permit myself so further into
conem plaons that so interesting Permit me, in refer
ence to this SUBJECT to present this meeting this senti
sour Country Its admirable institutions have borne
to the height OF prosperity in peace and to unrvaed sue
| cess in war"
This toast was drunk, and the gallant General was
greeted he resumed his seat, with very enthusiastic
applause. Music by the band: Aud Lang Syne]
General Shields next rose and, on his rising the
pany gave HIM generous welcome. AS soon as the
cheering had subsidized he spoke as follows:
Mr. PRESIDENT GENTLEMEN regret exceedingly that
an humble way the feelings which entertain at his mo-
ment regret il on many accounts-no that can be es.
peced to make speech [Laughter My life, for some
one of sufering-[gea apPauseland the field of bat
tie and sick bed the schools of eoquence. And,
stated by my honorable and distinguished friend the
Secretary Of Slate, neither was the Land Office" school
oeoquence [Laughten Nor was it very good military
school, But feel my duty respond in brief and feel.
ing terms, the high compliment paid my distinguished
friend and myself this evening,
every city, town, village, and hamlet through which
have passed Every attention that could web be shown
men returning from foreign country has been shown to
us as we passed along. But this is compliment of still
higher character, higher than the compliment with
which met in State that Iove-the State Of South
Carolina, (appause l-because it is compliment
from individuals Of every rank assembled here do honor
to General Qultman and myself This sir is high com
return my sincere thanks [APplausel 1t is of
pride; and it cannot be said be vanity my part
distinguished assembly, deemed worthy of such
kind and respectful attentions.
self than that happen be general lin distinguished
armyan army Drawer than which entered bat
e-ed tgreat applause, land that have had the honor
and peculiar qualification only of holding the rank
general in that army but have disgaced that disin
men of that army, which, has been stated by the gene
it supposed to be- has accomplished only what
onished ourselves at home but the whole civilized world
[Appause. In every battle, foes the Mcxicans.
whom much accustomed to underrate home,
were astonshed and surprised at the in which our
tona battle they made preparations and regulations
the difficulties they had with previously;
but all in vain And only were the Mexicans astonished
but England, France and Germany, and every other
try was much asonshed the poor Mexicans that we
astonshed, and Mexcans astonished but when we got
n'o Mex,coslx thousand men INTO city OF upwards OF
fled than amy other city in Mexico, with three lines of for
well defended these six thousand got the
city OF Mexico, cc Were as much asonshed the Next
have only asionshed foreigners and Mexcans very Of
en but we have actually astonished ourselves Renewed
however, aude thing which has already been al
uded to by the honorable Secretary OF Staehe eYtraordi-
their homes the field battle, and veing with and
frivalling veteran troops.
of Buena VISTA though there has been stated
by the best military men, that man but Gen. Taylor
would have fought after his flank and had been
ed Laughter j for according the best military writer's,
disregarded SCIENCE and fought and defeated them.
[Creat appause At the battle OF Churubusco, hap-
pened to be placed in very nearly similar position.
On my front line three times the length of my
there line each Hank, and the Mexican
cavalry in my Laughter and applause.l Well,
books and military science lay down rules for extrcatng
troops difficulties ,but never thought OF exiricatng
self any other than by breaking through their
applause And that occasion, after seeing myself
surrounded by what said in my report three four
than my command, ! determined break through their
rode along the column, and stated that the only
way extricate ourselves break their CENTRE and
that should lead the charge myself and called on the
more stepped in front of his regiment, raised his
cap, and said; Gen Shields, every South Carolinan
here will follow you to death" [Cireat applause The
cry responded by every Caronian the New York
responded to that cry the residue OF my command o
lowed wheeled them into lnc rushed the enemy, and
routed and broke them. Tremendous cheering.
Mr. President, there was science there 1t was the
hearts and OF American soldiers, both vol
and regular SUCH has been stated the feel
that exists there; the spirit this
meeting tonight that which lou ght and conquered in the
valley of Mexico. Applause And while OF all par
ties and creed and State fight and
gle their blood together IN defence of the flag OF their
try and when so many similar positions desire
brave death honor OF their flag, there danger OF
your great aud proud republic [Applau,cl
Mr. President am OBTAINING aud this honorable
sembly have alluded the battle OF Churubusco,
introduce myself, but TO introduce name which, with
PERMISSION Mr.. President, Oh you and oil this company
viii now give you
ssCoi Butler, of South Carolina drawer and nober,
chvarc spirit, South Carolina never gave to the
cause of her country"