The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-04-13
Henry Clsy's birthday Festival.

ming at the Apollo Rooms, where were congre-
gated at an early hour, large number Of the
friends of Mr. Clay. At halfpast eight o'clock
the doors of the dining saloon were throw open,
and the crowd Of waiting ticket holders rushed
in, and took their places at the tables, six of
which were spread for their accommodation.
About 500 persons sat down. The officers were
I. w; Eags, President. supported by the follow
ing Presidents: Messrs. Seden, Petrie,
Peckham, Ward, Kngsland, Ridley, Blunt,
Bradford, Simonson, McEIrath.
AT the sound Of trumpet all were seated, and
the attack commenced instanter upon beef, veal,
pigs, turkeys, chickens, ham, ducks. oysters,
pies, tarts. etc, with champagne, adeira, etc,
to match. Nor too long time was consumed
IN eating; and with due regard to the despatch of
business; the President arose aud read the
copy OF telegraphic communicate which had
been sent tofthe Clay meeting, held simulta-
neously with this, in Philadelphia 1t was as
follows: -
" Tbs spirit Of our common devotion to Henry Clay,
good WILL he sSvsa WITH rsas
Next came the regular toasts, in the following
."Ths constitution of tn, United states-The great
chsrter of national liberty aud human rights Pro-
claimed by our fathers, their children will maintain and
Music-"Hail Columbia
p "Thsr Dsy-Tha anniversary Of thu birth of pa
Of man without guile Ever welcome Il viii 6nd us
a. now, mindful Of its glory, and ready for ito clebra
I" Hail to tho Chsfn
Tho president hsrs read the following letter from Mr.
Clay:
c.n.o, .;v !. A. H. ON ,. Apra. isas;
ton to the third annual festival tAs city Of New
York, In conmsmoraion Of my birth day. thank you
TOR It. thank you for the sentiments towards ms,
which your Partially for has prompted you to
pIess, In trsn,n,i,tng the invitation And thank my
fellow citssns for the distinguished mode which they
have adopted to testify their attachment and
idenoe Ia me. But must frankly cay that do not
feel that have any ciaim to be 60 highly honorsd
attribute it entirely to the ardor snd affection Of my
friends but this does not lessen great obligation to
them. On tho contrary, rsciprocate oil their kind
lit would be otherwise proper Gas think it would not
boy that should bs present the OCCASION to which
be an insupersbe Obstacle to my attendance do not
regret this have but recently had opportunity Of
visiting the Empire City That visit forms epoch in
thrilling Of delight through which passed, and
the enthusiastic manifestations with which was so
kindly received and generously treated still fresh
in my grateful recollection, and during life will be
faithfully treasured up In my bosom. No language
adequately describe the extent and force of my great
Gsntlsmon, wish you all possible convviaty, good
cheer and harmony at your proposed cslsbrat!on
With the highest respect,
am, your friend and ob't ssry't,
Msssrs A. W. Bradford, James R. Wood, M L. Davis,
Tbs rsading of toas!s was then continued
8. E" The man whose birth makes this day glorious
Thspkfnl that time does not diminish his worth, or
power or fame, pledge faith that 1t shall
diminish our unyieding devotion to hin" (Here's to
you, Harry Clsy)
4. Our c ountry-A proud monument amid the con-
vuors of the old world Of the capacity Of the people
to govern themselves Let dsspots loak and tremble"
. "washinaton Drank standing and in silenss.l
(Fourtsin Of Liberty
public tho Patriot. the Sage. the statssman--J ohm
Quincy Adams" Drank standing and in silence (Rest
Oaly the actions Of the just
Smell sweet, and blossom In the dust"
A letter from Martin Van Buren was then read Like
New YonK, April TIA, lsas.
have mad tho honor 10 rsssivs your polite invitation
for the - inst aud thank you very sincerely for tho
obliging terms ia which you have bsen pleased to
"Tf hon dns wshs: Of your ss'oc t ,o,
candor requires to add that the position IN which
Mr. Clay has b,en placed by his friends in relation to
attach too much of psran character to your festival
to permit me to participate In it consistently with my
in such matters would induce mo 10 decline an invita-
friends
do not, however regret that your potsner, has
made 1t proper for say that you do than
justice to my feelings In assuming that appreciate,
they deserve the commanding talents and manly frank
nsss which have SO often bsen Displayed by your dis
tngu'shed friend in the council Of the nation; and that
have candor and iboraity to RECOGNIZES those
characteristics in n political opponent. To you. who
drstand the matter we'll would be nupe, fuous
to speak Of the very wide difference of opinion which
has for many years existed end does sl exist be-
tween MIR. Clay and my in regard to almost every
public question But fortunately too liberal to SUIT
si s w. our 70
believe that am capable of csimi &, rs always have
done. the utmost freedom Of opinion for myself and
opposed to me- To embitsr the few enjoy ment. which
public life affords by an indulgence in sentiment 20
oontrao led and illibera is weakness which it ia my
be! In.
frmes of our nature will permit. My personal rela
lions nith Mr Clay are Of avery friendly character
and havs witnessed the zecest demon atoms OF per-
soual regard and political devotion, the part Of his
friends this CITY, with other feelings than those Of
respect A determination earnest and unyeldng, to
sns,an as long public station sgreeabs to him,
aged who has spent large portion of HIS life
In upholtng principles viii thoss who exhibit that
determnaton regard as having the public good for their
Objects Is atoms of honorable to those
who make it. and we'll calculated to in.t. into the minds
Of the young OF tho country, higher and purer
motives political action than thofe which party
warfare too of5en ELECTS
I'm, gentlemen, very respectfully,
Your obedispt servant,
M VAN BUREN,
Me.srs A. NJ Bradford. jones r. Wood, Nj. L Davis
Hon DupLY seldom responded In the following words
MIR Presiden, and gentlemen certainly did not
tcipstc, when came to this room, (pop guggls gug
called upon to tass 10 con.ocuous part IN ba enter t
tsinments Il tn, evening supposed was to DO ST.
lent guest bur am glad sincs have been called upon
that hcs occurred. After tho reading of the letter just
laid before this assembly (pop), think whig (popl
OF the friends of MIR Clay, (pop, pop should
feel proud the who has held the
position which Mr. Van Buren, has held, should oommu.
meats letter Of that character to this assembly (pop
eusgle guggleD letter which, in itself. shows the IL
bsra sentiInents (gusgle that while he differs
from others feals That others may differ from him. and
be honest Ia their sentments, (oop)-a man who
apprscisc In political opponent, talent integrity and
high character, and who the courage to In
tns face not ony Of his friends but Of bis enemies Pop,
pop guggie, gugsle.) | mean those who politically
opposed TO him say, therefore, that am clad TO BE-
called upon to rsspond to this stter-(pop) because
think that Mr. Van Burep Is entitled to the hanks Of all
OF us--(guggle)-for the communication he has made
and which he's just been read. (Pop, pop pop) But
will not stop here. In times past those who Tor length
of time have been In poll cal have ad
their hearts directed against this distinguished ndi
vidual; but for myself ssy-tguggle gugge) that
sncs the year 1874 have looked upon Mr. Van Burep
with the greatest respect, and, may ray, admiration.
III willing to present himee In opposition to public
passion and to place himself in position In which he
might be sacrificed BY his party slude to his letter