The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-25
MIR. CIay I'm PHILADELPHIA.

On the arrival Of this distinguished statesman
and patriot at Philadelphia, Friday last, he was
met at Gray's Ferry by a committee of young
Wings who escorted him to the residence of the
Hon. Richard H. Bayard, in Walnut street. In the
evening he attended the birthnight ball, some ac-
count Of which we extract from the Philadelphia
Inquirer of the next day:
"The young Wings of Philadelphia, imbued
with noble love of country, determined that the
anniversary of yesterday should be celebrated in
signal manner they therefore made arrangements
for splendid birthnight ball at the Musical Fund
Hall; and we believe that we express the sentiments
of all present, when say that more brilliant
or more delightful festival never took place with
in the walls Of that spacious building. The ar
rangements from first to last, were on truly ele
giant style.
s'On a spacious and elevated platform at the
southern extremity of the room we noticed sullys
noble iife-size painting of George Washington on
horseback, Naglee's superb full-ength portrait OF
Henry Clay, and portrait of General Taylor by
Lambden, between the illustrious and patriotic
men. The platform was richly decorated with
orange trees and national flags, while the saloon
was brilliantly lighted with chandeliers, all of
which were gorgeously reflected in elk immense
mirrors, each crystal lake. The music was ex-
cellent-ricb, harmonious, and full. The passage
and corridor leading from the ladies' dressing
room to the dancing saloon, gay with the
glowing treasures of Flora--camellas japonicas,
roses, palms, myrtles, and forget me-nots. Over
the main entrance was majestic American eagle,
festooned with the stars and stripes. The immense
variety of tasteful rare, rich and elegant delcacies
that covered the tables in the salon mangr, could
hardly have been surpassed by a Very or Ude.
The supper was truly Apician, and the ornaments
displayed an artstical taste and inventive genius
that really shone triumphantly ON this happy occa-
sion. Among the more striking decorations VIC
observed magnificent national trophy in the cen
tire of the table. AT the base of this composition
there were four figures, representing the four quar-
were the emblcm,tc figures Of Commerce, Peace
and Plcnty-surmounted by statustie Of General
Taylor, encircled by flags and guarded by the ma
| tional "brd of Jove." Then there were superb
Moorish fountains, each supported by four ele-
plants, and crowned with Pagoda;-statues Of
General Taylor beneath grape arbours-a statue
| of Washington in the Temple of Fame-vases filled
with iced fruits-Floral offerings, pyramids, and
other appropriate devices. In the more prominent
| OF these were shields bearing inscriptions:
AL IdPLoRE THE BEST BLESSING or HEAVEN
NOT TO SURVIVE TO WITNESS THE DISSOLUTION OF
THE USIoS.'-H Clay, February 6, 1850
"wE KNOW NEITHER NORTH NOR sourH- NO
| THING BUT THE UNION
"'WHArEvER DANCERS THREATEN THE UNION
| / SHALL STAND nv 1T, AND MAINTAIN 1T IN ITS IN.
TEGRrTT. '-PTesident Iaylor's message.
"sTHE UNION or THE STATES ron THE SAKE OF
THE UMoS.'"
"There were many paintings, decorations. ant
devices which we cannot find room to describe
"The appearance Of the Hon. Henry Clay wal
hailed with the liveliest manifestations Of delight
The great statesman looked in better health
or in finer spirits. Crowds gathered round hin
eager TO catch grasp Of his hand, word from hi
| lips, or a smile from his beamng countenancc
Philadelphia, as is well known, has ever been devot
edly attached TO the Sage of Ashland Her citizen
admire the frank and chvalrc character Of the man
they appreciate his priceless services TO bis country
and they honor and love him for his many nob
qualities. His recent splendid speech and patriots
course in the Senate have, If possible, endeared hin
still more 10 their hearts And thus his appearance,
last night seemed TO create quite gush Of enthu
siasm; and "the gallant Harry Clay' Of Kentucky
with his erect FORM his bland smile, and his grace
fol manner, was indeed the idol, the lion Of tn
| hour