The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-10
TIL 4 r REP UBLIC.
From the Baltimore Ameiean.


Of the landing OF the Maryland Pilgrims took place
at the Exchange Hotel on Saturday evening.
The company which sat down to the table num-
bered about seventy gentlemen, among whom were
the Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER, Sir HENRY LYTToN
BULwER, and Mr.. PENNELL, his secretary. The
evening passed off most agreeably, and was marked
by many incidents which gave enjoyment and zest
TO the occasion.
General JOHN SPEAR SMITH, the President of the
Society, having been unexpectedly called out of
town this day, the duty presiding devolved upon
the Vice President, the Hon. JOHN p. KENNEDY.
He accordingly occupied the head of the table.
Mr. WEBSTER was placed upon his right, and Sir
HEsRY LyTToN BULwEa upon his left. The Hon.
JOHN BARNEY occupid the post of Vice President at
the other end Of the table. The officers Of the So
ciety and the various committees were appropri-
ately arranged at intervals along the table
The more interesting exercises Of the occasion
commenced when the cloth drawn
The regular toasts were introduced by the Presi-
dent of the day, with some remarks referring to
the objects and character OF this anniversary cele
bration "A few days ago." he said, chad marked
the completion of two Hundred and sixteen years
since the landing of the Maryland pilgrims upon
the territory of this State. On the 25th March,
1884, being the Feast of the Annunciation, two hum
dred adventurers-a fragment of the brave popua-
ton of England, imbued with the chivalry of that
age, and seeking to accomplish noble exploit in
the subjugation of new world-rcached the Po-
tomac after a weary and perilous voyage of some
months, and landing upon the island then called
st. Clements-now better known as Blackstone's
Island-there planted the cross. They were led
by Leonard Calvert, the brother of the second Lord
Baltimore. They devoutly employed their first
blessing upon this their great enterprise.
"From this little community has grown up, in
the course of less than two centuries and quarter
a prosperous and happy State of the American
Union.
s'fhe Maryland Historical Society was formed to
preserve the history Of that career and of the Ien
who conducted it. Its organization embraces a
larger scope, and directs its labor to the iustra
tion of the history of the whole country This 30
ciety is not yet of more than six years duration,
but in the dihgent pursuit of the purposes of its
adjustment, it has already collected much valuable
matter, eminently worthy Of preservation, and is
now continuing its researches with many crafty
ing tokens of future usefulness.
'"This,', said Mr. K, sis brief statement of the
origin and purposes of this society.
"rhe 25th of March is historically entitled to be
regarded as festival of the society. To-day we
are assembled for the first time to celebrate that
festival But for the coincidence of the holy week
with that date, In the present year. should have
arranged our celebration in strict accordance with
the time. We shall endeavor to do so in future"
Mr.. X. proceeded. 81 congratulate you, gentle
men, upon the auspicious state of our enterprise,
and the pleasant terms upon which we meet to-
gether to-day. The unexpected but unavoidable
absence of the worthy president of the society,
General SMITH, has consigned TO me the duty of
occupying this chair; and in pursuance of an hon
ored CUSTOM which we would not willingly neg
lect claim your attention to some pledges of SEN
timent suggested by the OCCASION"
The following toasts were then offered by the
chair, and received with appropriate honors:
/. Our Couatry, distinguished by history which
the affection of her children will never allow to be
forgotten.
2. The State of MayyLand-The memories of her
early day, the best guides 10 happy and glorious
destiny for her latest.
3. George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. e.-Ho-
nor TO his memory, who, in bigoted age and in
the days Of highest prerogativc, planted Common
wealth in which religion knew no intolerance, and
political right no prescription.
4. March the 25R, l634-Ihe Day Of the Landing.-
The blessing implored ON that day has fallen, like
the dews of Heaven, upon many generations. May
it never cease to fall upon grateful people!
The President said, that having disposed Of
those few and brief remcmbrances which seemed to
invoke their FIRST and general care, he proceeded to
the more special duty, and one which the Society
would recognise most agreeable to them, of bring
ing their attention and kindest notice the distin
guished friends who had honored them, on this oc-
casion, their guests In doing this he had to re-
greet the absence Of many others whom il was hoped
would have united with them in this festival. Sew
eral eminent gentlemen, members of the National
Legislature and others not Of that body, had been
invited but circumstanc not within their control
had forced them TO deny the Society the pleasure of
seeing them Some who had accepted the invita-
tion. be was sorry to say were prevented by sick
ness; others had INDUCED hope of being present
even until this morning, when il was found to be
impracticable.F
The absence Of these friends would only draw us
the more closely 10 the worthy and distinguished
gentlemen who had Obliged the society by their
presence to-day-and all would join in the cordial
welcome which he now rendered them, and express
that welcome by a more special utterance Of their
esteem in the sentiments which would now be of.
fercd First, said Mr.. K, il is my duty 10 present
you the Of one who can scarcely Be said 10 be
absent from your thoughts, whenever the coun-
try, its government, or its gravest interests arc
presented to them. Our board to-day is graced by
the presence Of illustrious citizen whose lonr q
public service IL familiarly known 10 every house.
hold in the land, and made the theme Of con.
versation and discourse wherever the citizens
Of Union arc accustomed 20 meet together:
one who has for many years been looked 10 as
q guide and light 10 the people, and whose fame,
far transcending the limits OF his country has add
ed glories to her name wherever IL is heard.
We but obey the natural impulse Of our own hearts
when seek an occasion like this TO convey 10 him
our tribute Of grateful respect and admiration for
the honest and effective zeal with which he has
given his great abilities 70 the promotion Of his
country's welfare. Rich in the varied and sbund.
ant experiences of long life devoted to the public
service, wise in the wisdom Of thoughtful age full
Of the learning Of statesmanship, and gifted with
an clOqucnCe NOftny 70 Dc compared with the mod
els Of antiquity, his heart instinct with fervent
love of country, and valiant in the performance of
duty, Daniel Webster IL here amongst us this even.
ing, fresh from the theatre Of magnificent action
and even now receiving from every quarter Of our
Confcderacy the anticipated honors Of great tr-
umph. Here the speaker was interrupted by pro-
longed cheers.l
Whatever judgment partisan feeling might form
in reference 10 his service in the ordinary field Of
political eiscussion, yet when occasions arise in
which the great and patriotic minds Of The country,
however divided in national politics, are invoked
70 counsel on matters above the sphere Of these mi
nor divisions, and TO deliberate upon the safety Of
the nation, there will be, there can be- no differ
ences OF opinion in the estimate of the weight and
influence Of his Daniel Webster's) mind and char
acter upon such counses. All men will confde in
the ability, the wisdom and the will with which he
would address himself 10 the duty Of his station
Such an emergency has lately arisen TO demand his
service, and side by side with the master spirits Of
our day, in grave and earnest debate, he and they
have given new pledges 10 their country which will
enttle them 10 immortal renown. He comes 10 us
at this time, fresh from such council, with the
peculiarly haliowed benedictions Of the peace
ma Eert tlnon hia head