Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-03-06
. nr,,.eks OF MIR. VIM. KINNEY,

REMARKS OF MIR. VIM. KINNEY,
Senator from .4ugusla, and Chairman Ofths Com
miltes on the part ofMe Senate, on The Reception
of General Taylor, on the banks ofthe Potomac
ON 2lst February. -.
Ma PnrsIpEsr 1T affords me no ordinary
pleasure, as the organ of the joint committee OF The
General Assembly Of Virginic, toweEome You once
more to the shores Of your native State; on nave
been long, long separated from your good old moher'
But neither lime nor Distance has weakened her al
lection for you; on the contrary your hign and man.
" clearinghouse noble and patriotic service amIos'
scenes Of trial and ofPer since you let! her, nave
but the more endeared you TO her-and we' your
brethren, have been commissioned by her 10 give
you cordial greetiHg-to welcome you 10 her Cor-
ders--to give you assurance that she cher'sheS
you as one Of her avorile sons-as one OF nef ]e"es
and to conduct you TO her Capitol to participate IN
Tie ceremonies Of laying the corner stone OF Moi
urient She is about to erectto The memory OF heF
Washington
Mr.. President, Inc spot where we meet-the cir,
cums,apces which surround us, are peculiar, and
calculated TO call forth emotions both of pleasure
and of-pair. =.
We have met upon the shores of the beautiful
Potomac You have glided over its smooth waters
you have passed Mount Vernon, that consecraied
spot where lie the crumbling remains OF him VINO
was first in war first in peace land first IN The hearts
of his counirymen, 1.-THE tones OF The solemn DELL
which announced to you that you were passing
the tomb of Washington we doubt not. sent to your
heart thrill of reverence almost OF religious awe.
The saddenng sound of that tolling bell is here to
Give place IL the wild bursts Of joyous music,
as we. your brethren, without distinction Of party,
welcome, thrice welcome you to the inequalities OF
Virginia.
Mr.. President, the circumstances Of the occasion
forbid that should enter. upon review OF your
deeds Of noble darng-suffice it to say, they have
been Such as 10 win for you aud the brave army I'M
der your command, the grateful applause OF your
country. Whenever, wherever, you met The enc
nv. in despite of the odds against, you, victory was
vours-you never surrendered Victory secured,
Won threw the mantle Of mercy and humanity over
the conquered And it is fact, and calculated to
call forth our gratitude to God, That though you
passed through scenes Of danger, carnage and DEATH
no harm touched your person. In this we think we
see the hand of that same over-ruing and protect
inq Providence, which so often shielded Washing
ton and which has since continued to guard our be-
loved coun,ry.-we cannot but believe that your
life has been preserved for wise and great purposes.
We feel already the grateful assurance that that
life. heretofore spent amidst the stern horrors OF
war, is now anxously and cheerfuly devoted 10 The
peace and union Of your country.
Mr. President, the Voice Of your counirynen has
called you to the highest office on earth. In the
dscharge fits duties you have said you would
make Washington your model-hls administration
the example you would follow. Rest assured, sir,
that The cjunlfy conGdes in the sincerity Of these
noble purposes. May your efforts be crowned with
the success that attended those of Washington :
NAV YOU, like him, at the close Of your admlnlsra-
ton, leave the people over whom you have been
called to pre- tide, free. prosperous, happy, and uni
ted. May you, like him, you retire to theshades
of private life, be greeted with the same paudls OF
millions Of frenien: "Well done good and faithful
servant"