The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-10-03

SPEECH OF THE COMMODORE
Incidents Of the Recent Victories In England
THE ARCTIC EXPEDITIO
&C., &C.. Jsrs

A sumptuous dinner was given at the Astor
House last Wednesday evening, by tho Yacht Club
of this city, to Commodore j. c. Stevens, w. Z.
Stevens, and Col J. A. Hamilton, on their return
nome from their triumphal cruise in the yacht
America.
The company assembled at half past Ave O'Clock,
the members Of the club mastering in great num-
btrs. Among the guests invited were Commodores
Kearney and Perry, of the u. s. Navy. the Presi-
dent of Columbia College; DR.. Kane, Surgeon Of
the expedition that went in search Of Sir Jshn
Franklin Captain De Haven, the commander Of
the expedition, was unable to be presently; and
Captain Comstock, Of the u. s. steamer Baltic,
with whom Messrs Stevens and Hamilton returned
to the United States.
At six o'clock dinner was announced, and the
chair was taken by ]. Prescott Hall, Esq, having
on his right Commodore Stevens, on his left Capt.
Hamilton. Mr.. Edwin Stevens was prevented, by
indisposition, from attending. At the head Of the
room, the American and English flags were inter.
twincd. The tables wcre decorated with various
devices emblematic of the occasion, and the dinner
and wines werc such rs ut the Astor House they
know how to serve Occupying q conspicuous po-
sition on the table facing tho President, was tho
cup on by the America in the reget.a.
When the substantial part of the dinner was
over, the presiding officer, Mr.. HALL, rose, and
calling to order, thus addressed the company
GENTLEMEN OF THE New YORK YACHT CLUB;-
We are assembled here, this evening, upon an
occasion peculiarly gratifying. 1t is to welcome
back TO their native shores Commodore Stevens and
two other distinguished members Of this club, who
have recently played an interesting part in the
drama Of human action.
During their absence, many SEARCHING eyes have
been turned towards their tracklcss path; many an
anxious thought has been fixed upon their adventu-
rous voyage, while many silent, but dcep-brcathed
aspirations have gone forth for their welfare safety
and success.
They have been abroad to unfold the American
standard where the cnsigus Of all other nations
were to be displayed-to contend in harmonious
rivalry for the palm Of superior skill upon that clc
mcnt, which has been bestowed with an impartial
hand upon the people Of the Sholc earth as their
common property.
The nsg which foated at their masthead, bore
uTon its Geld on eagle grasping arrows aud carry.
irg an olive branch. But those arrov VS. were not
poiioned by hatred, malice OF national revenge
while tho olive branch, ever green and beautiful.
was On emblcm Of that peaceful plant, which the
dove brought to the ark, to show that the turbu.
ltnt waters had subsidCd. Their crrand was no
mission OF war, in which inbred blood was to stain
tho fair surface OF pacific sea- but the contest was
10 be tho strife OF art, Of scitn:e cfsk, Of manly
daring. and noble self control
How interesting, gentlemen, was the spectacle,
when an American yacht glidcd quietly into Brit
sh harbor, TO take UP gage which had there been
thrown down to all the nations Of the civilized
world. But Van Tromp comes no more into the
English Channel. The sailors Of sunny France
lock out upon the shores Of their reghbcre, as has
been their won't for many weary year, merely 10
SCI the "mottor fog of England" still wave urcn
the waters, now become rs own. TIE eagles Of
the north will not venture 10 chew plume upon
the nnrrow scas; ard The bcld defiance must bo
net IL met At all, by those who speak the language
OF The ChallcDgcra-iu whose veins ne same blood
aows--wbo cherish Tho snre free Institutions, follow
tho same lava and love with al their hearts, the
manly sports Of their ancestors. (crtat applause
For time, gcntiencl the national pride, the
rntiOral cbtfnctCr, and. In scMc degree, the ma
tional honor. vas committed % the kectirg ct cur
Distinguished gucfts; odd 60 what stronger hands
or ruer hearts could al these precious jewels la Se
been colEdtdl (Checri-g
The contest hes Commenced; witnesses fccm ell
vili1od nations lock On. and Royal Queen cones
d vn fem her throne to behold ths animstng
seems.
Or Commodore ssys &c his comrcsit DIS, in med
est bat selEIdJifg toms, Untold your standards
10 the sky; cCinc away fem thc lazy winds of The
shore gave us siz hug. breeze
-" Psiagcque vclaBs DE- via rsicpi"
Grr1-ENru,-Whdt wcald rot The me Dhc-s Of
ibis cub have given 60 be present rron svch IA
occasion, that they might Snilrate their eetDtry
uen By th.ir cheers, cad 5gssta' NF9u th.I sau