The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-22
From the Netr, York Sun, Jan. Is.
The Printers Banquet.

From the Neir> York Sun, Jan. IL.
The Printers Banquet.
The birthday of franklin duly commemo
rated last evenng, by the admirers OF this reyered
patriot, at Nbos, on the occasion OF the Printers
Banquet-a festival never 10 be forgotten by those
who took part in the ceremonies. Long before the
time had arrived for the commencement of the
evenings proceedings. the immense theatre was
filled with array Of both sexes that would do
honor to any occasion. The stage was occupied by
the officers of the Society and distinguished guests
among whom we noticed Washington Irving, G.
p. r. James, VIM. c. Bryant, Fitz Green Haleck,
Charles King. President Of Columbia College, Hon.
Zadock Pratt, Park Goodwin, Generals Tnlmadge
and Chandler, George p. Morris, ex Mayor Har
per, and host of others, whose names we were
unable to learn. A. Cunningham, esq, President
of the New York Typographical Society, presided
over the literary exercises.
The proceedings were commenced by Dodworth's
band performing an overture appropriate to the
occasion; after which opening ode was sung by
the members of the New York Conservatory OK
Curtis, and Nash. Words by Benjamin p. Shilla-
Der. of Boston; music by George H. Curtis.
The following is the last stanza Of the ode it will
give our readers, who were not present, some idea
Of its beauties and perfect adaptation to the &C.
sasion:
sMother of Arts! we tribute bring
Ofhonor to thy mighty son,
Whose praises every land doth sing,
That science sheds her light upon.
Our brother! Ills no idle boast
proud affinity we claim;
And this &c. night shall be our toast;
Our brother craftsman. Frankn's fame "
This being concluded, an address delivered
bv James White, one of the craft, in the Of
which he traced the rise and progress of the New
York Typographical Society from its earliest or
ganization up to the present period Mr. Whites
remarks were listened to with marked attention by
the auditory. Seldom have we listened to a more
interesting and effective address; at the conclusion
of which the President announced that donations
would now be received in aid OF the Printers Ii
Il tknr IF
but doubtless it satisfactory to those interested
After the band had performed another appro-
pirate piece of music, Chief Justice Edmonds pro-
ceeded to deliver the oraton. High public ex-
pectation had been raised in anticipation of this lit
erary treat, the Grafton more than realized the
pectations of the vast and intelligent audience. 1t
exhibited profound study, beautiful taste, and per-
feet familiarity with the subject-matte of the ora
ton. We regret that the hour at which it was de-
livercd and the early hour at which we obliged
to go to press, precludes our giving even q synop
sis Of it in this mornings paper.
The grafton being finished, the band performed
another piece of music after which the closing ode,
4" The Conqueror," words by Thos. w. kenne,
music by George II. Curtis, was sung. We give
the following three last stanzas Our readers will
that it is complimentary Of the great lever of
reform, the Press:
Before its glances systems fall, like frost-wor in
the sun,
That kingly pride and prestly craft built cunning
While from the Many to the Few, as rivers to the
sea,
All power flowed-and of the world left them the
Conqueror &c.
1t battles not with bow Steel and armies in ar
Far mightier its weapons are, and holier than
they;
For as it's missions, SO its arms, by Heaven were de-
signed,
Who makes the truth it's armorer-its armory the
Mind.
A Ryc
And as it passes radiant on, and strcws its path
along
With quick ming rays, remedy for Ignorance and
Wrong,
Lo they that pine in slavery, sigh in hopeless
Leap in the beam of Freedoms dawn, light bound
ing as the roe.
Then hail the Press the Conqueror !!
Without the wall and din of war!
As now ii goes, ii shall go on,
While still triumph to be won!
Another instr umental musical performance con-
cluded the literary exercises. After which, the
great majority of the auditors adjourned to the sup
per room, where most sumptuous repast was
served up under the direction of Mr.. Vesey, the
popular steward at Mr. Niblo's establishment
George F Nesbit esq, presided at the table, as
sisted by the Presidents of the Typographical So
cicty Printers Upion and the following Vice Pre-
sidents: Gen. George p. Morris, editor; George
Mather, ink manufacturers; George Bruce, type
founder; Moses s. s. Beach, newspaper publisher;
printer; Benson J. LOSING, cngraver; Edw. Walk
err, bookbindcr; John l.. Clayton, editor; John L..
Jewett, printer; G. G. Savage, stereotyper.
After feastng upon the substantials the cloth was
removed, when the following regular toasts were
presented by the chairman, and responded by the
gentlemen, whose names follow each toast.
REGULAR TOASTS.
L. The Memory Of Franklin Dirgc by the band.
.. The President of the United States: In reply
to this toast the following letter was read from his
exceency the President
WAsHINeToN, Jan. 9th, 1851.
GENTLEMEN: have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your kind invitation to the supper
proposed to be given the 10th instant by the
New York Typographical Society, in celebration
Of the anniversary of the birth of benjamin Frank
lin.
should be happy TO unite with you in dong
homage TO the memory OF that great and good
man. but regret that my official duties VIII de-
prive me of that pleasure.
As a conductor of the Press alone, he deservcs 10
be held in grateful remembrance; and his example
in that respect is worthy of the imitation OF all who
occupy that important station in society. The
Press like a two edged sword, which cuts down
with equal facility the flowers we'll as the thorns
of life ia all powerful for good or for evil. Virtue
itself with difficulty resists is attacks; and. under
ts smiles and protection, Vice may become the pop
uar idol Of the day. Honor, then, IL due to Frank
lin, who never perverted this powerful lever ofpub