The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-25
| want nice cheers for the American

Stockton. want nice cheers for the American
navy.
They were given most enthusiastically, to
gcther with three cheers for Genera. Stockton.
The ninth toast was announced:
" Intervention: We arc not to be deceived
by artful definitions. Our true policy is, friend
ship with all nations, entangling alliances with
none"
The Hon. Mr.. Toombs, of Georgia, responded.
lilo would not offer 10 this assembly arguments
of the policy Of Washington. He was yet to
follow where Washington leads. lie was con-
tent to adopt his portion of the legacy without
examination. tie heartily approved the senti-
ment Of the toast. both in theory and principle.
1t was'clothsd in the language Of one Of the
most llustrious statesmen in the Declaration OF
Independence. The doctrine was illustrated
by Washington The policy has been follow
ed by all the American Presidents and Amer-
can statesmen, aud was uncontrOvsrted only
until the last few months. Then the assault
on the doctrine of Washington was not by an
American. 1t was by European, who seeks to
seduce you from the connsels OF the Father of
of his country. Applause. That individual
has 10 response from an American heart This
great principle had become an axiom in Ameri-
can politics. All Americans asscnted, and
mankind approved. 1t remained for the chief
who deserted the revolution for which he ought
to have dicd--lap applause one who has no
right TO be u mendicant on our sympathics. He
approved the sentiment Of the toast rs the just,
sound, and true policy 1t was the duty OF
American statesmen to direct our foreign poll
cy with due regard to the interest, safety, and
rights Of American citizens. lie dweIt strong
y and eloquently upon this subject, and was
frequently interrupted by applause. When he
concluded, the next toast was announced:
Our Country A safe retreat for the exile,
and quiet home for the emigrant. but not II
theatre for foreign propagandism." Music.
The eleventh toast was announced:
"The Press necessary auxiliary to popular
intelligence, it needs no censor but popular
virtue"
Thomas Ritche, esq, in compliance with the
call made upon him, responded briefly, express
ing his high appreciation of the character and
virtues of George Washington, and concluding
with the sentiment:
"True Ambition: Not in the vulgar and mis-
chievous passion which has filled the page OF
history with upstart usurpers, but the noble am
btion Of Washington, which devotes itself to
the liberty and glory of its country"
The president announced the following toast:
American Women Celebrated for beauty
admired for virtue, and distinguished for intell-
gence and patriotism, they have noble example
in the character Of the mother Of Washington
Senator Dawson, being called upon, made $
few remarks only, and, as it was now after
twelve o'clock, and the Sabbath morning, ad
vised the company to separate.
The thirteenth and last toast was announced
"The memory of Washington May it mod
crate the fury Of party spirit, and guard against
the mischief of foreign intrigue" [Music.l
G. w. p. Gusts, esq, responded in patriot
ic strain of eloquenceand concluded by reciting
an original poem, based upon the words, F." First
in peace, first in war, and first in the hearts OF
his countrymen."
Attorney General Crittenden then arose, and
after stating that this the anniversary Of the
battle of Buena Vista, and making remarks ap-
propriate to the subject, proposed MS sentiment
the name of that brave, good, and patriotic man
General Zachery Taylor, late President Of
the United States"
This being drank other informal proceedings
cnsued; and the company separated, evidently
gratifed with the manner in which they had
celebrated the anniversary of the birthday OF
Washington.