The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-06-23
TUoMAs FRANCIS MEAGHER.
AZ Public Receptions Declined-Mr.
Medpher's Address.

On Thursday afternoon, in. New York,
Thomas 7. Meagher, Esq, the Irish exile,
accompanied by Richard O'Gorman. sen.,
Robert Emmett, ]. B. Dillon, Bartholomew
O'Connor, and others was waited upon at
the Astor House by a Committee OF the
Common Council ofthat city; when Alder
man Oakley presented him with a certified
copy Of the resolutions adopted by both
Boards OF the Common Council. and
earnestly requested his acceptance OF a
public reception into. and the hospitalities
of. the city Of New York. Mr.. Meagher.
in reply to this profferd honor, delivered
the following eloquent address:
GENTLEMEN: Had the effort in which
lost my freedom been successful, the hon
ors now rendered would not surprise me.
But it was otherwise. Far from realizing.
it obscured the hopes which accompanied
and inspired it-ending suddenly in dis
enlargement and defeat. This the wide
world knows. This you yourselves must
inwardly admit, though the goodness of
your nature will seal your lips to the adj
mission. being fearful ofthe disparagement
it would imply. The gratitude Of a people
is most bounteous. 1t is quick to. appre.
ciate. to encourage. to reward. Never
slow or stintsd, in the measure it pours
out, its fault is to be too precipitate and
p~roiuse. Estimating merit not by the Sc
we're standard of success. it takes motives
into consideration regardless Of the for.
tune which attends them. and for whatever
sacrifices thew have entailed. awards a
great equivalent. In this. the gratitude
of a people differs from the gratitude Of
kings. With the latter. success is ar es-
sential condition Of excellence. Pensions.
knightly decorations, orders of nobility,
these are given by kings in exchange only
for the trophies which decorate their halls,
or tho acquisitions which widen the sur
face of their dominion. Not so with a
people, as | have said. They do not bar
ter and economic their gifts. Whatever
the result. be the motive upright. be the
deed honorable, and their favors are forth
coming. Moreover. il sometimes happens
that where disaster has most previously
befallen. there their simpathies are most
envoked, and their treasures most plente-
ouslv besto wed. This it is which explains
the proceedings, in my regard, OF the no.
Bile city you represent. | have sought to
serve my country. and been anxious TO
contribute 10 her freedom. This | shall
not assume the modesty 10 deny. Long
before | mingled in the strife of politics, it
was my ambition to be identified with the
destiny OF my country-io share her glory.
if glory were decreed to her-to share her
suffering and humiliation. if such should
be her portion. For the little | have done
and suffered, | have had my reward in the
penalty assigned me. TO be the last and
humblest name in the litany which con-
tains the names of Emment and Fitzgerald
names which waken notes Of heroism in
the coolest heart, and stir to lofty purposes
the most sluggish minds al honor
which compensates me fully for the priva-
tons | have endured. Any recompense.
of a more Joyous nature, it would ill be-
come me to receive.
Whilst my country remains in sorrow
and subsection. it would be indicate of
me to participate in the festivities you pro.
pose. When she lifts her head and nerves
her arm for a holder struggle-when she
goes forth, like Miriam. with song and tim.
bril- to celebrate her victory-l, too. shall
lift up my head, and join in the hymn of
freedom. Till then, the retirement | seek
will best accord with the love | bear her,
and the sadness which her presentiate in
spire. My heart is with them at this hour,
and shares the solitude in which they
dwell. The freedom that has been restor-
ed to me is embittered by the recollection
Of their captivity. While they are in pris.
! on a shadow rests upon my spirit. and the
. thoughts that might otherwise be free, throb
heavily within me. 1t is painful for me to
speak. should leel happy in being per.
! mitted to be silent. For these reasons
l you will not feel displeased with me for
declining the honors you solicit me to &C
cept. Did | esteem them less, | should
: not consider myself so unworthy, nor de-
cline so conclusively TO enjoy them. The
t privileges of so eminent a city should be
. sacred to those who persdnify a great ant
living cause-a past full OF fame, and 6
A future full Of hope-and whose names are
f., prominent and imperishable.
3 1t pains me deeply to make this reply
being sensible of the enthusiasm which
CLOVIS around me. and the eagerness witt
which a public opportunity of meeting me
has been awaited. know it will disap
2 point a generous anxiety, but the ~propriety
Y of the determination | have come to is pro
$ we'd by the inefficiency even Of this consld
Grafton to overcome me. know, too
that as it grieves me, il will grieve others
and that perhaps, the motives that have
> led to it may be misunderstood. miscon
T strued and censured. But am confden
: that after a little while, the public judgmen
0 will sanction the act with a due regard t.
what | owe my country. my companions
e and myself. seriously dictates. Yet, St
far as your invitation recognizes the idel
ity with which | adhered. and still adhere