The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-06-26
Reception rendered to Meagher, and Declined.

|
The Common Council of the city OF
New York having rendered to T. F.
Meagher the honor of public reception,
he returned the following admirable and
eloquent reply to the committee:
MR.. MEAGHER's REPLY.
GENTLEMEN Had the effort in which
| lost my freedom been successful. the
honors now rendered would not surprise
me. But, it was otherwise. Far from
realizing, it obscured the hopes which ac-
ccmpanied and inspired it-ending sud-
denly in encouragement and defeat
This, the wide world knows. This,
yourselves, must inwardly admit, though
the goodness of your nature will seal
your lips to the admission, being fearful
Of the disparagement it would imply.
The gratitude Of the people is most
bounteous. 1t is quick to appreciate, to
encourage, to reward. Never slow or
stinted in the measure it pours out, it.,
fault is too precipitate and profuse. Es-
timating merit, not by the severe standard
Of success, it takes motives into consid-
Grafton, regardless of the fortune which
attends them, and, for whatever sacrifices
they have entailed, awards great equiva-
lent.
In this, the gratitude of the people diff
fers from the gratitude of kings.
With the latter, success is an essential
condition of excellence. Pensions, knight
ly decorations, orders Of nobility, these
are given by kings in exchange for the
trophies which decorate their halls, or the
acquisitions which widen the surface of
their dominion.
Not SO with a people, as l have said
They do not barter and economist their
gifts. Whatever the result be, the mo-
tive upright, be the deed honorable, and
their favors are forthcoming. Moreover,
it sometimes happens that where disaster
has most grievously befalen, there their
sympathies are most envoked, and their
treasures most plenteously bestowed
This it is which explains the proceedings,
In my regard, of the noble city you rep
resent.
l have sought TO serve my county, and
been anxious to contribute to her free
dom. This | shall not assume the NODES
ty to deny. Long before l mingled in
the strife of politics, it was my ambition
to be identified with the destiny of nv
country-to share her glory, if glory
were decreed her-to share her sufferines
and humiliation, if such should be her por-
ton.
For the little have done and suffered,
l have had my reward in the penalty as
signed me. To be the last and humblest
name in the history which contains the
names of Emmett and Fitzgerald
which waken notes of heroism to the
coolest heart, and stir to lofty purposes
the most sluggish minds an honor
which compensates me fully for the pri-
vations have endured. Any recompense,
OF more joyous nature, it would i'll be-
come me to receive.
Whilst my country remains in sorrow
and subsection, it would be indicate of
me 10 participate in the festivities YOU
propose. When she lifts her head and
nerves her arm for a holder struggle
when she goes forth, like Miriam, with
song and timbrel to celebrate her victory
II, 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 present fate inspires.
Nor do | forget the com panions of nv
exile. My heart is with them at this
hour, and shares the solitude in which
they dwell. The freedom that has beer
restored TO me has been embittered b,
the recollection of their captivity. While
they are in prison, shadow rests upon
my spirit, and the thoughts, that mi gh
otherwise be free, throb heavily within
me. 1t is painful for me to speak.
should feel happy in being permitted t.
be silent.
For these reasons, YOU will not fee
dlspleased with me for declining the hon.
ors you solicit me to accept. Did | es-
TEEN them less, should not conside,
myself so unworthy, nor decline so con.
cluslvely to enjoy them. The privileges
OF so eminent city should be sacred tt
those who personify great and living
cause-a past full of fame, and future
full of hope-and whose names are promi.
nent and imperishable.
1t pains me deeply to make this reply,
being sensible of the enthusiasm which
CLOVIS around me, and the eagerness with
which a public opportunity of meeting
me has been awaited. l know it will dis
appoint generous anxiety, but the pro-
prlety of the determination | have come
TO Is proved by the inefficiency even of
this consideration to overcome me. I
know, too, that as it grieves me, it will
grleve others, and that, perhaps. the mo-
tlves that have led it may be misunder-
stood, misconstrued, and censured. But
l am confident that, after a little while
the public judgment will sanction the act
which due regard to what l owe nv
country, my companions, and myself, Sc
riously dictates.
Yet, SO far as your invitation recopni-