Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1852-06-18
Thomas Francis Meagher.

1UUudb d4So0AASAs
lTbis young Irish patriot, who recent
escaped from the English penal colony il
Australia was waited upon, on the 10th
inst, by Committee in behalf of the N
Y.City authorities, ,terdering him the honor
of public reception, which honor he de
rlincd in the following eloquen: and
sensible reply.]
Gentleircn: Had the effort in which /
lost my freedom been successful, tte
honors now rendered would not surprise
me. But it was otherwise. Far from real
izing, it ob.curea, the hopes which accom-
pauied and inspired it-ending suddenly
In encouragement and defeat. This ths
wide world knows. This you yourselves
must inwardly admit, though the goodness
of your nature will seal your lips TO the
admission, being fearful of the disparage
ment it would imply. The gratitude Of
a people is most bcunteous 1t is quick
to appreciate to encourage, to reward,
Never slow or stinted in the measufe it
ponrs out, its fault is to be too precipitate
and profuse. Estimating merit net by the
severe standard of success, it takes motives
into consideration, regardless of the fortune
which attends them, and, for whatever
sacrifices they have entailed, awards a
great equivalent. In this, the gratitude
of people differs from the gratitude Of
kings. With the latter, success is an es-
sential condition OK excellence. Pensions,
kuightly decorations, orders of nobility,
these are given by kings in exchange only
for the trophies which decorate their halls,
or the acquisitions which widen the sur
face of their dominion. Not so with
people, as have said, They do not bar
ter and economic their gifts. Whatever
the result, be the motive upright, be the
deel honorable, and their fayors are forth
coming Moreover, it sometimes happens
that where disaster has most previously
befallen, there their sympathies are most
evoked, and their treasures mos. plente-
ously bestowed This it is which explains
the proceedings, in my regard, of the
noble city you represent. have sought
to serve my country, and been anxious to
contribute to her freedom This I shall
not assume the mcdesty to deny. Long
before mingled in the strife Of politics,
it was my ambition to be identified with
the destiny of my colntry-to share her
glory, if glory were decreed 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 contains the names of
EMMET and FITzGERALD-names which
waker notes Of heroism in the coolest
heatt, and stir to lofty purposes the most
sluggish minds an honor which eot;-
peusates me fully for the privations have
endured. Any recompense, of more
joyous nature, it would i'll become ne to
receive. Whilst my country remains in
sorrow and subsection, it would be indeli-
cate in me to participate in the festivities
you propose. When she lifts her head,
and nerves het arm for bolder struggle,
when she goes forth like Miriars, with
song and timbrel to celebrate her victory
j, 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 companions of my exile. My heart is
with them at this hour and shares the
solitude in which they dwell. The freedom
that has been restored to me is embittered
by the recollection Of their captivity.
While they are in prison, shadow rest,
upon my spirit, and the thoug hts that
might otherwise be free, throb heavily
within me- 1t is painful for me to speak.
I should feel happy in being permitted to
be silent. For these reasons you will not
feel displeased With me for declining the
honors you eolicit me to accept. Did l
esteem them less, I should not consider
myself 50 unworthy, nor decline 80 con-
clusively to enjoy them. The privilege Of
30 eminenta city should be sacred to those
whoperscnify agreat and living cause past
full of fame, and future full Of hope
and whose names are prominent and i'm
perishable. 1t pains me deeply to make
this reply, being sensible Of the enthusiasm
which gloxs around me, and the eagernes.
With which public opportunity Of meet