The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1852-06-17
Thomas Francis Meagher.


has been received by the people with shouts OF
| joy. On behalf of the Corporation of New
York, Alderman Oakley presented to Mr.. Meagh-
er certified copy of the resolutions adopted by
both Boards of the Common Council, requesting
his acceptance of public reception, which Mr..
NJ, declined will be by the following
eloquent and impressive speech. He has done
right and the motives which induced him so to
act, when rightfully considered cannot but
commend him to the admiration of all. While
his land is in he cannot well participate
in festivities. Read the speech -
Mr.. Meagher then advanced, and delivered
| the following reply to the invitation:
! GENTLEMEN Had the effort in which l 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 accompanied and inspired it, ending
! suddenly in discouragement and defeat. This
the wide world knews. This you yourselves must
inwardly admit, though the goodness of your ma
ture will seal your lips to the admission, being
fearful of the disparagement it would imply
The gratitude of people is most bounteous.-
1t is quick to appreciate, to encourage, to re-
ward. Never slow or stinted in the measure it
pours out, its fault to be too precipitate and
profuse. Estimating merit not by the severe
standard of success it takes motives into con-
sderation, regardless of the fortune which at
tends them, and for whatever sacrifices they
have entailed, awards great equivalent. In
this, the gratitude of people differs from the
gratitude of kings. With the latter success is
an essential condition of excellence. Pensions,
knightly decorations, orders Of nobility, these
are given by kings in exchange only for the tro-
phies which decorate their halls, or the acquisi-
tions which widen the surface of their domin-
ion. Not so with the people, as l have said
They do not barter and economise their gifts
Whatever the result, be the motive upright, be
the deed honorable, and their favors are forth
coming. Moreover, it sometimes happens that
where disaster has most grievously befallen,
tn elm sympathies are most evoked, and their
treasures most ple0teously bestowed. This it
is which explains the proceedings, in my regard
of the noble city you represent l have sought
to serve my country, and been anxious to con-
tribute to her freedom. This shall not assume
to deny. Long before l mingled in the strife
of politics, it my ambition to be identified
] =
| 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 Emmett and Fitzgerald
names which waken notes of heroism in the cold
est heart, and stir to lofty purposes the most
| sluggish minds an honor which compensates
me fully for the priyations | have endured
Any recompense, of more joyous nature, it
would i'll become me to receive. Whilst my
country remains in sorrow and subsection, it
would be indelicate of me to participate in the
| festivities you propose. When she lifts her
head, and nerves her arm for a bolder struggle
when she goes forth, like Miriam, with song
and timbrel to celebrate her yictory-I, too,
shall lift up my head and join in the hymn of
freedom. Till then, the retirement l seek will
best accord with the love L 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 re-
collection of their captivity. While they are in
prison 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 feel happy in being permitted to be si-
lent. For these reasons you will not feel dis
pleased with me for declining the honors you
solicit me to accept. Did l esteem them less,
should not consider myself so unworthy, nor de-
cline so conclusively to enjoy them. The privile
ges of so eminent city should be sacred to those
who personify great and living cause-a past
full of fame and a future full of hope-and
whose names are prominent and imperishable.
1t pains me deeply to make this reply being
sensible of the enthusiasm which glows around
me, and the eagerness with which public op-
portunty of meeting me has been awaited.
know it will disappoint generous anxiety, but
the propriety of the determination have come
| to is proved by the in-eficiency even of this
consideration to overcome me. know too, that
as it grieves me, is will greve others, and that,
! perhaps the motives that have led to it may be
misunderstood, misconstrued and censured.-
But am confident that, after little while the
public judgment will sanction the act which
due regard to what l owe my country my COM
panions, and myself, seriously dictates. Yet,
so far as your invitation recognizes the fidelity
good and glorious cause, be assured that it has
not been exaggerated or misplaced. The feelings
and convictions which influenced nv career in