The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-04-18
DINNER By TIE CITY OF CHARLESTON TO THE
DELEGATES.

DINNER BY THK CITY OF CHARLESTON TO THE
DELEGATES.
CHARLESTON April 10, 1854
magnificent banquet was given this evening in Hi
bernan Hall by the city of Charleston to the members
OF the great Southern and Western Commercial Conven
ton 1t is sufficient to say that it was in every way
worthy OF the lbernlity and generous hospitality for
which this beautiful city is celebrated throughout the
Union Hibernian Hall is of the finest public build
ngs in Charleston, and this occasion it presented
really brilliant spectacle. As there were nearly a
thousand persons present ii found necessary to d
vde them into two parties Of which occupied the
lower and the other the upper hall The entertainment
which was OF most costly and sumptuous character
was provided by Mr. Nickerson of the popular and adj
mirably managed hotel known as the Mills House. The
tables were laid out with such artistic taste and udg
men as would have done credit to the first hotels in
New York The choicest deicaces Of the season were
spread in the greatest pofuson before the guests and
wines OF every kind and Of the best quality added
Inc tables were ornamented with various appropriate
devices in confectionery among which emblems Of
commerce and agriculture temple Of liberty, ship
under full sail while large boquets of flowers mingled
their sweet perfume with the grateful Of cond
ments that would tempt the palate Of the most asdous
epicure. When to these attractves add that Of
band whose performance added greatly to the attractions
OF the entertainment we have said enough to show that
nothing was left undone to crafty every sense.
The Mayor, T. L. Hutchinson, presided The following
gentlemen ofdciated as Vice Presidcnts:-
Henry Gourdinc, Peter Della Tore, W. Ball Pringle,
Dickson, Geo. A. Trenholm, Judge King W. F. Cocock,
j. W Hayne, WIN Gregg VIM. Elliott, A. $. McGrath
and W. ID. Porter
When the company had discussed the various enter
tanning subjects laid the table the feast of
uheied in BY the reading Of the fret regular toast
which was "a follows
& certain and only mode by which the wealth
Mr.. Dawson responded lie commenced BY saying that
1t was necessary for lin TO give single why this
was So y was enough to know that 1t was So lie was
covai with the growth OF cotton In this country though
not very Old either IL he vere to give history Of cot
ton planters he would have to begin the year 1906 and
IL he did that he felt certain he would have but very few
listeners The toast he said was true in fact and in
principle and they all should combine in learning the
lesson il taught which nculcated union a. the best
method Of bringing commerce to their shores He would
close by uniting with them in drinking glass Of wine to
the commercial prosperity OF the South.
The second regular toas, was as follows
Virgins tho Proud Old Commonwealth Of the South
the Old Dominion.
Ex-Governor LEAKE, O. Va, responded. He expressed
his thanks for the honor which had been conferred the
State he represented and the hospitabe treatment his
brother delegates and himself had received from the poo
pie Of Charleston. There was nothing he continued OF
which Virginia would be more proud than compliment
OF this kind from the noble old State South Carolina
in all time to come when darkness and dependency beset
them Virginia would always turn to her youngest sister
for that aid and sympathy which the Old Dominion
always ready 10 give in return She would stand side by
side with her as long as the Southern States faithful
to themselves and fight to the last against any and every
upon their rights their privileges and their
institutions.
The third regular toast was
Home Edueston-Always to be encouraged at this time
Of paramount Importance when instruction abrosd Is d
reeted to the overthrow OF social political existence
Judge king responded There was no duty. he said,
incumbent upon them than the proper home eiuca
tion Of their children. They should be instructed in
full knowledge OF the peculiar position in which they
placed they should know and become fully acq tainted
with the character Of their institutions and the rights
and privileges which they possessed under them, for
citizens Of the South. In this way would the Southern
States lie protected from the attacks Of invdious foes
from without
Mr. PKR followed in response to the same toast. Hc
t.oLc q tic Lsnss.s wLeA this Convention eon.slrcd
rlon Tic South, u bringing together cizeps Of al tie