Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-29
Old Dominion Society.

The Chicago Courani, contains fall ac-
coun, Of the annual festivities Of the Society o.
the Old Dominion, which came off in that city
on the 18th inst. Jno, L. Peyton, Esq. ma.
tive Of this place, bu. for the past few years a
resident Of Chicago, presided over the meeting
That his numerous friends aud acquaintances
may form some idea Of his present standing,
and promise Of future usefulness and distinction
il the counttt OF his adoption, We give the fol-
lowing extracts from the proceedings. Mr..
Peyton is sob Of John Howe Pey,on, Esq, one
Of the most distinguished lawyers Of his day,
and long: the prosecuting attorney for this
eounty.
John l.. Peytoh, Esq; formerly Of Virginia,
but now, We are grattied to say, 4 citizen Of
Chicago, Ptesden. of the Society, presided over
The proceedings in manner that elected gene
raj COMMUNICATION by the happy faculty which
he possesses Of making all feel at home After
the removal Of the coth, Mr.. Peyton rose and
pretaced the reading VI the first toast with some
very pertinent, eloquent aud well received re-
marks. He said that il was wholly unnecessa-
ry for him to indulge In any language to express
his qualification al meeting The Society OH this
highly interesting occasion and at the auspi-
cions circumstances under which they celebra-
ted the memorable era of the settlement of our
country.
When, he said, We contemplate the mighty
changes which have occurred eince then; we are
inslinrtively prothped to inquire into the carse,
and feel the strongest disposition 10 trace to their
sources the causes which have shaped our desti.
ny. We wish also to know something Of the
fnen to whom we are indebted for all our bles.
eines, and as their descendants we take a Jus,
pride in recountins their deeds, and esteem il
grateful duty to honor their me1nories He said
i was rghi. that by such meetings as this, and
ny proper observance, we should commemorate
the landing a.. Jamestown. twas service we
OWL inose illustrious men led by the renowned
Smith-that We owed TO ourselves and to out
children, and to those who would follow ifs, and
it indicated the deep interest we fel, in the bles-
sings transmitted to us, and our concern that
they should be preserved and handed down IN
all Their integrity and excellence
But, said Mr.. Peyon, ii does not belong to
me 10 enter into these topics tonight. How
ever grateful to my feelings, forego it all in
presence of the distinguished gentlemen whose
appropriate duty il is 10 turn them to our mutu
al advantage and delight.
He had tut a word to say in conclusion. Let
lis not, while turning 10 The past, forget what is
due 10 the future. Let us remember The title by
which we l,old all that we have inherited from
our fathers. is derived from The constitution Of
our country. Let us remember ;ha, all that is
glorious in The past, or valuable in the present.
or bright in the future, is lnseparably connected
with our great unlon-a Union cen,ented With
the blood of our ancestors, and guaran .ceing to
us peace, happiness and securily-the real Tree
Of Our liberties, under which we have reposed
in youth, and which extends TO US protection
now. Let us reproach with the chaste and
beautiful words Of the poet, the ruthless Yandal
who would plant the axe at lis roots
"WooJman, spare thai treej touch not single
bough-
In youth i, sheltered U.S. at,l we'll project it now.n
During the delivery Of this happy speech.
which We have SO imperfecly reported, the
President was frequently interrupted by ronnds
oil aplause-and as he resumed his seat The
band struck up Hall Columbia