The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-07-07

The Celebration.
We were unable yesterday to publish all
the proceedings at the dinner given at the
American House, and we close them up to-
day with the following, for which we are in
debted to the Minnesotian
The following letter from Rev. E. d. Neill
was read:
ST. PAUL, July 4, 1855.
To the Committee on Toasts:
Observation-Disclosures will prevent my
fulfilling partial promise to attend the festiv-
ity Of this day. @ .,....--.,.. -
The recurrence of the National Anniversary
is not however viewed with Indifference by the
Clergy of the United States. Intimate has been
the relation betwee n the teachings Of the pull
pit and civil liberty.
In our own Republic we but behold the frui-
ton OF those principles Implanted by the wri.
tings of clergyman of Geneva. Previous to
l776, the pulpits of the Colonies were alive to
to the greatest good Of the greatest number.
When Richard Henry Lee made motion in
the Congress at Philadelphia, that the Colonies
are and Of right ought to be free and independ-
ent, there was some anxiety and irresolution
marked on the countenances Of few.
In that Congress there sat a venerable divine,
ih yCoic VCIktuS W tuICC SCOIc. AT ILLS CTltt-
| cal juncture the "old man eloquent" stood up
and thrilled the assembly with these glowing
| words:
"There is" said he, "a tide in the affairs of
men, q nick Of time We perceive it now be-
fore US. To hesitate is to consent to our own
slavery. That noble instrument on your table
which insures Immortality to its author, should
be subscribed this very morning by every pen
in the house. He that will not respond to its
Ion 70 nd okv in % 10
effect its provisions, is unworthy the name of
q freeman. For my own part, of property
have some; of reputation, some.
That reputation is staked, that property is
pledged on the issue of this contest. And al
though these grey hairs must soon descend in.
to the sepulchre would infinitely rather they
should descend thither by the hands of the pub
lie executioner than to desert at this crisis the
sacred cause of my country"
The speech of Witherspoon accomplished the
end, the instrument was first signed by the SON
of clergyman, John Hancock, and the 4th Of
July is dedicated to the cause of civil liberty
| throughout the world.
Though the zeal of the clergy may not al
ways have been according to knowledge, and
their ardent love of liberty has led them into
measures that have sadly disordered the slaves
whe follow the trade OF political wire-pulling,
yet believe that their love of country has never
been questioned. At all times, and at all haz-
ards, each has been ready to say, "if forget
thee, Oh America, let my right hand forget her
cunning. If do not remember thee, let my
tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth"
am quite sure that all present with you to-
day will unite in this sentiment:
THE clergy of our country; poor politicians,
but stern PATRIOTS and teachers of sound states
manship." Respectfully,
BY THE PREsIDENr-The Orator of the Day.
Responded to by NJ. S. Wilkinson, Esq.
By D. CooPER.-H. NJ. Rice, our late Delegate
to Congress. He has served the Territory faith
fully and we'll.
The following note and sentiment from Mr.
Rice was read:
ST.. PAUL, July Sd, 1855.
GENTLEMEN:-I regret to inform you that it
will not be in my power to be with you to-mor-
row, as l had anticipated. The Hon. David
Cooper has kindly offered to supply my place
he can more than do it.
Permit me to offer the following sentiment:
MAY Mnnesota's past be but faint index
of her future prosperity"
Very truly your friend,
HENRY NJ. RICE.
l.. c. DAYTON and others, Committee.
By W. NJ. HAYwARD.-Hon Alex Ramsey,
President Of the Day: First of the Governors
of Minnesota; first in the hearts of Minnesota
ans-may he be the first in the Republic.
Responded to ex-Gev. Ramsey.
By r. FRANK HoUsEwoRTH.-So long as the
Judiciary remains pure, our liberties are
safe.
Responded to briefly by Hon. Moses Sher-
burne.
I By II. Il. SMITH-Woman: Mans incentive
and his recompense; her kindling eye and
heightened glow tell of sympathy with every
noble impulse Heaven guard the matrons of
Minnesota.
By D. COoPER.-The Ladies of Minnesota
bright and beauteOus as our Northern homes.