The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-02-26

THK RIuss AT liAE1 On Thhfs.
day last, a. heretofore announced. the Richmond
l.. I. Blues we're formally received by The mayor
and councils of Philadelphia 1t Indspendence Han.
Capt Parry, of the Washington Greys introduced
the VISITORS In neat and appropriate speech
which was replied TO at some length by the mayor
who extended to the Blues hearty welcome capt.
Patton, OF the Blues, replied as follows:
Reported for the Daily Dispatch
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen Of the City Council Of
Philadelphia:
For the kind reception you have been pleased 10
bestow upon the company which have the honor
10 comuand-but the echo. as II IL, oil the friendly
attentions which we have received on every hand,
from your military and ctzens-l return you our
sincere thanks When look around me, and be :
hald on every aide, some sacred relic Of the pest,
and when remember that II there be spot on
earth which can be called "holy ground, il ID here
feel that ought to place my hand upon my mouth
aud take my shoes from OFF my feet, and remain
thoughtfully silent, rather than make any remarks
Since however, you have been pleased to address
the company Ia such kind language as seems to re-
quire response, hope you will indulge me for q
single moment 4 .s9s sa5.s
Let me assure you, sir, that we virginians re-
spond to the patriotic sentiments you express with
our whole hesrts; aud certainly there is no time or
place more appropriate, than this most Interest,"
ing occasion, and within these venerable walls, to
renew our fealty to the union OF the States. For
several years past, az has been we'll known to us
all the enemies OF our peace out of the fold OF the
Union, and traitors within it, have engaged in the
most determined and continued efforts to sow the
seeds Of Jealousy and enmty between the different
States, and unhappily their efforts have been 30
successful that dstrust has to some extent sprung
| up between us. Nothing is better calculated to
eounteract such evil influences than friendly COM
| munings and interchanges of military or civic kind
nesses such as these. Wemeet together, and do not
find each other the monsters 10 sentiment and prin.
ciple which we had been taught to expect-wegaze
into each others eyes and each sees kindness beam
ing upon him-we seize each others hands, and
each receives a cordial erasp-we feel the warm
| pulsations of each others hearts, and instead OF
| being partial enemies we become friends and bro
| thers-sons of common Union, devotees OF a
common faith, worshippers at common altar. Nor
| are the kindly sentiments thus excited, confined
to the small circle in which they are intensified by
contact; like heat their tendency 10 to equal difu-
sion. but unlike heat, they increase instead of d.
| ninishine by expansion, until the whole community
| is pervaded by their genial influence. Let one
then tell us that these military visits have no deep
er significance than tn at which springs from mere
friendly intercourse or idle dissipation, for they
| exert an Influence however feeble, in increasing
the sympathies and affections Of the States (tde
only true basis of any lasting or desirable uniop)
and SO In strengthening the bonds of the Uniou it.
| SELF We should feel ourselves amply rewarded by
Our visit to Philadelphia were it ten times dis
agreeable as it has proved to be delightful-if we
| could contribute our mite however small, 10 80
glorious object
| l feel, Mr. Mayor, that If were to say anything
| more, should be trespassing upon your Time.
again return you the cordial thanks of the "Blue6
aye and those of Old Virginia also-for the Kind
| reception which, for her sake, you have bestowed
upon her sons.