The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-05-30
SPEECH OF MR.. BUCHANAN AT THE ROYAL ACADl
MY DINNER IN LONDON.

The Inauguration dinner of the exhibition of
1855 attracted on Saturday May s. brilliant assembage
within the walls Of the Royal Academy, London. From
two o'clock, which hour the doors opened until
six, ministers of State many muncent patrons OF art
among the nobility and others distinguished in politics.
law, literature, and science continued TO arrive and to
apply themselves with keen artistic relish to the nspec
ton of the paintings in tine various The fusion
of rank wealth, and parliamentary emnence with the
artist world was less complete than gratifying and
many interesting groups might be seen, in which politi-
Clans Of the most opposite opinions discussing with
artists whose household words the merits of the
remarkable paintings. AT six o'clock about one
hundred and eighty gentlemen down dinner in the
east ROOM the chair being taken by the president of the
Royal Academy, Sir G. L. Eastlake.
During the evening the president said that the next
toast which he begged to introduce the health of the
foreign ministers who had degned this occasion be
their guests Chees He had to regret the absence Of
Of those invited and among them the representatives
of those gallant nations special allies but they
honored by the presence of Others who might here
recognise the perpetual alliance which the province
of the arts Of peace to promote [Cheers
Mr. BUCHANAN After what fell from my noble friend
(Jord PamerSton) former occasion, who said had
right to call myself foreign minister at all la taught
am inclined to think have right to address you
but although might plead this privilege am not dis
posed to do it on this occasion The foreign ministers
who represent the different nations of the world at this
be very ungrateu indeed if they did not feel
sentiments of deep gratitude towards the British people,
and the noble societies that adorn this country
We have received the kndes attentions from all and il is
natural and necessary consequence that this should
duce feelings of response not only part, but
also the part of the countries represent Cheers
We feel it to be great privilege to be present
sions of this kind The have been brought great
perfection in this country and when review the pages
of history find thing to be constantly the fact that
civilization and above ALL liberty, the best foster
mothers of the arts. Cheers Painting and sculpture
sprung into existence almost once, like Minerva from
the head OF Jupiter when Greece became free and be-
leve may be said TO be remarkable fact that they
sprang almost to point of excellence which has
since been exceeded in any country in the world For
my part not having had an opportunity in my own
country of seeing expensive galleries many specimens
Of the perfection which the arts have been brought in
this country every thing air Of novelty ia this
exhibition that has inspired with delight and shall
remember the present evening when return to my native
land of the agreeable and instructive Of my
whole life [Cheers But although the taste and magina-
ton be grated by the specimens of art here collected
cannot help admiring that noble institution of England
English dinner [Cheors and laughter have enjoyed
the privilege of eating with YOU and after enjoying the
feast of and the flow Of soul in surveying the pic
lures hung upon these walls have been highly delighted
TO enjoy material feast of this sort return you
the thanks Of my colleague aud myself and
may also thank you in the every member Of the
diplomatic corps. Cheers