Washington sentinel., 1855-01-06
Delta Kappa Epsilon.

The exercises of this fraternity, which we an
nounced few days ago, were opened on We'd
nesday evening last at seven O'Clock, Gen. Dodge,
Of Iowa, presiding. Mr. Billings was introduced
to the audience, and proceeded to deliver chaste,
classical, and eloquent oration. After few IN
troductory remarks to the fraternity Mr.. Il. pro-
ceeded to announce his subject" The Oratory
aud StatesmansAip Of Calhoun, Clay, Gnd Webster"
We are free TO say, that when the subject was an
nounced we felt that, for young man, it was a
bold one, and especially in Washington-the
scene Of these great ones glory; but we must
likewise bear witness that, long ere the orator
had finished, we felt grateful 10 him for having
chosen ii.
Free from party feeling or personal prejudice,
Mr. B. took up consecutively this immortal trio,
discussed logically and analytically their leading
characteristics as orators, and in this connection
he gave clear and II ID exposition of oratory, its
functions, its requirements, and its capacities.
From this point he proceeded 10 sketch the states
manship and State policies of these great men,
giving similar definition of the objects and i'm.
portance of national politics.
Having sketched briefly. but eloquently, their
lives and individual characteristics, Mr.. Billings
proceeded TO contrast and compare them, the one
with the other. "Webster and Calhoun (said he)
aided in determining the formula for the acton OF
our government, in defining its nature and funda-
mental law. One saw reflected from the Consti-
tuition an original government with complete pow
ers; the other, government formed by the inter-
vention Of States, with its authority definitely
specified and rigidly limited One feared the evils
Of distraction and separation; the other, those OF
absorbing, unchecked consolidation and despot-
ism. One placed the perpetuy of our institutions
in the interest Of the individual citizen, determined
by equitable laws for the descent Of properly the
other saw no security save in collective sovereign
interests acting States. Clay, paying little at
tention to the primal laws Of our political organ-
zation sought to bring to light its immediate ad-
yantages. The motto of Calhoun was Rsstrictsd
l ..l.-. Il -
UniUerSai confidence an aceiLbaianced ConstHn-
tion; while that Of Clay was Practical progress"
After Me- Billings had concluded, Gen: Dodge
introduced Mr. Congdon--the poet Of the occa-
sion--and for the space of about thirty minutes he
held his audience; sometimes almos, convulsng
with mcrrIment at the happy hits which he made.
II was the first time that we had heard Mr.. Cong
don nor had we been able to form any idea of his
poetic talent, having never read any of his pro-
| ductions but we were most favoraby impressed
| upon this occasion. As satirist and humorist he
| ranks among the ablest Of American writers. As
| far as information goes this is the first occa-
sion Of the kind which has been celebrated in this
place; at this we have been oten surprised, for
sure are that no city can boast a more liberal
and apprecative audience. Never have we seen
a company give 10 any one closer attention than
Messrs. Billings and Congdon received and this
fact is the best evidence of the merits of their per-
formances.
After the conclusion of the exercises at Carusi's
the fraternity repaired 10 WlHdTus superb uining
hall, where was prepared sumptuous collation.,
decorated in the handsomest style. Here, also,
General Dodge presided and, after doing ample
justice 10 the feast spread before them, the cloth
was removed, and the regular toasts were begun
with the President Of the United States, which
was responded to in an able and appropriate man
ner by General Dodge after which the splendid
band in attendance played I" Hail TO the Chief
Next was proposed " The Senate;" and Judge
Douglas was loudly called on TO reply, which he
did and in saying he replied, we have assured
those who know him that his auditors were
treated 10 an excellent speech. Then came The
House of Representatives = 10 which Mr.. Keitt,
OF South Carolina, replied in one of the happy
talks for which he is. so well known. Then was
happy reply from Mr.. Rockwell After which,
Navy p to which he responded in speech fu
has Ieen full Of energy and enthusiasm. Mr..
was most ha appily replied 10 by Mr.. Billings, in be-
ont /. M. Elliot of fMassachuseits, who did ample
came with his wit and laughter 10 enliven the
semblage. The next regular ioasts were given
10 the different chapters Of the fraternity, and
were each replied 10 by the respective delegates
in enthusiastic and highly credtable remarks.
These being through, volunteer toast brought
I'M Professor Dimmetry, who was eloquent, class
cal. and apt to degree that delighted all of his
hearers. Upon the whole il was one Of the hap
piest festivals that have ever been held in our
city Union Of yestesday h