Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-19
From The Journal of Commerce
Meeting Of the Chamber Of Commerce
Testimonial to Commodore Perry.

From The Journal Of Commerce
Meeting Of the Chamber Of Commerce
Testimonial to Commodore Perry.
A special meeting of the Chamber of Com
merce was held in the Merchants Bank, at
one o'clock yesterday afternoon, for the pur-
pose of paying some respect to Commodore
Perry for the services which he has accom-
plished in the East. The meeting being called
to order by the President, P. PERT, esq,
Mr.. Moses II. Grinnell rose and said take
the liberty of presenting to you the following
resolutions. They are very short, and viii not
occupy much time in the reading. / have
been looking round the chamber to find some
older gentleman present to present them; but
| do not see any. Laughter.
VoIcE-There are none here, Mr.. Grin
nell Please to proceed.
Mr.. GRINNELE-I feel gratifei, gentlemen,
in being asked to present these resolutions to-
day. l think that in doing honor to Commo-
dore Perry, we shall be doing honor to our
selves. His whole course has been one most
acceptable to the whole American people and
it must in the end add greatly to the CONNER
cial interests in this country; and therefore,
think that it is proper for this Chamber 10
take some measures to show our appreciation
for the services which he has rendered.
Mr.. Grinnell now read the resolutions as fol-
lows:
Whereas, our fellow-citizen, Commodore NJ
G. Perry, has returned from successful nego-
tiation with the Japanese Empire, which has
heretofore refused any intercourse with other
nations, excepting on terms involving degrad-
ing concessions in its favor;
And whereas, This treaty has been made on
terms involving no concessions but those OF
courtesy and equality, and, where other powers
have failed, was effected through the frmness
and ability of Commodore Perry;
And whereas, This treaty has established the
principle, that while amicabe relations exist
between two governments, neither can close its
ports against the other, without creating there
by cause of offence;
And whereas, The Chamber Of Commerce
Of New York is deeply impressed with the
value and importance Of these achievements
therefore,
Resolred, That committee be appointed on
behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to take
such measures al may be deemed proper to
show their appreciation of Commodore Perry's
services in negotiating this treaty.
Mr.. Grinnell-These resolutions are very
short, Mr.. President; place them on the table
for further action.
Mr.. Perit.-Gentlemen, we have no secretary
to-day. viii you please to appoint secretary
pro tenn.
Mr.. GEORGE w. BLUNT was chosen Secretary,
and before taking the chair, he said Mr..
PRESIDENT Unfortunately for any gentleman
who has anything TO communicate TO the public
at the present day, the newspapers are sure to
anticipate him, and say all that can be said on
the subject. Ii would be unnecessary for me to
say anything to this meeting of the vast bene.
fits which are likely to result from the late ex
petition Of Commodore Perry. Prior TO the
year 1887, this was a project contemplated by
him. II was q subject then very close to bis
thoughts, and one upon which be used often to
speak to me; but ] was somewhat increduous,
aud said considerable to discourage him. But
he was not TO be daunted He went, and the
result Of his expedition is well known 10 you.
He has completely reversed the ordinary course
Of diplomacy. He has been abroad in an
entirely peaceful spirit Of conquest, and broken
down the barriers Of the most exclusive port in
the world. He has done what never was done
by any other expedition. He made no conses-
sion, but stood up as rightminded sailor, and
broke down all the barriers which have hereto
fore existed. He has done more towards estab-
fishing on firm basis the American character,
than has ever before been done. second, with
great pleasure, the resolutions just offered.
Mr.. George Curtis--Mr. President: per-
ceive that the resolutions do. not point out the
mode which the Chamber proposes to take to
express its sense Of the benefit rendered to the
country by Commodore Perry. 1t is certainly
proper that q commercial community should
make some manifestation of its appreciation OF
his course and bis services. And am inclined
to think that a service Of plate would be more
acceptable to him than public dinner. But
whatever course is decided upon, | trust,
sir the offering will be fitting for this Cham
Der to make and for him to receive. Sir, we
can hardly estimate the good which he has
accomplished. il is. one which will ultimately
terminate in still more intimate relation be-
tween the two countries. Having opened there
a great highway for commerce, civilization and
Christianity viii surely follow after. This is
perfectly certain for, in all European nations,
commerce has ever preceded and FASTENED the
prevalence Of civilization and true religion.
One naturally follows the other. With com
merce and civilization, we may reasonably exl
pect that Christianity will crown the whole.
You will excuse me, sir, if / make passing allu-
sion to the State Of Rhode Isand-the State
Of Commodore Perry's nativity. Circumscribed
in her boundaries, she may well say TO her
sister States Of the Union--I can add but
little 10 the vast dominion Of your empire--but