The Kansas herald of freedom., 1856-01-26

Egyptian darkness. Cast, if you please.
3 retrospective glance into the past, and
view the Ignorance and superstition of
.'by gone ages-then mark the slow,
but steady steps Of Gutenberg. in che
publishing of the Bible. At last the
arduous task is accomplished !; and now.
since the Argus-eyed and Iadspendent
press has come into the field of action,
and taken stand upon the platform of
truth and justice. Catholicism trembles
for its sway over the masses of mankind;
Kings tremble lest their thrones fall and
crumble beneath them. (Applause.
Since the art typographical was dis
covered. view the rapid strides which
civilization has made; watch the crumb-
ling sway of the old, and the uprising
of the new systems of governments with
which old earth is filed. Monarchies are
giving away before the illuminating ray
of Republicanism; man, who once sought
glory and renown on the CORY field of
battle, now seeks it in the more peaceful
paths of art, literature and science. He
possesses more of the attributes of a
God freedom of expression and intell-
gence of thought are taking the place of
superstition and intolerance. His heart
beats responsive to the woes of his fell
lows-and with this pressing engine to
break the shackles off the slave, may we
not hope to live to hear the shouts of the
Olsen thralled millions of earth? And
thus will the sentiment of our friend be-
come a fulfilled prophecy for ''the
names of mere warrior shall then be for
gotten, or remembered only to be de-
spised," while their names shall shine as
three of the brightest stars in the galaxy of
fame. applause
With your leave, ladies and geetlemen,
| will now propose,
TIE h9epsndsnt Nay it ever receive
that patronage and encouragement which is its
due. as the past proves it TO the sure precursor
OF the fall of Ignorance, Superstition and Des-
posism.
Loud calls were made for Mr.. G. v.
EsKRIDGE, and after a time this gentle
man took the floor and addressed the
company:
LADIES AND GENTLENEN:-I thank
you for the honor you have conferred
upon me by calling upon one SO humble
as myself to respond to the sentiment
which has just been given for it GER
tainly is an honor to any man, great or
small, to address such an intelligent au-
dience on such an occasion as this.
Not having made preparation to re-
spond to any toast that might be given
here this evening, |, like the morning
glory, will remain but very short time
in the sunlight of your countenances, and
then close.
Between individuals of the same art,
trade, or profession, a sympathy exists
which in its manifestation is somewhat
remarkable. Though an individual who
follows the same business that am en-
gagged in, has no more claims really upon
my confidence and respect than any 9TH
er, still, from his possessing knowledge
by which he is enabled to procure for
himself the "staff of life" in the same
manner that l do, creates an affinity at
once perceivable, but not at all describ-
able. AS well might you undertake to
describe the color, quality, or consisten-
cy of an object by the shadow it produ
ccs, as to undertake to delineate correct
ly this flow of feeling or sympathy It
is sufficient to say that it does exist. And,
in this selfish and mercenary world, it
may arise from the fact that we are all
dependent creatures, and therefore, are
disposed to receive kindly those upon
whom we most rely in our hour of need.
Other reasons may be assigned. but with
conclusions no more definite. l have al
ways found this kindly feeling cherish
ed, especially among my typographical
friends-the printers. And, in this case,
from my knowledge of them and their
business, it does not arise from selfish or
mercenary motives, applause, but from
a high appreciation of each others ster-
ling worth to the country in which they
live. And, when we look back over the
pages of history, we delight to dwell
upon the time -honored names of those
who have shed light upon our art, and
worked their way up t. that proud emf
nence which few attain and less merit.
Among these names stands out in bold
relief the venerated name of BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN-( cheers, the poor printer
boy, the wise statesman, and the great
philosopher noble example of perse-
verance under depressing circumstances.
May his name be handed down to the la
test generation with undiminished luster.
(Applause.)
Mr.. ]. L. SPEER was loudly called for,
and responded as follows:
Mn. CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GEErLE-
AEN-I believe that sentiment. Heroes
and heroic deeds have ever been ap-
plauded. But strange to say, those
most deserving the name of hsr,es have
been neglected, while those who were
unworthy of it have been heraided forth
as the champions of Liberty.
Thus it was with Alexander the Great,
and we find that the persons who suffer
ed most from his career were first and