The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1856-11-27
Meeting Of the American Club.
SPEECH OF HON. DAVID L. GREGG.
welcome to the Whaling FIeetI!I

On Wednesday evening last, Nov. 10, 81 large and
enthusiastic meeting of American citizens was held at
the Club Rooms on Hotel street. The attendance of
captains and strangers in port was very large. The
meeting was called to order by VIM. A. Aldrich, Esq,
as Chairman. Hon. D. L. Gregg, U. S.. Commissioner,
then addressed the meeting. His speech, which we
give below, was listened to with great interest, and
was frequently interrupted by the applause of the
audience.
He was followed by DR.. Geo. A. Lathrop, who gave
O. history of the Club since its formation and explained
the objects for which it was organized. Anumber Of
-otne= gentlemen addressed the nesting. among whom
were: Capts. Cox, Pomeroy and French, Messrs.
Campbell, Guillou, Gilman, Harris, Wood and Field.
The meeting was a very pleasant one, and the best
of feeling prevailed. Why can they not be held once
or twice a month ? By the last mail a large number
of papers and periodicals ordered from the United
States were received, and the supply of reading mat
ter to be found at the rooms is well worth the atten-
ton of strangers and residents. We hope to see the
place more frequented.
Speech Of Hon. d. L. Gregg.
This assemblage of American citizens is, indeed.
most cheering Such a gathering is no common
sight in these Islands. Here we are, thousands of
miles away from the places of our natiyity,-those
places thousands of miles, perhaps, assunder, yet all
in the same common country, under the same glori-
Gus flag, and blessed with the same benefcent insti-
tutions.
NV home is near the noble old Mississipni- the
father of rivers. Most of you who hear me were
graded within sound of the Atlantic's surf, OF among
the mountains or in the wales of New York and New
England.
But wherever born at North or South, East or
West, within the limits of the mighty American Re-
public,-wc rejoice to call it all our country,-to
pledge it the faith of patriotic hearts, and to offer mu-
tual congratulations that our lot in life was first cast
within its borders.
The true American does not portion out his regard
for his country according to points of the compass.
His affections comprehend the whole country they
ignore all sectional divisions they repudiate local
issues they stamp as Infamous, all ideas of sepa-
ration they hold fast, under all circumstances to
the Union,a Union founded in patriotism, cemen-
ted III blood, and endeared by the remembrance of
mutual benefits and mutual prosperity.
The love OF native land is common to all mankind.
1T belongs alike to savage life and to civilization. The
Esquimaux with his nOmadic habits, and the eternal
frOsts which surround him, conceiveS of no region
superior to his own and even experience in better
climates would fail to convince him of their superior
ity.
This is. in q greater or less extent, the universal
sentiment of the world. There is in all hearts an
affection for the homes and hearths of childhood,
winch no time or circumstances can effaee. Sometimes
IT is increased by just pride in the monuments of a
glorious history. Thus the Englishman is proud of
his orig1ns-proudo of the incidents which have char
acterized the progress of his race, and doublv nroud
of the grandeur to which the British Empire has at
tanned. lie has sufficient reason for pride and exnI-
tation, and there is no wonder that his native Iond
holds the first place in his heart. Thus also the
Frenchman may boast. He has a national record
which is full of glory. He may claim a history.
which In all the incidents of greatness, no country
can surpass. lie can point to men of science unri-
valled,-to Institutions of benevolence without equal,
to heroic achievements in the field of humanity and
philanthropy beyond comparison. Besides, he can
tell US of st. Louis, and a Louis XIV,-and of Napo-
leon,@ mighty name which overshadows the names
of all other c6nquerors.
And have Americans no history, Where are the
deeds OF 1776? Where are the victories of 1872?
where are Lexington and Bunker Hill, Saratoga
anu yorktown, Plattsburg and New Orleans? Where
are Deena vista, Cerro Gordo and the desperate con-
1here STANDS our record-a record quite as fair as
any other nation can exhibit. 1t NAV cbaracter;ze
faults, but it cannot specify crimes. It bears . name
not that OF the greatest conqueror-bnt of the
greatest and best man commeInorated in tba snnols
OF Rations-the name of Washington.
We complain not of national sympatbies and ~
ferences adverse to our own. 1t is natural that tbsy
should exist they spring from the best feelings Of
the heart they are consecrated in the noblest impul-
ss OF humanity. Who can look back through the
VISTA OF memory upon the scenes of his childhood
without emotion! Who is able to refuse some tribute
u alc2f'on torthe soil which covers the remains of his