Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-04-26

Inc hon. JAMES BUCHANAN, lale minister 10
the Court of ST. James, arrived in the Arago
from France.
In anticipation of his arrival, the public
authorities had made preparations for his recep-
ton; but the unusually rapid passage which
the Arago made for this season of the year,
took them somewhat by surprise 1t was
intended to meet the steamer in the lower bay,
and that the committee which had been
appointed by the Common Council, should there
extend to him the welcome and Inequalities of
our city. The arrangements, however, owing
to the cause we have already indicated, were
not perfected in time to carry out the intentions
of the committee, and they were, accordingly,
obliged to await the arrival of the vessel at her
pier.
In addition to the preparations which had
been made by the city functionaries, number
of Mr.. Buchanan's political friends and adhe-
rents in this city had also determined to give the
distinguished gentleman reception, and com
mittee for that purpose was appointed, of which
Capt. VIM. L. Willy was Chairman But this
arrangement was also defeated, and his friends
concluded that, instead of the proposedreception
they would give him serenade this Thursday
evening at halfpast o'clock.
AT halfpast o'clock the committee Of both
Boards were notified that the Arago was COM
ing up, and at s o'clock the following members
were at the pier at the foot Of Beach street,
ready to board the steamer when she came
alongside:
Commute Of the Board Of Alderman-Al-
derman Ely, Chairman; Aldermen Fox, Full
mer, Herrick, and Brown
Committee Of tie Board of Councilmen.-
H. Smith, Chairman; Messrs Cargill, Moves,
Whitlock, and Van Ripper.
The Arago was boarded at the Quarantine
by officers Roach and Murray, of the Emigrant
Squad, who bore note from the Mayor to Mr..
BUCHANAN, informing him that the city autho.
rites intended to give him public reception,
and would meet him on the wharf for the pur-
pose of conducting him to his hotel. AS soon
as the vessel reached her pier, the committees
Of the Common Council went on board, where
they found Mr.. BUCHANAN in the midst of a
number of friends. He was easily distinguished
from among those by whom he was surrounded
by his venerable appearance. Although now
past sixty years he is yet hale, vigorous man,
and although he does not still possess the elias
ITCHY and strength Of manhood his physical
powers have not suffered so much as ght
have been expected from the encroachment OF
age. During the passage he was much op.
pressed with sea sickness, but he had entirely
recovered day or two before his arrival All
his friends say-and they certainly ought to
know-that he never looked better 1t is a
fact deserving of mention, that the day of his
return to his native land is also the anniver-
sary of his birth, and his political admirers
have found in that fact favorable omen of his
political preferment in the coming struggle for
the Presidency. However that may be, GER
tainly Mr.. BUCHANAN appears to be in better
enjoyment of his physical powers than the ma
jority of men at his advanced age. When he
became aware that the committee Of the Com
mon Council were on board, he received them
Will lHc ullHOSL COuIJeby.
After introducing himself and the other men,
bers Of the committee, Alderman Ely rendered
the Inequalities of the city to Mr.. BUCHANAN
in the following brief and appropriate remarks:
1t affords me no ordinary pleasure to have
the honor in behalf of the Common Council, to
welcome, and at the same time to tender you
the Inequalities Of this city. On this occasion,
and at this particular time, lengthy address
would be out of place. You will allow me,
sir, therefore, simply to congratulate you upon
the safe termination of your voyage, and to ex-
press the hope that you will do our city the
honor to become its guest during your stay
among u.s. We have, under the belief, CON
tnued Alderman Ely, that you would comply
with our request in this respect, already had the
necessary provision made for you at the Everett
House. 1t has been the desire of our city au-
thorities to show you all the attention in their
power, and TO manifest their appreciation Of
your official acts, which we trust will tend to
promote the interests of the whole country.
Mr.. BUCHANAN replied substantially as fol-
lows:-
Allow me, sir, to express through you nv
thanks to the authorities of this great city for
the honor Whlcn tney nave conferred upon me
in inviting me to partake Of their bospitaities
1t is with feelings Of iusfifablo pride that in
common with every American, look upon the
present greatness and the growing prosperity
Of our commercial metropolis. it already oc-
cupies distinguished place among the great
cities of the world, not only on account of the
extent of its vast commercial resources, but the
numerous charitable and educational institu-
tons maintained by the public and private
benevolence Of its citizens. Like all who, after
a long absence, return at last to their native
land, rejoice at again seeing my own coun-
try, and at beholding the numerous evidences
which surround me Of the happiness and the
prosperity Of its people. In conclusion, sir, /
beg leave again to thank you for the generous
hospitality which has been rendered to me, and
express the pleasure feel in complying with
your friendly invitation.
Mr.. BUCHANAN then, accompanied by Alder.
man Ely and the other members Of the Com.
mon Council, left the steamer after taking
farewell Of the many friends he had made dur
ing the voyage An open barouche was in