Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-02-24

ton, when the last annual meeting should
be called together-when few feeble aged
, men and women should meet for the last
time this side Of the river of death to cele-
brate that occasion. Many We say were
moved to tears, and even the speaker him
self could not suppress his deep, deep feel
ings. The fountain Of the heart hurst open
| and tears coursed down his manly cheeks.
Again we would say. let this speech be
placed. in full, before the public.
After the delivery of these orations, the
company joined in singing "Auld Lang
Syne, which caused the walls and arches
Of DIR. Burtis' public palace to resound
again and again. The united strength Of
eight hundred strong voices, is generally
supposed to be productive of some consid-
cradle music
The assembly then retired to the parlors
and passed half an hour in social converse
ton. 1t was highly pleasing to us to OBJ
serve the social greetings between those
who had been separated for many years by
the cares incident upon life-it was pleas
ing to witness the friendly grasp of hands
long fseparated, the congratulations of
friends who have long been engaged in
common cause. 1t matters not how they
may have differed in opinion on many mat.
ters-they met as friends, and such they
entered upon the enjoyment of the festivi-
ties of the occasion.
At about nine o'clock supper was an
nounced, and the whole party, numbering
some seven or eight hundred persons pro-
ceelei to the spacious dining hall to dis
cuss the luxurious repast, which had been
provided for the occasion, by the popular
host OF the Burtis House. Everything that
the market affords, was served up in iuxu-
rious abundance We would be happy to
go more fully into detail on this promsnent
feature Of that magnificent occasion. and
accord to DIR. Burtis more lengthy need
of praise for his efforts in this matter; but
as our room is limited and as we shall have
frequent opportunity to speak of the Burtis
House ard its worthy host, hereafter, We,
with regret, waive this point at present, and
only say that it was all that heart could
wish-all that the most sanguine could ex
pect. Proof of this was amply furnished by
the manner in which the rich viands were
discussed
Next in order was the regular toasts,
which were as follows:
REGULAR TOASTS.
l. Washington NO nation can claim, no
co.ntry can appropriate him to ITSELF
ils fame Is the common property of pat
riots throughout the civilized world.
3 The Early Pioneers Of Scott County,
The hardships and privatons of frontier
life Justly entities them to the esteem OF
all those who enjoy the fruits Of their
early struggles: their posterity shall rise
up and call them blessed.
8. Tie Pioneer Dead-May their names be |
preserved their hardships remembered,
and memoirs cherished, Dy their suryi- |
uors, by their descendants, and by all who |
enjoy the goodiy heritage to which they |
have led the way.
RESI- ondel to in an able and effective !
speech by Judge Grant, who happily re
viewed the course of the pioneers of this
county, with whom he has had a friendly
intercourse for long series of years. The
response was we'll received and enthusas-
ticaily applauded.
4. The Star of Ejmpire-When in its west
ern progress its rays OF light fell upon the
virgin soil of Iowa. a new destiny was con-
ceiyed, which in its birth, like the Star
in the East has brought forth is wise
men to worship.
Response by Rev. G. F. Magoun, in a
beautiful poetical effusion, which was not
only we'll conceived, but cordially received
by the assembly.
.. The History of Scott County-When we
open this book, we find inscribed on every
page the gospel of both peace and plenty
-proclaiming perennial blessings to all
whose faith is accompanied by work.
Responded to in highly appropriate
speech by J. A. Birchard. Esq, of Pleasant
Valley township. This gentleman came to
this county at an early day, and has been
first and foremost in advancing the prosper
ity of this county. The response was of
the most entertaining character, and richly
merited the deep bursts of fapplause which it
called forth from the vast audience of long
tried friends
6. The City of Davenport The Pet and
the Pride of glorious "old Scott crown
Jewel of the Upper Mississippi; the rose of
Sharon and the lilly Of the valley.
Hon. James Thorington responded In a
most acceptable manner. 1t was a fine
theme, and one with which he was fully con-
versant. His speech was happily intersper-
sed with stories and pleasant anecdotes, in
such manner as to render it of uncommon
interest.
T. The race that occupied the land before US
Men in physical ability; stoics in morals
They are our brothers.
A most able response was made to this
toast by Rev. Mr. Powers, of St Luke's
church. His ideas were richly dressed.
8. Antoiae LeCYdire-First in settlement
first in efforts to make our city peerless
among rivals-first in the esteem of his
fellow citizens-frst President Of this
society; may 'his shadoc never be less"
Response by Hon. E. Cook. The subject
was good one, and to Mr. Cook, who has
long been an intimate friend of Mr.. Le-
Claire's, there was an ample field for eulo.
giving his marked career in this community.
Truly did he say that Mr. LeClaire's bread
fell "butter side up"
9. Marquette and Joliet-The Pioneers of
Pioneers. History. poetry Fiction, exhib-
itnowhere heroism SO lofty, daring SO