The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-04-05

AT three o'clock the audience called to order and
prayer offered by Rev Mr. Allen of Marbehead The
orator of the day DIR George b. Loring, Of Salem was
then introduced
GRAFTON
In commencing his address, the speaker alluded TO the
great divine blessing vouchsaed 10 nation in the birth
and career OF great man. for without these nation
ever achieved any eninenee condition. The great
man makes his country His influence guides It's desti
MES In respect 10 this advantage the speaker thought
our people and country especially favored and, among
all early lights, second only TO the Father of his
Country, stood the aud patriot whose returning
birthday his audience gathered to celebrate. He
was the man for the day and the occasion His pure
patriotism and elevated craftsmanship took the young
and unfedged State out OF the turmoil of the long
of the revolution and placed it firm and stable
basis. Washington, indeed laid the foundation of our
republic but it left for Jefferson to erect the super
structure, and to him most indebted for that
stitution under which have grown to great and
united people, and yet to TO greater and oftier ends
and aims.
Born in Virginia on the I'd OF April, l743, Thomas
Jefferson drew his first breath and mbibed his first les
in that love of liberty and learning in letters which
abided with him through life Questions of practical inn
porance the things he delighted TO investigate and
student of law he deeply comprehensive clear,
and searching His in this profession was, how
ever short His farseeng eye. his deep study into the
history OF nations fitted him admirably for the study of
politics. and this subject he embraced with ardor The
change was fortunate for country Had he studied
Declaration had he practised the profession he
could have written IT, IL in 1863 that he first took
his place in the Virginia House of BuTgeses and at this
early time In his the germs of those princi
pies which have made his name immortal Young
he was in the next four years the people in him
leader and steadstly he kept the people of Virginia ia
the path of liberty and freedom. In ITS he took his
seat in the Colonial Congress- among the great spirits of
that day and that body and hereit that, at the
head of committee of five, he drew up and produced
the paper which has given nation continued and
free existence, and made his name immortal
Throughout the war he seadiast and true and at
its close he the pillar of the State He of
those who drew the first treaty with England he drew
the document which confederaed States he estab
shed first coinage, and designed national seal
On July 5, 1884, he sailed from Boston in company with
his associates for the Old World when the treaty of Client
consummated. In 1889 he returned and found the
constitution adopted and took his place Secretary of
State Here he remained for time, when, leaving
public matters he retired to his home From this place,
called again to public service he placed at the helm of
the country and government in its real republic
simplicity began BY the force of habit and circum-
stance the administration of Washington conducted
with much pomp and his Inauguration almost regal
In its display Adams, too, had his republican court,
and maintained much State in his term but Jefferson
his inaugural day rode to the Capitol horseback,
and fastening his horse to the Capitol pang, he enter
ed the Senate chamber without ceremony This circum
stance, small in ITSELF typical of his administration
simple pure unostenatious and patriotic he continued
his and established policy which is guiding
star at the present day The political theories of
Hamilton and Adams bygones those of Washing
ton almost forgotten but that of jefferson still
remains, not only in memories, but yet guides
nation The constitution he understood it is yet
political gospel
Continuing this course of policy liberal in statesman
ship and religion, he concluded his public duties in 1909
leaving country free from debt having increased
public domain by hundred millions of acres
having Invested the government of scores of needless
oiice-holders and establishing simplicity and economy
10. rl,al1n of gtx
six and after this saving important benefits be-
slowed upon his native State, his time his talents varied
adonments and virtues devoted to the happiness of
fond and loving household, and to circle of old and
cherished friends Here he lived patriarch among his
people. Their father, their sage and adviser he lived
till the anniversary of his countys birthday round
in the circlng year, and then laid himself to rest in
peace.
tribute to the democratic party the still guided by
the doctrines of Jefferson the speaker, amid much ap
plause closed his Grafton AT the conclusion of the adj
dress the audience dismissed with benediction.
DINNER.
At the close of the address procession at once
formed under the marshasbp of Mr.. Daniel b. Bord,
which, preceded by the band, marched to Hamilton Hall
where unusually excellent entertainment had been
spread by Mr. George H. WISE the caterer in whom Sa
lem believes and delights The justice done to his vands
concusvey showed that this occasion he did himself
credit. The hall, ALSO was well decorated.
After the cloth had been removed, Hon. Joseph S. ca
bot the president the evening called the audience to
order in pleasant speech in which he bid all present
hearty welcome lovers Of democracy, and admirers Of
the and history of Jefferson AS the founder of the
great democratic party the great exponent of its grand
principle That all political power resides in the people, it
fitting that the annual return of the day should be
thus honored and remembered and he was rejoced to
large and respectable audience before him. 1t
showed that the love for the old democracy still lived in
the hearts of the people, and gave continued and decisive
hopes for trumphs for its banner in all years to
This being country whole ia united and happy
and is safe In its overthrow alone is danger to the
public.
The American Democracy True to the principles laid
down by Jefferson and Incorporated into the constitution
of the United States.
A letter from Hon. b. i. HaIlet was read in reply
Mr. Haett much regretted the professional duty which
compelled his absence, and warmly commended the idea
Of the celebration The letter went length into the
life character and deeds of Mr. Jefferson claiming him
the author of the expansive and extending policy
the Union which in times past has annexed Louisiana
and Texas and marching for the addition of Cuba
The letter closed with denial of the assertion some
times made That Jefferson OF the political opinions
now held by the freesoil party
Second regular toast
Virginia The Mother of States, the home of JEFF
ferson.
letter from Gov. Wise, of Virginia was read in re-
sponse The Governor happy to the love of demo-
cratic institutions arising in Massachusetts, and warmly
commends the celebration His best eulogy was that on
his tombstone He wrote the Declaration of Independ
ence the author of the act of religious freedom and
the founder of the University OF Virginia" The
letter closed with the following sentiment
The Great Apostle of Liberty Louisiana and Peace