The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-02-27
A CERTIFYING TESTIMONIAL

A GRATIFYING TESTIMONIAL
Next to the consciousness sf he las faithfully cxcrii
ted the tds repose in him, it IS always pleasant for
public officer 10 feel that his official approved by
those whom he serves and appreciate by those who
share with him the tolls OF his Office. With such reffec
lions may Col J. G. Alien contemplate his services as
Clerk of the House of Representatives.
On last evening large number of his friends sat
down to handsome collation. at Masonic Hall, Col
Orr, Speaker Of the House Of representatives, presiding
at end Of the table, and Col Allen at The oter the
occasion being the presentation to him by the clerks Of
his Office Of handsome service Of plate, which
inscribed the following words "Ion. james @. Allen.
Test nonal Of regard ON Tie clerks in his employ, in
the Office Of the Horse of Representatives of the United
STATES, February 1859" After doing ample frsicc to
the substantial uxurics provided in such profession Col
Jno Cwt chic Clerk Of the House Of Representatives,
in brief and approps;ets terms rendered the magnificent
present M~ny if not all Of US, Clid he,) when have
most desired express ourselves with force and feeling,
have filt cd and become nrcfecnt. That is my
dton to night Having been selected Colonel Allen, by
my associates to present to you this eiyicc OF plate
testimonial their regard and ESTEEM do not feel able
TO acluit myself with credit TO them and you but take
this tangible mcthod of expressing their regard for you
a and high est .em public officer. 1t my
intention TO have made an horrs speech but the
Speaker looks inpatient, with his permission will print
the remainder Of IT, As Col. Carter has not furnished
the manuscript reporter has been unable to conclude
the speech
SPEECH COL. ALLEN
In reply, Col Allen said
In accepting the very beautiful and valuable present
offered BY yourself and associates in my Office permit
say that the kind expression Of friendship their
part gives to the gift value far higher than its intrinsic
worth The only reflection that the pleasure Of its
acceptance Is fear that have not deserved 30 rich
gift 1T your hands When entere upon the duties Of
tho clcrkship vi the House Of Representatives did
so with firm determination to discharge its duties
u administer its affairs, in such to give
no just OF complaint. In this deter
minaton have, may say, been ably seconded by
those whom selected to aid in the performance
Of the nrluous duties Of my position Whether have
been successful in accomplishing these purposes is for
Others not for me to say but thing say, and it
proper Ishould say it this occasion. and that Is that
whatever has atened my administration of the
n of the clersip due mainly to the assduous labor
and eff rs Of those upon whom have called to aid INC
In the discharge of its duties To their zeal, laborious
effort prompt and efficient action am now, and shall
heuceolth he, prepared to bear willing testimony. My
hope and my earnest desire IL to retain these kindly
atons which they have always exhibited towards me in
official and personal relations, and Of which they have
given strong and valuable tribute in tho rrcscn-
taton of that testimonial Of their regard The kind
feelings you hayc fully expressed this evening most
cordially reciprocate. and when relieved from tho
and nnxcties Of office here, In my quiet home
In the West where other duties and other obligations de-
mand my attention. this will day by day bring to my
remembrance their friendship and their fidelity Sir
from my heart thank you for this testimonial of their
regard for me. lApplausc
SPEECH.
In response to repeated calls Col James L. Orr Speaker
of the House Of Representatives, said
GgxTLExgN came here this evening under positive
promise that would not be required to make speech
for have undergone very severe and arduos labor du
Il. -. III
present occasion. desire however to bear my esti-
mony, united with that Of you all to the efficiency of
the Clerk of the House Of Representatives, to the
fidelity with which he has discharged the duties Of tho
position to which he has been called by the House of
Representatives have found him. upon all OCCASIONS
only competent, but bland and courteous TO all with
whom he has business relations have associated
with gentleman with whom my official and personal
ations agreeable, and fthis government should
last thousand trust 1t may last ten thou
sand do not believe there will ever be found gen
tcman possessed in greater degree Of all those quail
ties of good which lie has brought TO tho discharge
Of his duties take this occasion to nay TINT he has all
these qualifications Of the Jefcrsonan ru3o ioaesty,
pabliiy and fidelity and s wtal thAt which makes Of
fetal intercourse with him pleasanta perfect gentle
man. Cheers %
Colonel Orr was followed by Mr., Cavauaugh, Of Mime
sofa. Mr. Harris of Maryland, Mr. Smith, of Tennessee
and Others who each expressed their regard for Colonel
Allen and public officer and congratulated him
upon the possession of the esteem and trust of his
ployccs cvinccd by the proceedings of tho evening
Tns MASS MEETING GEORGETOWN Forrest Hall was last
night filled to its utmost capacity with the sterling voters
of sister city, who had assembled TO ratfy the nom
nation Of the gentlemen upon the Democratic and Anti
know nothing ticket About eight clock the meeting
was called to order. David English, esq, was chosen
president and w A. King esq, appointed secretary.
The president, taking the chair made few remarks
fat af
ties the gentlemen who had consented to address the
meeting delayed in making their appearance, but
that he hoped that their absence would bc only temporary
He then introduced to the meeting Hon r. r. Crawford
the nominee for reelection to the Mayoalty, who
received Ivy his fellow townsmen with loud and hearty