Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1860-03-09
FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Excelsior Society Of Scott County,

AL lHE BURllo f1OUSE,
Wednesday Evening, March 7th, 1850.
Wednesday evening, about one hundred and
fifty of the Sons anl Daughters of New York
assembled at the Burtis House, to participate
in the First Annual Festival OF the "Excelsio
Society of Scott County" From eight o'clock
until half past nine. the company passed the
time in social conversation, making new, and
renewing old acquaintances. at the latter
hour, headed by President Viele and the invi-
ted guests, the company procesde to the dia
ing hall and took their places at tha magnif-
icsntly spread tables. Al! being seated, Pres-
dent Viele proceeded to deliver the opening
address, as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen
Sons and Daughters Of New York the Ex.
cslsior Society. of cott County has been or
ganized for the purpose of cultivating friendly
relationo aud keeping in remembrance the
State and place of our birth.
Our connection with the State Of New York
is truly source of congratuation. and it is
with feelings of no ordinary character that
address YOU by the endearing appellation o.
children Of the Empire State. and as such vel
come you to this festive board. The State of
our nativity is one of the brightest States in
the galaxy of States that compose our Un-
ion. In comparison with others Of our sister
States, che is entitled truly 10 the name Of
great. 10 her resources how justly may she
claim thi. application. Look at her canals,
her railroads, her institutions Of learning, her
charitable bequests, her asylums for the un-
fortunate, costing hundreds Of millione. In the
intellect and moral worth Of her Sons,
she claims equality and challenges the sd-
miration Of the world. Among her favored sons
Of the past, and cherished in grateful remem
brancs are 10 be found, Schuyler. Hamilton,
and Jay; and later, Clinton, Kent. Spencer,
Van Nest. and Thompson and still later We
have Wright. Talcott, Van Buren,, Van Vigh-
ton, Henry, Csdy. Hill and Irving; and last
though not least. Dickinson, Seward and Fill
more. With these names Of noble worthless as
sons of the Empire State. who would not be q
New Yorker. In her commerce, New York is
-sminently entitled to the highest place In
the scale Of fame. Her Merchant Princes fear
nothing in a comparison with the men Of trade
in the cities of the Old or New World. The in
domitabls energy. the far reaching intellect,
and persuasive manner, together with the
sterling integrity and moral worth Of the
Kniekerbocker Of our native State 10 proof
against any attacks or efforts that may be put
forth by any surrounding city, ty which to
gain an advantage in the commerce Of the
world
l might 60 on in recapitulation Of acts. do
ings aud traits Of character that 20 to make up
the history of our native State, by which her
political, commercial, and moral strength is
portray ed, to an almost in definite extent. But
pause. for fear We should be too much elsted
In our recollection of the past, and almost wish
ourselves back again around the hearth stones
Of our childhood.
And now have the pleasure Of congratula-
ing you upon the organization Of the Excelsior
Society Of Scott County, at whose Annual
Festivals We may came together and renew
our Vows Of frAternal good will What re-
mains 10 the pleasing task Of welcoming our
invited guests to the festivities of the evening,
for while We remember with grsatfol emotions
Of the psst. We would not be wanting in kind
regards for friendships of more recent date
And ladies and gentlemen, 10 behalf of the
society that represent, bid you welcome,
welcome 70 eur board, welcome 70 our hearta