The national Republican., 1861-01-26
LOCAL NEW S.

AGENT.-Mr. James E. Given is authorized
to receive all moneys owing for subscriptions
to this paper in the routes Of the Northern
Liberties, heretofore owned by Mr.. John Mat.
thews.
NorIcE.-The patrons of this paper residing
in the first ward are notified that Mr.. Dow
is no longer our agent, and all sums due for
the paper must be paid to Mr.. L. B. Parker,
who is now the agent for that ward.
CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF BURNS
The birthday Of Robert Burns was celebrated
by the Burns Club Of this city, by a supper, at
the Exchange Hotel last night. About forty
persons sat down to the well.loaded tables, to
which ample justice was done.
The room was very tastefully arranged, and
reflected great credit upon Mr. Felix Denis, who
had this part of the arrangements in charge.
Over the head Of the table, the French, Amer
lean, and English flags were ent - ined. To the
right was a large American flag, on which was
a beautiful wreath, enclosing a well executed
was another of Hngg, the Ettrick Shepherd;
and on the left, Sir Walter Scott A number Of
other flags, tastefully arranged, were placed
around the room.
Mr.. James Cephane, President Of the Burns
Club, then arose and spoke as follows:
Gentlemen, times rapid course has again
brought round the anniversary Of the natal day
of Robert Burns, the favorite national poet of
Caledonia. His songs and his Wood Notes
Wild ore as familiar to US all as household
words. The very remembrance of them on this
occasion carries us back to the scenes Of our
youth, when our hopes were strong, and our
confidence was unalloyed. Burns was the poet
of the heart, and his pictures were drawn from
nature; and as the poet says, !" One touch of
nature makes the whole world kin" which may
be truly verified in looking around this room,
to see SO many of his admirers from England,
Ireland, America, and Scotland, assembled to-
night to do honor to the mighty dead.
The question has often been asked, why select
Burns from the many other eminent and dis
. tingushed poets which Scotland has produced?
l never could answer; there is mysterious
influence, an indescribabe something, which
operates upon the mind, impossible to define
our feelings alone must answer the question.
would further remark, that this brilliant con-
stellation of Scottish poets but adds lustre to
the more brilliant luminary, Burns.
We have all been enraptured by reading the
ueICdlc anu cICudubiuB luoS VI bhO pocpo VI
Greece and Italy; but nature may be over.
drawn by the poets fancy. Who would not
rather follow Burns at his plough, as he turns
over the rough soil Of his own native valley; for
when thus occupied he studied nature in its
various forms, and sung his sweetest strains.
1t was then and there the poetic Genius Of his
country flung her inspiring mantle oer him,
and bade him sing the loves and Joys and
rural scenes of his native country in his native
tongue"
Homer's birthplace was claimed by many
cities OF Greece. We can locate the birth
place of Burns, but a world claims him as the
poet of nature and Of truth; and who could
grudge this claim7
He had revilers in the sacred desk, for his
keen satires were levelled at bigotry, hypocrisy,
and superstition. These bitter enemies have
long since gone to their graves, and their ran.
corous spirit has been buried with them, alike
unknown but Burns's name and fame will
never die. "The Cotters Saturday Night
will ever remain more pious sermon than his
4. enemies could ever preach.
will now, gentlemen, offer you the Toasts
prepared for the occasion.
/. The memory of Robert Burns, the national
poet of Caledonia. Song, i" A mans d man
for a that" by j. Blacke.
2. The President of the United States
[Song by John Brown. Responded to by
Professor Donald Mcleod.
3. The rose, thistle, and shamrock
"Let the shamrock of Erin its beauty maintain
Let the rose of fair England watt its perfume,
But the thistl, of Scotia shall dearest remain ,
(Song olive and Let Live" by Henry Lans
field. Responded to by w. D. Wallach, Esq
4. The land we live in, the home Of ouI
adoption, the object of our pride and affection
[Song, "The Star.Spangled Banner" by A
Woodley.
5. Our native homes, the love we bear them
neither time nor distance can etface from ou
memories. Song, "Bonnie Charles moo
awa," by H. B. Todd.
6. The old Highland clans
"Ther towering spirit now is broke,
Their necks are bended to the yoke;
What foreign arms could never quell
By civil rage and rancor fell."'
[Song, "McGregor's Gathering" by W. 3
Todd.
7. The lasses-
"Woman's heart Yes, womans heart,
There grows a something there
The sweetest flower on bank and bower,
Maun name wi that compare"
[Song, Bonnie Bessie Lee" by j. Blacke.
The following letters were received, and rea
by the President, and were received with lou
applause
WASHINGTON, January 25, 1861.
Lord Lyons presents his compliments to tn
members of the Burns Club, and begs to than
them for their invitation to supper this ever
ing at seven o'clock, in celebration of the an
niversary of the Poets birthday. The invita
ton reached Lord Lyons only this morning
He regrets that he is unable to accept it. FL
is engaged to dine with the President of tn
United States at six o'clock.
WASHINGTON, January 25, 1861.
My DEAR SIR: have received the kind il
Ii Oh In, hnnnrod