The New York herald., 1862-05-08
MR. CAMERON ON THE WAR.


Iiarrisburg-Interestin speech From
characterization OF His Course as Sec.
rotary VI War, &c.
The lends of Hon. Simon Cameron invited him TO &C
ccps Of public dinner before his departure for Europe
The invitation was accepted and tho dinner took place
the Jones House on Saturday evening.
About hafast eight the doors OF the banquetlng hall
thrown open, and the company, numbering about
hundred and ty, with their distinguished guest
proceeded occupy around the sumptuousy fur
nishod table.
His Honor William Fl. Kepnsr, Mayor Of the city, oc
cupied the head Of tho principal table, aankcd on
tho left by his Honor Judge Pearson. and on tho
right by tho distinguished guest OF tho evoniag
General Cameron. Among tho company wo noticed
Hon. Thomas E. Cochran, Auditor General OF tho
state William II. Kerr, Esq, Judge Murray,
VIM. Colder, Major John Brady, General E. G. Wilson,
Geo. Truliingr, W. o. Hckck, DR.. Geo. Bailey, DIR. A.
Patterson, J. d. Rutherford, VIM. Buehier Esq,
Thomas C. Nicholson, Of the Treasury department;
John A. Weir Esq. Charles +. Muench Samuel A. Power
OF the Commissary Generals Department.: Cyrus J.
Reese, David Fleming, Esq, County Treasurer; J.L.
Speei, A. J. Herr, Esq. N. Pollock, David Mumma'
Daniel Shclenborger and number Of other eaiing men
the city who We'd with each other in thor spoken
silent manifestations Of regard for tho honorsd guest Of
the occasion.
Tho supper discussed with hearty zcst, showing
that company fully appreciated its merits The bill,
OF embraced oil tho choice decacies OF the season
divided or into several coursss into mingled with excel
lea, wines and with dessert OF incompara-
bio richness.
After the cloth removed. bis Honor Mayor Kepncr
announced tho following toast-
Simon Camsron--A Peansy ivsnian who has never for
gotten his native State and American who has always
boon faithful 10 his country and his counTymen. His
fellow citizens delight to honor him.
sPgEcH OF MR.. CAMERON.
Tho enthusiastic applause with which this ssntiraen,
was greeted having somewhat subsidod,
General CAMERON s,id:--Mr. Mayor and fellow cit-
z.ns-I take It for granted that expected to say
something in return for the compliment you have been
so kind as TO confer upon me- ye cannot speak to you
Since have come into this room all tho thoughts Of
business and Of duty which crowded upon my mind dur
ing the day have lied, leaving only tho remembrance
OF the associations and Friendships that have expert
enced urng the long yeas Of my residence this my
homo. remember that this day forty dve years ago
came Harrisburg-a poor, delicate sickly boywi,h
out any reliance but the overruling control Of Pruy
dcncs and the reward which Ind been taught believe
would always follow proper actions. The only ccuntc-
nance of those around mo which remember to have
seen at that day was that Of my friend who sits beside
me the righ. (Nr G. Y. MGench) who then boy
go niger than myself and whom met the day after en-
terng The town. He was an a-prcntice in printing
Office hero to which went to obtain employment and
which left with a feeling such be experienced
only by those who are willing TO work, are without
money in their Irse, and destitute OF friends upon
remember the name OF only one living house,
keeper In the town a. that time. rscr to Judge Hum
mel. made the acquaintance OF tha honorod gentleman
al tho time that became the recipient OF his
generous hospitality. The first place at which stopped
TO my led limbs after reaching tho town
beneath ts shade Of old willow tree in front OF his
house. He came out aud spoke kindly TO me- inviting
since me- sir how .hs world has chansei since then.
bow has everything about me changed. day or two
after saw my friend Muench ! obtained employ
nj. immediately went to work with such heart
aud will as faii 10 win success. During tho day
timo worked for my employer aud at night cultivated
my Mind A few years Of assiduous toll made tho
possosso- Of printing Office. When other slept
continued 10 TOLL and felt certain that sooner later
would feel equal this worlds goods but in
the Of merit and capacity with other
Why, sir, ~ was no uncommon thing for me to re-
tire a. midnight and rise Al four in tho morning to pur
sue my daily avocation. have lived 10 what was
then a hamlet become third city OF tho State In my
position newspaper journalist necessarily in
contact with the political theories and important qucs
tion; OF tho day, and failed 10 advocate what
conceived 20 he wise and benelcia State policy in
gard 10 system Of internal improvements Since that
day TO- the prcsent time may say that have at
least had something TO do with every work OF
improvement connected with tne progress OF
were directed in furtherance OF the great policy
Of internal improvements which brought forth our canal
system next laborcd for years 10 secure the erection
OF a railroad from Harrisburg TO lancaster, though
laughed "a as visionary boy who talked about carry
ing cars, wagons and frsights rails by steam.
reminded hsre OF an expression made at one or the
meetings which VIC held IN favor OF that railroad pro-
iect or a. tha, time was IN the habit Of psrsuadng
ngs, by which means might be enabled 20 talk 10 tho
people my favcrite theme Of the desirabty OF rail
communication and s mportance)-one Of the audi
tors upon this occasion hs meeting being held at Eliza
bethtuwp) was known Abraham Harnly, very
intelligent man. and Of the most active In that
neighborhood During the OF my remarks had
happened say, al have doubt gentlemen, hsro
may OF you present who will live TO see the day
when q man eat his breakfast at Harrisburg
20 10 Philadelphia Zone hundred mes), take his din
ner transact his business thors and return homo TO
Harrisburg time TO 20 10 bed, ~ usual, In the
ing There was simultaneous roar OF laughter from
the audience which had hardly ceased when this old
man very conhdcntially whispered in my ear " simon
am glad you told them about going 10 Philadelphia and
back again Harrisburg In ono day, because that will
mako them take the shecrs (shares); but you and
know all about thatv' Uaughter.) | leave you 10
Judge gentlemen, whether my prediction verified
After having proved successful in my cndeavors In be-
half OF the railroad from Harrisburg Lancaster be-
came engaged In project to construct road from here
10 sburg, then again TO Baltimore; then again
TO sunbury the place of boy hood. and also 10 Read
ing all of which am glad to state, prosperous
and IN most successful operation. l mention this, gen.
tleen boastfuly, but to show what may be accom-
pshed by n determined will and right purI ose In
RESPONDING the sentiment OF our worthy Mayor my n
tenton gen lcmen simply TO speak to you famisr
y friends aud nogbors without referring to my con-
troll Of the war Department. which had ths h1DLr
Ia al. rf tv rnad ia