Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-02-03
LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION.
HOnOrs to Rear Admiral Porter.
Addresses of sov Swami and LII Gov. Co,
RESPONSE BY ADMIRAL PORTER
Organization Of the Naval Academy.

guest and his staff to-day at u o'clock at tie State
House.
The Admiral, with about thirty officers aud pro-
fessors, all in brilliant uniforms invited to The
Executive Chamber, where they cordially
greeted by Governor Swami,
RECEPTION IN THE SENATE.
After the ceremony of personal introduction Of
the different officers to the Executive Of the State,
the distinguished vlslterS, accompanied by the Gov
ernor escorted by the committee to the Senate
Chamber. where they were received with every de-
mOnStratlOn of respect. Senator Bilhngsy. OF st.
Marys in a graceful manner, introduced to the
President and members of the Senate Rear Admiral
Porter and generally the officers aud professors ac-
com2anying him. The President of the Senate,
Lieut. Gov Cox, then addressed Admiral Porter, sub
stantially as follows:
REMARKS or LIEUT.. GOVERNOR COX.
AdntF0i: In compliance with JOINT resolutions Of
both Houses of the General Assembly Of Maryland.
aole duty 70 extend to you, and the officers OF your
stail cordial welcome to this hall Of legislation,
spot venerable N associations Of the past but chiefly
dstingusned as the scene OF that early Congress at
which the Father Of his country reliuquishci the
seals of public Office for the genial pursuits
private life. The fine, historical group upon the right
wall of the chamber represents the august occasions:
while the portraits IN other parts of the nall point
the memory of those distinguished men, who graccl
at that early day, the good old commonwealth Of
Maryland. 1t is 6ttiug that amid such associations
and surrounded by art subjects like these, the
mony OF reception should be dispensed to the hray
and loyal men who have recently illustrated the
valor and virtues of the fathers.
The patriotism which inspired the great Washnr-
ton to deeds OF heroism in the cause Of human lib
ery burned as brightly IN the bosOms OF the noble
commanders uuOer whose guidance the and
navy achieved lasting triumUh over the enemies Of
the Union. In this ro of the great captains Of the
age you, sir, occupy 70 unenyiabe rositiOn. When
the events OF the late war shall be traced by the i'm
partial pen of other times, there will appear upon
the historic page prouder record than that of the
Untalterlng loyalty aud daring courage which have
rendered iuStrious. in day, the hero of Ncks-
burg and Fort Fisher Your name sir, will become
bousehQld word around every American hearth
stone, end the glorious deeds you have wrought
out Tor 'he Republic be embalmcd in the grateful
recoilections OF your countrymen for ages to come
Ge.fjemen Gt the StaB:-I congratulate You upon
your connection with branch Of the service which
has reflected much luStre upon the times Heavier
ordnance and less vulnerable formed the great
salient features OF the navy and gave lessons to the
world OF which they knew nothing either from theory
or experience. The names OF Ericsson and kllet the
inventors respectively OF the monitor and the ram
have already passed into history. The attacks upon
Vicksburg. Mobile and Fort Fisher-the punginc
crashing Of rams upon the rebel boats in the
Mississippi, when the bold shores Memphis were
thronged by eager men and women, anxious to wit
ness the promised sinking Of our heet-the daring
passage OF the aZoO river crowded with distractions
under the powerful siege guns at Haines' bluif-are
events unsurpassed in the annals OF naval warfare Of
which YOU the representatives of the deraftment
directing these grand movements may feel justly
proud.
The return of the naval school now under your
dlrectlonl to Its old haunts Is "A subject If general
c0ngratuiatiOn throughout the STATE, and the dsy
viii, trust, be far distant when il shall be deemed
advisable to transfer it from point centrally 10
Gated and surrounded by so many advantages adapt
ed to the purposes OF Its establishment Indeed
having already exercised Il fostering care by con-
trlbutng 10 the support Of the academy, State
has superior claims to oe heard ia the question Of its
possible removal.
on the banks of the Severn, is grateful to note the
change so suddenly wrought, from hospitals crowded
with diseased and manged soldiers to the scenes Of
energy, cheertune7s, and hope witnessed within its
walls. Thus fade from our midst, everywhere, the
traces of that melancholy contest in which those of
the same blood 6rayeiy fought and fell! Let US all
recognize that the strife Of over and ha ing
manfully contended for the flag in the hour Of the
nation peril, endeavor now, by discarding all dis
tracing topics. to bring back to the whole land,
North and Sruth. East and West, the substantial
perity as people.
To which Admiral Porter responded as follows:
RESPONSE OF ADMIRAL PORTER.
Gentlemen Of thc Ma1yland Asaem5b i take
great pleasure in expressing my thanks and that ol
the officers Of the Naval Academy for the honor you
have conferred US and for the kind greeting you
have given US to-day. should consider myself de-
fcient in common intelligence il / could not find
sIon trust though, that you will take the will for
the deed, and not expect TO express what feel in
a very lengthy speech. Speechmaking is not my
vocation, and very much fear that if | attempts I
any extended remarks, should subject myself t. he
criticism of the intelligent gentlemen who now
listening to me-whO accustomed daily to listen TO
more eloquent OratiOns.
We have come to live amongst you, and trust
that our associations will be Of the most agreeable
character. fit is decided to locate the Naval Ac4de
that have seen and heard since | have been here
and since the Legislature has been in session. that
you will do all in your power to afford us the advan-
tages we so much require to make this ins situtiOn
what 1t should bean honor to the country,
hope that you will pass laws to protect The young
mIdShIpmen from the temptations that beSet them
every side. Their future success in life mag depend
in great measure on the action Of this Iegstaturc
AMI the laws it may enact for their benefit. The
discipline of the Naval Academy will provide for
their welfare inside of the walls but there are Ger
tain aiurementS on the outside over which We have
control, which are beneficial neither manhood
nor youth and these can only be controlled by the
Legislature.
can only say in conclusion, for myself and in be-
halt OF oil the officers III the Academy that We shall
take great pleasure IN receiving the members of the
Legislature and the officers attached thereto, at
houses, where the latch string win always be found
hanging on the outside where one and ali wi receive
that welcome due to the representatives, of this time
hOnored State State which has shown such a noble
example during the rebellion: and shines forth
as the brightest star of the Union.
Admiral Porter was then invited to take the chair
OF the President, Gov Swami being seated his left
and Lieut. Gov. Cox on his right The Senators. la
dies and large number of visitors present then
presented to the Admiral, the band in the Senate
gallery performing inspiring airs in the meantime
After the ceremonies of introduction had been per-
formed, and interchange of courtesies had taken
RECEPTION IN THE HOUSE.
Admiral Porter, accompanied by the Governor and
Lieutenant Governor, and the officers Of the Acade-
my. were then escorted to the House of Delegates.
when Col. Billingsy introduced him to the Speaker
Of the House and the members of that body Speaker
Frazier then welcomed the Admiral and the officers
of the Naval Academy. to the floor of the House
where seats in front Of the Speakers desk had been
provided for them: Mr.. Frazier referred to the sue
gave HIM passport everywhere.
Admiral Porter, after expressing his thanks for his
reception. said in reply, that he never appropriated
to himself the compliments that We're addressed to
hIp, but he accepted them in behalf of the navy.
tom to b members of tb ons ba he .e ad
III the other branch to visit himself and other officers
OF the Academy where their presence would be al
ways welcomed,
After music from the band the House adjourned,
and the guests retired.
RECEPTION N THE EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
Admiral Diiirprs tbar,i invita- oil e.,
visit the spacious Executive Chamber, as the guests
of the Governor and Lieut.. Governor. Here they
payne, the members Of the LEGISLATURE and many
other visitors being present. Governor Swami vel
coined his distinguished guests in few brief re-
marks
REMARKS oE GOV. SWAIN.
Gentlemen Of the Le9ttatlre amt Eelioo- Httzcns:-
You are here to-day to do honor to of the most
distinguished and gallant officers of our navy-a man
who, in the bloody strife which has recently
minated in the restoration of this government rem
dered unmstakable service in the defense and main
tenance OF glorious Union He is here Oy the in
yitation of the Legislature ana let tell you, my
friends. t!,sst honorlng HMM extending to him
the hospitalltes OF this ancient commonwealth, yoI
h2nSr yourselves and the people Of the Whole stale
time and on this OCCASION to refer 70 the brilliant
record which he brings with him. That re ord has
become part and parcel of our common renowra As
Marylanders we claim participation the glory of
The names Of Grant and Sherman, and Farragnt
and Porter will be held in grateful recollection.
when you and l. and those present shall have passed
away and been forgotten. II you desire to estimate
the value OF their services in putting down the re-
bellon to sever this Union let me point you to the
symbol of nationality which floats over US to-day
with not single star blotted from its glitterng folds
standing firm in all the grandeur of It's power and
triumph. Men like these the State of Maryland de-
lights to honor.
We stand here upon ground cOnsecrated and made
forever venerable by the most stirring "reminiscences
of the past 1t under this roof and 9nost In he
very spot where now stand, that the Father of his
county laid down his sword AFTER achieving the lib
critics of oppressed and down trodden people Ii
was here that the men of the Revolution, in those
times that tried mem souls, wont to assemble
1t was here that Howard and Williama, and Philpot
and the representatives Of tho Old Maryland Line
buckled on their armor 10 forth upon their great
mission OF human freedom. Proud however as their
associations must prove to Maryland, and patriotic
men from whatever section, they serve TO heighten
rather than diminish, by thu loyal impulses which
they inspire the luztre which is thrown around this
old landmark of the Revolution by the presence of
our distinguished friend here to-day.
If it possible for the Executive of the State
to give increased emphasis to the proceedings which
have already transpred. would beg to avail myself
on this occasion to extend to him my heartfelt con
gratulations and to bid him welcome to the State of
Maryland in the name Of her admiring and grateful
people,
The Governor then proposed the health of Admiral
Porter.
Admiral Porter responded in brief and appropriate
terms Actresses were also made by 1t. Gov Cox
Adjutant General Berry. and othor. The band dis,
coursed its music. Many lively toasts were drank
and an hour was passed III a very cheerful manner
The Admiral and his officers then took formal leave
OF the Governor and Lieut.. Governor, and withdrew,