The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-03-24
Return Of Our Squadrou to the
Mediterranean.
PEN PORTRAIT OF THE POPE.
60. &c. &c.
Our Rome Correspondence

Washington's birthday was observed IN this city by
large number Of Americans, resident and temporarily
sojourning here by magnificent breakfast in the Gal
laria Dantesca building recently erected for the pur
pose Of exhibiting Of large paintings illustrating
Dante's great works The walls of the main saloon
hung with these paintings, of them more
striking in size than in execution and quality It
in this that the tables set for the dener in the
form of E. Two hundred laid and every
seat was occupied The tables profusely orna-
mened with magnificent bouquets Of gigantic size and
of most graceful arrangement Such wealth of flowers
of beauty and richness of color scarcely
anywhere else at this of the year. Cameas
white and brilliant the Mont Blanc,
every variety and richness of hue, modest vo
lets blue the vaut ofheaven delicate mignionettes
and hundred other varieties of the most exquisite
flowers placed together with TASTE and adorned
every portion Of the tables The floral display
was certainly the most striking, it the
most delightful feature Of the arrangements Of
the room. At each plate was placed a beauti.
fu bouquet Behind tho chairman's seat were the
American coors Another ensign draped fine bust of
the immortal Washington, standing pedestal and
overlooking the festal scene. In balcony band was
stationed, which dscoursed in artistic style gems
from avorte operas and national airs the latter not
being executed with happy effect which character
tees the efforts Of best American bands familiar
with the music stf 'Hail Columbia" rendered
in very crcdiable STYLE and recognized by most Of
the auditors while the 'Star Spangled Banner was
waved from the mouths huge brass instruments
with vlgor, and finally noticed and adopted BY the
auditors. 1t WINS question with many, however,
whether the music fragment Of Liszts Symphonic
dM Dante about to be produced here attempt at
familiar American air. Otherwise the music GER
tainly very tine and was thoroughly enjoyed.
pkJEuSER.
The hour fixed for the breakfast was twelve o'clock
but 1t was not until nearly that the company
seated and called by President Charles King of
Columbia College, who took the head Of the table, As
every ticket and seat numbered difhcuy
experienced In securing proper places The breakfast
was tolerably well got up and excellently served.
There liberal variety Of good things, and abun
dance for ALL though the character OF the epas parook
moro Of the nature Of lunch than OF breakfast II
WAS any rate, very satisfactory The vino good
grown the sunny slopes OF Epcrnay, France pure,
sparkling and souexalting. How dead and fiat and
profitable would social festivities prove without the
cleaning goblets OF Lac dor How many dull.
stupid speeches seem to be eloquent and de-
lightful when viewed through the medium OF
champagne Il Is like the golden haze Of an Indian
summer day. which softens down the rough and
bleak face of mountain side and throws land
sient 1t is always powerful accessory in giving
and color any social gatnerng whatever object may
have induced IT, do make these remarks for the
purpose OF applying them TO the breakfast the 22d.
There enough smuants the shape fpatrotism,
love Of Washington JOY In realization of reunited
country and hopes for future and, indeed all the
surrounding circumstances, to enven and exa Ameri-
such day. Indeed, In the affair there but
q slight indulgence the flowing bowl Everybody
gowcd with patriotic ardor and enjoyed to the utmost
the occasion.
THE AssrxrLAsE.
But must not forget to speak in detail OF the
ssscmblage II was such would have done
credit and honor 10 any nation the globe. large
proportion OF the guests ladies' and certainly IL
would be dificult to find In equal number many
beauties have had before to remark on the
beauty OF the American ladies abroad this year. They
bear on the palm nj assembage they They
dress with hno taste and with splendor and Il thus
happens that the swcs OF Rome gather the sidewalk
opfoste the Legation the Corso OF Sunday TO gaze
upon and admire tho American ladies' they from
church and whirled or In magnificent carriages IL
has become an attraction great a opera and IS
INDUCED In literally because the sight "a unat-
tended by any expense AZ tho breakfast tho ladies'
In full dress and oven under the unayoraoc light
Of day set many susceptible heart in uttcr aud
cited world of admiration by their brilliant beauty aud
perfect elegance They surpassed the floral display, and
that Is awarding them all the praise can command
wAsHlyuroN's MguoRY
After the solids had been despatched President King
arose, and after Few remarks announced the first
lar toast 'Thc Memory of Washington which was
drunk In silence, the company rising Mr.. King then
read an anonymous poem written by an artist In honor
Brgadier General Rufus King, Minister Resident,
spondcd TO the second regular toast which was received
with great cheering "Our Chief Magistrate"
GENERAL KrSas RENARKs
Ae, The band had played The star spaneled Banner
mysef fotnSa,s o Mr. a1 Prescn IN tho ~yege OF
spending, such occasion and IN such presence,
TO the sentiment which you have just announccd but
the feeling OF satisfaction N mingled with OF regret
that this pleasant duty had been committed 10
practicd hands. THIS large gathering OF CON-
itself most significant fact for Il gives the welcome
proof that the dark cloud which lowered
Try during the past -four years has vanished before the
returning sunshine OF peace and prosperity In the best
days OF the Roman republic. when the Imperial City
ruled the world the universal passport and proudcst
boast OF every citizen 'Civis Ro~anus SUM" With
like authority and with not less pride may each one
Of us this day exclam, 81 American citizen"
q rsass ne Sre. ch.nss hsh hs. e
effected Within that period One year ago the great Gen
era who so well Described the rebellion an egvshc
ing hts forces for the final and decisive struggle One
ycaf ago the rebel hag waved deanty from Richmond,
Ored 70 their aus pace over Ss b",eyca wallis Of
cun'ef one year another tenant occupied the Pre-
~ s enar one whom the whole nation bad learned
ana was so soon to be called upon 90 mourn,
ck down in tho very hour Of victory by the aassins
sos su, be- least had finished his course; no had
we good hight he had kept the faith and he died
~ ne lived true 70 the Union Tor him the martyrs |
srown added 10 the statcsuans laurel and hence.
,.n ne VIII I've In history side hy side with that
s,.sr.. W .ne nepupnc whose birth we this day I
commemorate, and who was .sara in war FRS, IN
RAro ana hrs' IN the hearts Of his countryr,eu.
nem m,gnt America-. wel might the world stand an
p7lled ~ the crime whcn took tc Nc ~ Ah.h., ~
coin and turn With mingled hope and fear 10 AL rba,
manner OF man ne was upon whon the rnan,Io az o~
murdered President 10 descend ma, aass''on %
Andrew johnson has answered FOR hirnsell-,nswsrca
think, 70 the proud satisfaction o. his own coun,,vrn.a
~ 70 ~ Appearing sadsnens OF n urope wbue We,
A3teisy rtxesshdae seaihern State q be outbreak
" he fs6sllion,
Amope the fAitbIssy, faithful only he.