Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-04-11

| hhEcENTATION TO LUTHER DONALDSON
Eso.-The large parlor of the Neil House
was crowded last night with our first citi-
zens, on the occasion of the presentation
OF magnificent Silver Service to Luther
donaldson, Esq. The present consists OF
pitcher, salver and goblets of exquisite an
tique pattern of sterling silver. On the
pitcher is engraved the legend:
presented to Luther Donaldson, ESQ.,
by his fellow citizens, in appreciation Of
his long and valuable public services in the
interests of the city of Columbus. April
10th, 1868"
The salver and goblets are marked SIM
ply with the letter ID"
Though the matter had been in hand for
some time, the matter was kept a pro-
found secret from the recipient, and the
surprise depicted on his countenance was
really enjoyable.
Mr.. Patterson, on behalf of the donors,
addressed Mr.. Donaldson as follows:
| MR.. DONALDSON Your many friends
and fellow citizens of Columbus, appreci-
ating your efforts for the last fifteen years
| in the City Council for the advancement of
the city's interest, feel it pleasure to Join
in presenting to you token of their regard,
although deemed by them entirely made
quate to testify their appreciation of your
public services.
To your untiring efforts the city is in
,lebted. in a great measure, for many val
liable improvements; among others, the
Steam Fire Department and the Nicolson
pavement, of which we are all proud, al
though there was great opposition to both
measures. You. sir, believing it right,
Il ha
but with indomltable energy persevered
until success crowned your efforts. Can
there be a citizen found now that would
wish to dispense with either OF the inn
provements l have alluded to? hope not
one. The city is indebted to you, sir, for
introducing an ordinance and having it
passed through the Council, submitting to
a vote of the people on Monday last the
question whether they were willing to be
taxed to build City Hall. The vote was
almost unanimous in favor of the measure.
We have always found you, sir, voting in
the City Council (although heavy tax
payer yourselD in favor of all measures
that would tend to beautify and advance
the prosperity of the city.
These, sir. are some of the reasons that
prompted your fel!ow-citizens, without re-
gard to party, to join in presenting you
these beautiful pieces of solid silver ware.
May you live long. enjoying in the future
as you have in the past, the confidence and
esteem of your fellow-citizens.
Mr.. Donaldson, visibly affected by the
unexpected honor, replied as follows:
GENTLEMEN There is a time in the life
of man that no matter how much he may
be endowed with eloQuence or language,
they will both fail him. This is my condi-
tion tonight. | can only say that the gift
is far beyond my poor deserts. In regard
to the matters to which you, Mr.. Patter
son, have alluded, have sometimes met
with such severe opposition that doubted
whether or not / was right. but have the
proud satisfaction of knowing that my eff
forts have met the approval of the dis
tinguished and public spirited gentlemen
shall last, will cherish this magnificent
token of your regard as memento OF the
proudest moments of my life.
The following is copy of the letter ac-
companying the present:
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 10, 1868.
L. Donaldson. Esq, Member of the City Coun-
Gil of the CityOf Columbus:
DEAR SIR-The following are the names
of the contributors to the testimonials pre-
sented to you on this the 10th day of April,
A. d. 1868, in consideration OF your past
public services to the city: l.. Goodale, a.
G.. Thurman, G. p. l.. Butler, Walstein
Failing, Lincoln Kilbourn, B. Gwynne, A.
B. Stevenson, L. Lindemann, Peter Balm, |
Theo. F. Butler, w. B. Brooks, p. w. Hunt |
ington, P. Ambos, w. G.. Deshler, A. w.
Dolson, Theo. Tallmadge, A. B. Buttles,
Jacob Reinhard, D. w. Deshler, E. j.
Blount, John Miller, A. Gardner, jr., J. G..
Thompson, Isaac Eberly, Thomas Bergin,
Peter Murphy, r. Chadwick, B. E. Smith,
L. E. Wilson. James Patterson, r. E. Neil,
Kammerer.
The service was made by Gates & Har-
rington, jewellers, Neil House, and cost
$500. 1t will be exhibited in their show
window for day or two.
The affair was a most agreeable and
pleasant one. and reflects great credit on
the gentlemen concerned in the matter.