The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-08-25
The Southern Testimonial to Mr.
Peabody,

The following is the speech Of Mr.. Pea
body on receiving the resolutions adopted
at a meeting Of distinguished gentlemen at
White Sulphur Springs, Virginia
Mr.. LYONS and Gentlemen Of the Com
mi,tee: | beg to thank you most kindly
for the sentiments you have expressed to
me They have affected ME most deeply
and are such, followed az they are by the
resolutions you have presented, that it s
impossible for me to reply to. them as
would. can only answer briefly, and feel
that even then | must claim yohr indul
gence l can but say, as regards the kind
and fatteriug remarks of your chairman
that trust the remainder OF the time
have to live may not do otherwise than
Justify your good opinion.
| should be glad If my strength would
permit me to speak of my own cordlat es-
TEEN and regard for the high honor, integ-
rity and heroism Of the Southern people
But that. too, must leave for the present.
But must not omit to say that of all
The Kind words you have spoken, those re.
ferring to the Southern educational fund
have been sweetest to my ears. Coming,
as they do, from such distinguished ard
Intelligent body, they corroborate the opin-
ions already expressed by other eminent
men Ct The South. The fhres of my heart
are interviewer with its success, as | am
sure are yours, and those of all good men
everywhere.
The enterprise Is still young-only three
years oId--but it is growing WITH every
year, and under the superintendent of the
trustees, eminent agents, and under the
guidance of distinguished gentlemen OF
trust, aud with the warm cooperation ex-
petieHced throughout the South, it cannot
do otherwise than prove success, and /
am confident will serve rs auxiliary in
restoring the South u q higher state of
prosperity and happiness than ever before.
God Grant it may be so.
When Mr.. Peabody had concluded, the
effect of his words were apparent upon all.
They had been listened to with deep atten
ton. and all present felt gratiied at being
present On go high and grateful an coca
sion.
Many ladies and others were presented
t. Mr.. Peabody, whose health, all will be
glad 10 hear, has improved more or less
since reaching here, though it Is apparent
that his physical condition is much ini-
paired. ,
The following are the resolutions alluded
to: GGsss
Tie committee which was appointed for
the purpose of preparing resolutions ex-
pressive OF the sense of the meeting re-
ppecttully report that they have performed
that duty and sabinit The following reso-
lu;iohs
lst. Resolved, That we contemplate
with unboHnded respect the character and
conduct Of George Peabody. BY a long
life of assiduous toll, marked by unswerv-
ing honor and integrity, be amused for
tune which few men have been permitted
10 acquire, in the acquisition Of which lie
appeared to have been actuated by no sor-
did feelings, and now, moved by 40 selfish
or ambitious motive. neither expecting nor
hoping for any reward here, he has, with
lavish muuificeuce, ID tue ex :catiun Of u
long cherished purpose, appropriated at
Feast eight millions Of dollars to the bene-
ii: OF his feiiow ,neu, in the manner best
c;.lc lated, III his opinion. to make them
happier aatl better subjects and citizans.-
sSaeh an example Of generous beuevolence
has nsver been seen before, and all good
niea f.Yuke blessings upon che great phil
ant'r"plst."
sc md On Iehaf Of the Southern pen-
pie we render thanks to Mr.. Peabody for
his aid to the cause Of education among
til"n. and hail him "benefactor.'
rhird We will ina body wait on Mr..
Peabody, at such time and place rs may be-
agreeable To him, and present to him this
assurance ul our respect aud regard for
lin, and our reverence for bis Virtues.