New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-03-10
NO N0NSENSE.

NO NONSENSE.
The gentleman who was Secretary OF State
a few days ago, but who holds that ONCE no
longer, has upon the occasion Of surrendering
his portfolio, given to the land, or at leaSC 10
all distinguished persOnages therein VINO are
in danger of being dined, valuable lesson
The neighbors of Mr.. Seward, in Auburn, not
to be out of fashion, were naturally deslrouS
Of sippalizing the return of that gentleman to
his own bearthstone, and of making a credit
able exhibition of their own inestimable love
and affection. But Mr.. Seward was not to be
caught for. at his time of life, playing lion,
and roaring to order, is, at any rate, tatlguing
business. So the retiring statesman wrote
to Mr.. George U. Peck, Secretary OF the Re
ception Committee and in this epistle nc
guarded against an ovation with admirable
and comprehensive foresight. He absolutely
" Declines ,.,,-
be glad to get back. but he will go through
the raptures in private, and refuse to be en-
braced even by the most joyful OF his TRENDS
in tho presence of ten thousand gaping spec
tators He will also refuse to make
g. "a Speech He has made speeches enough.
For years upon years he has been making
speeches For that matter, is there not printed
volume of speeches by him already made, which
those who banker for elocutiOn and rhetoric
can peruse in the Tetiracy Of their own closets
Mr. Johnson's frightful example has probably
closed Mr.. Stewards mouth, at least for the
present Moreover, he declines to accept
90 Dinnerr The passion for eating Is
one which we know, upon SCriptural authority,
declines with declining years. 81 am this
"day," said Barzillai, eighty years old. Can
" thy servant taste what | eat or what
drink ~ Besides, it may reasonably be sup
posed that another warning has been afforded
to Mr.. Seward by the eating and drinking
career of another Mr.. Johnson across the
water. Moreover, at a dinner, it would be
almost impossible, without a rude violation OF
every precedent, to avoid making speech.
3" Gabbarar says Rabelais, "was the first in
ventor Of drinking healths." Mr.. Seward
will refuse, also,
g. "A Procession" When one remembers of
how many professions this gentleman has been
the central figure and ornament, the reason of
his dissemination may be readily surmised.
None of these triumphal marches have con-
cluded at the coveted goal. Reduced to its
simple elements, there is but small enjoyment
in the honor of being carted about in
barouche, with a brass band blowing its life
out in front and another brass band putting it
self deaf behind. 1t is only in such a situation,
with melancholy thoughts of the coming cold
in the head, that the recipient Of ringing cheers
can appreciate the safety and the satisfaction OF
wearing hat. Again, Mr.. Seward desires no
4. Ceremonyn He shrinks from being
treated like Grand Lama, or a Grand Mufti,
or a Grand Turk, or a Tycoon, or Pope, or
a Doge. or an Imperator, or a Pontifex Max
linus. He knows that he is mortal. He feels
himself to be human He desires not "booing'
and gcnuhexons, the saam and the ko-tow.
The primitive simplicity of shaking hands is
enough for him. Finally, he objects to any
8. Demonstration He will not be exhib-
tied, as if he had been caught by some hardy
hunter five thousand miles from Auburn, and
brought to that place as a curiosity. Demon
" STATIONS" are well enough in mathematics,
but not being problem, except in fgurative
sense of the word, he has no desire to have a
90. +. Dr. tackled to has record. " Such
things" as he truly observes are UNI
" necessary
We cannot help thinking that in setting his
face against demonstratiye leonization Mr.
Seward has entitled himself to the thanks of
all public men exposed to like dangers and
subjected to similar temptations. The strong
point is the dinner declined. The barouche
refused was a great gain. The repudated
banquet is positive blessing, and will be so
considered here until Mr.. Reverdy Johnson's
performances in England are forgotten.