The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-12-08
"OUR REPUBLICAN PRINCE"
Born With Silver spoon in His Mouth-Ths
Offering Of the United States Senate to
Schuyler Colfax, IRA Glimpse
Of Republican Simplicity.


into the comparative quiet Of Maiden lane might
have yesterday, in the store OF Messrs. Gorham
somewhat strange commentary upon the ylciss
tudes of American life in the shape OF q
magnificent service OF silver plate, designed
for the princely but nantine hands OF Schuyler Col
fax Jr, Esq. This young gentleman. who Is be.
lieved to be now somewhere about two years old,
has just emerged from the helplessness OF long
clothes and the sweets Of "mother-mllk," and the
Senators OF the United States wishing celebrate In
fitting the entrance into active Life OF this
august scion OF an iustrious race "with0ut
distinction Of party" have subscribed about
1000 and put It into the hands Of
Senator Anthony to invest in q presenta.
ton service of baby sllverware-tray, pap bowl,
drinking cup, knife, fork aud spoon. all complete.
The wise men OF the East nearly two thousand years
ago brought precious offerings OF franckincense and
myrhh and spices to the cradle Of the descendant Of
the oyal house OF David. And IN these latter days
the wise men of the West, prompted, perhaps, by
almost similar emotions, have resolved to pay even
a moro costly tribute of veneration and holy fear 30
the offspring OF our Vice President
THE SERVICE
Is perhaps as beautiful and highly finished series
OF works OF the def hands OF American crafts
men have yet produced. Each piece bears the In
scrlptlcn in singularly elegant lettering OF
rs.
SCHUYLER COLFAX, JR
PRESENTED BY THE SENATSas OF THE
Kill CONGRESS.
~><>~s,>
THE TRAY, . J.,
Which Is Of course the largest and most costly piece
in the set Is In about eighteen inches by twelve
One side Is slightly rounded so as to fit in
with the shape OF a circular table, while tho
other is raised in ridge Of silver bearing shield
with the monogram OF It's future ilustriOus owner.
The shield Is urrOunded-festoOned as 1t Were-With
an exquistely delicate wreath OF flowers, and ears
rious shades of gold standing out In conspicuous
grace. The surface OF the tray is covered with dne
the tray and the various other pieces t NAV pe said
contain less than twelve different shades Of gold
varying from the deep, DARK re- GIT which lines
the inside Of the cup 70 !te pale. faint tint winch
has been given to some OF the flowers
THE DRINKING CUP
Is also perfect gem of artistic thought and SKILL
1t is covered with designs OF flowers and leaves
Its main feature, however, Is peculiarly beautiful
as the sspearln finish. This surface has wonder.
fully beautiful effect ana glistens like the wings OF
tropical insect III the fierce light OF an eIuato
rial sun.
naturally comes next In importance and value, and
perhaps II one could only separate 1t mentally from
the comparatively base uses it win serve 1t would
even superior in beauty 10 the other contents
OF this precious casket. Eacn side OF the bowl IS
adorned with some human faces, surrounded with
wreaths OF flowers.
THE KNIFE, FORK AND SPOON
dies in which they are held, and which are inlaid
with designs and tracery OF different shades oil gold
The whole service is tncosed in costly
rosewood case with purple silk lining and adorned
on the lid with an inlad 1gure or O Bird some
brilliant winged mhabitant of Eden, not the fierce
eagle Of our own glorious land.
Looking at this collection OF brilliant and precious
trinkets, upon which so much skill and money and
pains have been lavished, one cannot help thinking
OF the simplicity" which French doctrtn-
ara philosophers prophecied would distn-
gulsh republican court Certainly, no
prince Of the blood IN Europe has eaten pap out of
more costly BOWL or quaffed the milk which the
apostle prescribed for babes from more beautiful
goblet, or picked up his first few mOrsels OF car
niyerous food with more precious knife. 1t has
been reserved for republican Senators to give point
and meaning to the old proverb OF beng "born
with silver spoon in ones mouth"
And again, one cannot help contrasting the early
life OF this happy infant, "DOrn In the purple" and
into whose tiny lap being showered presents more
curious and expensive than fell to the lot OF even
the offspring OF Greek emperors with that OF his
popular parent. Forty years ago Schuyler Colfax,
Sr then atherless boy Of tender years, was walk
ing about the streets OF New York, with
sad heart, half-fied stomach, and nothing GER
tainly of any great promise to look forward TO-
Steady industry, inyincible integrity and the grail
tude OF free people have now made him the iatner
OF what Senator Anthony himself dubs "Our ne
publican Prince" ,.,
days beginning with tomorrow, In Messrs. Tinanys
store, In Union square.