The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-07-12
Flag Presentation to the DuTfcc.

The Steamer c. II. Durfee, says the |
jefferson (Texas) Times and Republi- |
can, was the scene of a flag presenta-
ton and pleasant social gathering on
Wednesday night, the 5th inst, which
drew together large and fashionable
coneourse of citizens. The ladies' cabin
was brilliant in its array of beauty and
intellectual loneliness, and the cabin
and bow filed with gentlemen. The
flag, very beautiful one, was deliver
ed in behalf of the Catholic ladies of
this city, By Miss Ida Rogers, with
modest and exquisite grace, in speech
which was marked by the most charm
ING e,ocution. Charley Drown, the
Chief Clerk, selected to receive it, no
ted for his Chcstertieldan politeness,
and who could ordinarily storm pat
terry, almost s.me!tedn under the array
of bright eyes leveled upon him, and
in the presence of the beautiful girl
who talked to him with such tender
earnestness. BE it said to his credit,
he did not run away, but launched his
resolution like life boat, and brought
his cargo of fine words, safely to port.
Champagne and ice-cream followed in
profuse liberality. Then the dance,
under the inspiring music of choice
string band, gave enjoyment to the
young. Everything passed off delight
fully. Below we publish the speeches.
MISS IDA ROGERS ADDRESS.
CAPTAIN AIKEN-As the representa-
tive of the ladies of rhe Catholic Church
of this city, and those generous spirits
whose nobleness Of heart have united
with us in this demonstration of our
regard for you, and for the graceful
steamer on whose deck you stand, I
present you this Banner. The words
of its motto are not unmeaning. The
arrival of the c. II. Durfee during the
seasons past, in which she has so beau
tifully touched our wharves at her APP
pointed time, has ever been hailed as
the arrival of "Our Own" and it is
no new emotion which now incites us
to inscribe those words upon this Flag.
The inscription is manifestation of a
long cherished sentiment, and we yield
You the banner with the most earnest
assurance that the words thereon in
scribed are faithful exposition of the
true feeling Of the community whom
we this day represent. In the past you
have been "Our Own" rendered so by
the daily exhibition on your part Of
uniform courtesy, gallantry and liberal
dealing. You are "Our Own" to-day
as the occasion which has called us to
gether has SO signally made known
and in the future you will continue tt
be "Our Own" SO long as yourself and
the gallant officers under your com
mand slirll preside over the destiniei
of your boat, and the beautiful fla
which fair women have presented t.
brave men, shall float unsullied at he
PROV.
Nor are the devices on that flag les
unmeaning than are the golden word
thereon, by which we hail you as "Ou
own" 1t is the insignia of ney
union between the Lone Star and tn
Crescent; between the pelican of tn
delta and the bird of paradise Of th
prairies; between the commerce of tn
gulf and the boundless region by whicl
we are surrounded and which have an
nually, through these waters, poured
their tributes to the sea.
In the new era of prosperity upor
which our.giant young State is abou
to enter, by the great works of inter
nal Improvement to connect the inter.
Tor with the world without. the beauti
full steamers daily traversing the wa
tiers which bind the States of Louisian;
and Texas, will be multiplied, and tn
blessings of an enlarged civilization
will be showered throughout the land
But in the future, as new steamer afte
steamer shall daily reach cur wharye!
we shall always look with joy to til
coming of the favorite, and our heart
will continue to swell with pride as W
shall observe the approach of the silk
en- banner Of the Durfee, with "Ou
Own" inscription thereon, and wit
the bright insignia of the new union c
our two cherished States, the Crescen
and Lone Star, gracefully floating up
on its folds.
CHARLES browns REPLY.
{. To this beautiful and pointed ad
dress Charles Drown, in behalf {
s Captain Aiken and the Durfee, mad
S the following reply v:
: Miss RESPONSIBILITIES and Gentle
d men:
# In receiving this beautiful Banne
|. I am requested by Capt. Aiken to re
: turn his thanks, not only to you VIII
c honor us by your presence, but to a
C those kind friends who, whilst COZ
a tributing to build up a charitable il
|, stitution, have made it the occasion {
!