Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1871-09-28
LOUISIANA PROGRESSIVE
CLUE.
RECEPTION OF t. MORRIS CHESTER, Es

RECEPTION OF t. MORRIS CHESTER, ESQ.
The visit of cir. Chester to our
city afforded the above named Or
ganization its first opportunity Of
extending its hospitality to q
stranger.
There were gathered together
quite a large number Of prominent
gentlemen as guests, while the Club
itself was we'll represented. Among
the guests we may mention Hon. L.
I. Delassi4e. Administrators Water
Works; Hons Harry Lott and J.
Henri Burch, Revs. @. d. Thomp-
son, D. D., Of Straight University;
J. R. V. Thomas, of the st. James
Chapel, and J. NJ. Vance; Professor
P. N. Williams, Dr.. j. 7. Newman,
NJ. D., Messrs. A. P. Williams, G..
Harris Fayerweather. R. Baquie, P.
z. Canonge. R. c. Howard, Carter
Love. William Dunn, L. Porte, John
Ro1borough and Mr.. Ruby, of Tex
us. OF the members, there were
City Administrator James Lewis.
Hons. A. E. Barber, ]. H. Ingraham,
]. W. Quinn, r. N. j. Kenner, F.
c. Antoine, Messrs. VIM. Weeks, H.
A. Corbin, G. e. Paris, w. R. Ma
son, c. A. Baquie, J.J. Ross, W. w.
Johnson, Joseph Roberts, F. Mex.
Dunn, j. Pinta, VIM. G. Brown and
others.
A sumptuously laid supper invited
the indulgence in gastronomic and
other arts, and the good things were
well enjoyed.
When the period for regular toasts
arrived, they were led off by "The
President of the United States" by
VIM. q. Brown. Our Guest" by
the President of the Club, Colonel
James Lewis.
MIR. Chester then rose and res
ponded as follows:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the
Progressive Club:
Never have I regretted my poverty
of language, as I do at this moment.
Never have I experienced more, the
inadequacy of my ability to do JUS
tice to my feelings than upon this oc-
casion. My position is also embar-
raised by a severe indisposition which
l had this morning, the effects of which
scatter thoughts and render the mind
chaotic. Throwing myself upon your
indulgence, feel that you will excuse
me from making any extended re-
marks, under such inauspiciousness,
'but I hope you will accept of my un-
qualified thanks for the compliment
paid and the honor conferred. ZAP
plause.) 1t has been my good fortune
during my experience, upon two dis
tant continents, to be the guest of Sow
ereigns and Princes, upon the broad
principles of human brotherhood, but,
in no instance, whether at the table of
the Gar of Russia, or in the throne
room of the Queen Of England, or in
the charmed circles of aristocratic in
tercourse, have I been so deeply mov-
ed as l am by this Partially, which
deems me worthy Of such a reception,
by the citizens Of New Orleans, ten
dered through the Louisiana Progress
sive Club. loud applause. I appreciate
the courtesy, not SO much because it
has marked me out for this distinction
but for the significance which it mani
tests and the results that it foreshad-
ows. The day of our unqualified de-
iverance from every species Of pro-
scription and prejudice is not far dis
tant, when the spirit which have
exemplified this evening you will have
permeated our people throughout the
land. (Applause.) We are political
power in this Country, and when WE
shall have realized our strength, We shall
make our enemies not only respect our
rights but acknowledge our manhood in
all their various public and corporate
relations. Loud appla',ss.) The man
who respects himself will find but lit
tie difficulty in having his worthiness
recognized by his neighbors; and the
people who are imbued with a proper
degree of self respect and pride of race,
honor themselves in the compliment
which they pay their representative
men; (applause) and they will not be
ong, however humble they may have
oeen, in inspiring the admiration OF
hose who have been accustomed to
ook upon them with different senti-
nents. While I regret my unworthi-
hess for the distinction, 1 am proud |
o feel that the good people of New
orleans are SO hcspitable in their i'm