Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1872-01-17
Social Gathering Of Men Of Dl1Ierent Po'
llticsl Views In PhiladelphiA.

On the 10th inst. number of citisens
Of Philadelphia. regardless of the various
phases of politics, Joined in an honorary
banquet to the retiring Democratic Mayor
Daniel NJ. Fox The entertainment
came off at the Academy of Music. Po-
litcal differences of opinion were entirely
ignored in this most agreeable social gath
eIing. In cities. towns, and rural dis
tricts, it too frequently happens that the
political and religious belief is looked at
in the make up of such entertainments.
Toleration-where it is not used to the
defamation of individuals and the injury
of society generally-is the vital spirit of
our institutions. In this case both the
outgoing Mayor. Mr. Fox, and the iu-
coming Mayor, Mr.. Stok.ly. were pres
ent, as well as many prominent members
of both parties, Col Mcclure, well known
to the citizens of Junia.a. Morton Nc
Michael, General Meade, and John w.
Forney were present. Col. Forney
sounded the keynote in the following
speech
do not know, Mr.. President, any
more delightful or more useful custom
than social intercourse between men of
different opinions. 1t is the very best
preparation for wise and profitable tol-
Grafton. l have always believed that if
my editorial associates of all sides could
more frequently meet aud mingle it would
not only be better for themselves but
better for the community They might
differ never so widely or so warmly. yet
they would rarely transcend the boun
daries of propriety. One is always re-
strained from speaking bitterly of those
who have been kind to us, whose house
we visit, and whose hospitality We share.
We meet to night not to do honor to the
late Democratic Mayor of Philadelphia,
not to applaud hi. particular admins
tration or its measures, but to express our
sense of the personal qualities of Daniel
VI. Fox-of bis kind heart, his genial
nature, his courtesy, and his integrity
and in applaudng these qualities. as |
most cheerful do, with sincere emphasis,
l am not the less free to express my dis
sent from his political opinions. When
we cease to recognize such attributes as
those which make him welcome in all cir
cles, our relations, one to the other, must
be harsh indeed. May that hour be far
off when the standard by which we are
to judge our fellow creatures is the stand
ards of party, and may we never loose
sight Of what ought to be an ever pres
ent and primary duty-the duty of soft
ening the asperties of politics, of discus
sing great questions with candor and for
bearance, and of unity upon the catholic
platform Of an universal humanity. l
voted against Mr. Fox more than once,
and probably should vote against him if
he were candidate for any office to NOR
row, as doubtless he would vote against
me if ever l were placed in any such po-
siiion; but should be ashamed of my
self if | were not free to give him my
hand in every good work.
We meet tonight not as Democrats.
not as Republicans, but as Philadelphians
as Pennsylvanians, as Americans, warm
and sincere in the compliment We pay
man with whom many of US are at issue
On the mere passing politics of the hour,
but with whom we all agree upon the more
considerations of friendships, |
owe of country, and pride of city and of
State.