The New York herald., 1874-11-04
lHE BRYANT TESTIMONIAL.
Triumph for the Octogenarian Editor
of tho EYaninE Post.

A Triumph for the Octogenarian Editor
OF tho Evening Post.
At noon yesterday there was gathered distln.
guiShed company Of citizens at the Century Club.
1t was the Bryant Com nit ee, vountary organ
ixatton representing large body OF the most
cultured people throughout the Republic, who
have united to do honor to the venerable poet,
William Cullen Bryant on the occasion OF The
completion Of his eignteth year.
In this committee were Mr.. Jonathan Sturges,
President; Rev. Dr.. William Adams, President OF
the Union Theological Seminary; Rev. DR.. Samuel
Osaood, Daniel Huntington, President OF the Amert-
can Academy OF Des ign Chancellor Howard Crosby,
Of the New YORK University; Rev. DR.. Henry w.
Bellows Mr.. George Cabott Ward, Benjamin H.
Field, Frederick DePeyster, Professor Won Ar.
minge, OF the New York University, representing
President Barnard; Hon. Samuel J. Tilden, John
II. G0rnlay, Wentworth S. Buter, A. G. Brown. OF
the Ere,,tng Posi- and A. A. Low When the COM
psny had assembled the proposed address to the
veteran editor was approved, and the committee
Itone P. NJ, walked to Mr.. Bryant's residence,
where they were most courteously received by
that gentleman and his two daughters, Mrs. Parke
Goodwin and Miss Lucy Bryant.
THE Address.
Mr.. Sturges read to Mr.. Bryant the complt-
mentary address congratulating him upon
entering upon his ninth decade OF an
honored and useful life In the possession OF
lnimpaired bodily health and mental vigor,
laing him as the patriarch or American litera-
sure. congratulating him on the influence his lie
work in the various departments OF literary labor
have had In moulding the character OF our coun.
try and advancing civilization in the world. and
hoping that his lie aud active usefulness night
long continue. Accompanying this address the
committee presented TO the beloved octOgenarian
Q portfolio containing the autograph signatures
OF moro than one thousand gentlemen throughout
the United States, standing IN the highest social.
professional and business rank, rendering him
their hearty congratulations and kind wishes. and
appauding him rs a citizen. \ poet and editor, or
whom the country Is properly proud. and In whose
welfare Il ever rejoIces The committee also an-
nounced to MT. Bryant that " was in contem-
plation TO prepare IN commemoraiion OF the day
Of art, probably vase on which should
be cominemorated, in fitting artistic de-
OF the popular love and gratitude for hts character
and work, TO be deposited IN the Metropolitan
appreciation OF nobility and usefulness IN the lie
OF citizen and public man.
This testimonial rendered TO the eminent editor
y such body OF represen tatvc American citizens
was listened to oy Mr.. Bryant with evident token
i emotion. At Its conclusion he spoke In reply,
without notes. He warmly thanked the committee
and through it the great BODY OF his admirers,
whom they represented. for their kind expressions
oi approbation and interest. He then proceeded
to glance over his long itc. embracing a clear re.
memDrance OF the days Of Napoleon's Consulate.
and advances which civilization has
secnrea , sinss he became ,amga,. one OF the
He alluded TO the Improvement o! our age in all
thai springs from the recognition oil common
brotherhood In humanity, the amelioratIon or
many hardships In War and the more common and
general observance OF the amenities and kind
nesses or lile ana closed with he lervent hope
that the time would soon come when nations
shouiu no more make war upon each other, when
over All ue csrt a Sooa M sbon snSu zee reign
hiehest happiness IN the prosperity OF all others.
Atcr me CONCLUSION OF Mr.. Bryants reply the
party partook Of sumptuous entertainment dur
ing the progress OF wnicn happy remarks were
mace oy several gentlemen OF the committee ana
10y Nh. Bryant.
fund is being raised to carry out the idea OF q
MEMORIAL vase, contributions thereto being rap
tdly received IN sums varying from 800 to $40,
and u Is expected that by the close OF this week
On ample amount VIII be IN the hands OF the con-.
nittec Tor the purpose. Qune a number OF de.
Hgns for the vase ana the scu pture upon 1t have
ali eady been executed. and IT Is The hope OF the
gentlemen who have " IN charge to make IL the
finest piece oil American art. - -