National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-14
GOV ARNY's SURPRISE PARTY
RECEPTION OF HIS FRIENDS AT THE
FREMONT HOUSE.

RECEPTION OF HIS FRIENDS AT THE
FREMONT HOUSE.
Saturday evening last there was a reunion Of
old friends at the fremont house. 1t was en-
phatically a surprise party; from to Z O'Clock
surprise after surprise was noticed. The Occssion
was one Of pleasure, and the object was gather
ing, after q separation of years, of many Of the
friends of Gov. Army, who by the wayis native
Of the District OF Columbia, and knew this city
when it was one Of magnificent distances. The
Governor is one Of the ancient inhabitants of
Washington, and over forty years ago knew this
city, when north of the Interior Department he
gathered blackberries in what was then called
the "Slashes," which now for many SQUARES is
built upon with houses. During the evening he
said that when he contemplated the past and
present aspect Of Washington he felt like Rip
Van Wrinkle.
About nifty OF his old rbut young) friends, some
the grandchildren Of those. whom he knew in
Georgetown and Washington fOrty-hve years ago,
were assembled in the parlOrs Of the fremont,
and after music and an interchange OF express
sIOns Of friendly feeling, the company were called
to order by John Lathrop, esq, and ). W.
Brookings, of Maine in behalf Of the Governors
friends present, welcomed him again to Wash
ington, and in chaste and appropriate language
referred to the fact that under the roof Of the
fremont there were gathered old friends OF every
cline and colOr-White, red and black. He feel
ingly and appropriately referred to the labOrs of
Governor Army in the cause Of humanity and the
elevation of the red and black race, and was very
happy in his reference to the Declaration Of In
dependence.
Governor Army, in his response said that he
was truly taken by surprise, (and he evidently
found it difficult to control his feelings) meeting
the sons and daughters Of some OF his old assO-
ciates. and gathered in the parlOr many young
and beautiful ladies Of our city, with their no less
intelligent gentleman attendants. He felt mad
eQuate to the task of response to the address he
had lust heard. However, after an effort, he re-
covered himself and, in an eloquent address, he
referred to the fact that the fundamental truth
Of the Declaration of Independence was predi-
Gated upon the teaching Of our Lord and Master,
who spake as never man spake, and who taught
Peace and the President of the greatest govern
ment Of the age both declared "let us have
peace"
He referred to Paul in Athens whose heart was
surTed within him at the idolatry Of the refined
people Of that great city, and said that in Pauls
there was a great lesson uttered upon which the
Declaration OF the Independence Of the United
States was pTedicRted. Paul said, God has
made Of one blood all men, TO dwell upon all the
lace OF the earth Oar patriot fathers, IN thelr
wisdom. declared that 'all men were created free
and equal" Let the man be white, red or black,
in the sig ht Of Heaven and our fOrefathers, he is
Of one blood and created free and equal. and
hence all White Leagues, Black Leagues or
other political or religious associations which
make distinctions on account Of race or color are
an abCminatiOn in the sight Of Heaven.
He referred especially to the Red men under
his charge, and illustrated the injustice done to
them, and eNtOlled the peace policy of our good
President. He briefly demonstrated that it was
cheaper and more humane to feed than fight In
dams.
The imprOmptu supper furnished by Mr.. Hill
and his amiable lady was sumptuOus, and would
he Creditabie 10 any hotel in the city. Just pre-
ViCuS 10 midnight Home. Sweet Home was
expressing their pleasure at the evenings enter
taILMeEt.