The daily gazette., 1878-06-03

iS' ehchi oIiiih vi tue SdgeS WHO on tne
forum and on the stage of public life have
reflected virtue on the present generation.
such men are known to many of us only
by tradition, but the object of this society
is to make them known TO all. Its object
is to spread the truth, to expand the influ-
ence of noble tradition, that men may
cultivate their virtues and talents, with
the incentive that a good life will not
be forgotten, or be without its reward to
the descendants OF the men and women
who have lived it.
IL Is impossible to state even little of
the benefits, uses and value of Histori-
cal Society conducted on the simple dig
nifty of recording truth. Their value is
being recognized all over the country.
Only short time ago there was sent to
this Society from the Historical Society of
New York, work edited by the Secre-
tary of State and printed by the State
Government describing the history
of the early Swedish settlers on
the Delaware River. 1t was really far
more interesting to the people of this 10
cality than to the dwellers along the
Hudson River, and its publication shows
how the work of one Society can greatly
benefit the others.
1t is unfortunate that so much of the
early history of this State is lost and for
gotten. There was time when Socie-
ty possessing the energy of this one would
have preserved it all. | mention this to
show the Importance of preserving every
thing that would vindicate the truth of
history in our midst. What we want is
something steady and stable; something
that will correct false impressions so that
men may feel that no matter what mis-
understandings may arise in their career
through life the time will come for their
thorough vindicatiOn. A society with
such work is indeed blessed institu-
ton.
After alluding to the historical associa-
tions connected with the building, and its
fitness as an abiding place for the records
of the State of Delaware, Senator Bayard
said: hope all of us will continue and
increase our active interest in this Society,
promote its aims, and impart to its care
every object of interest that we can. 1t
will bring us more and more into that
feeling OF harmony and fraternal influ-
ence which feel we all should encour-
age and which cannot help but be ben
eft to us all.
When the applause which greeted SEN
ator Bayard's remarks had subsidized, JOS
eph X. Walter, Esq, the Secretary of the
Society, was introduced and read an ode APP
propriate, to the occasion. 1t referred
particularly to the venerable edifice which
the Society had made its abiding place,
and 'abounded in historic sentiment and
apt comparison. 1t was read in excellent
Of. 10 n,,I t.1 I.
applause.
Mayor Whiteley was introduced as the
next speaker. In his opening remarks he
referred to the history of the State and
the work of the Society, and said the lat
ter was confined too much to our revolu-
tionary and pre-revolutionary history.
"Peace hath her victories no less renown-
ed than those of war;" and Delaware has
had statesmen as eminent as any the I'm
ion ever produced.
In support of this assertion, the speak
er referred to Cesar Rodney who was.
the very back bone of Whiggery in
Delaware, to Geo. Read, John Dickinson,
Nicholas Van Dyke and Thomas Nc
Kean, who helped originate the Gov
ernment of this country. To Richard
Bassett and Geo. Read in the early days
of the U. o. Senate. To John Vining, of
Dover, who represented the State in the
First Congress, and who then proposed
an Interior Department for the Govern
ment, which was not adopted until fifty
years later.
The speaker then referred more par
ticularly to two men, now dead, who had
made living regulations for themselves
and for their State. In the Sixth Con
gress there was young man from this
town, who served also i'll the Seventh
and Eighth, who is known to the people
now as James A. Bayard. the elder,
grandfather of the present Senator He
was eminent as lawyer and staIes-
man, and bis career in the Senate was
most distinguished. He made speech
on the Judiciary bill that was said to be
as classical as Tacitus himself, and by
his feeling of personal Independence he
gave the casting vote, against his party,
which made Thomas Jefferson President
of the United States, because he believed
Aaron Burr was not the right man for
the position. In 1894 he went to
Europe and helped to prepare the Treaty
of Ghent, doing as much in that impor-
tant transaction as his illustious associa-
t IS, Clay, Gallatin and Russell. He
wrote his history not only in Delaware
but in the country, and this society should
do much for such men and their families.
The other man is John NJ. Clayton,
whose intellect was as gigantic as his
frame. He was born in Dagsborough,
Sussex county, ia 1876 was admitted t.
the bar in 1921, served as Clerk OF the
Senate and Secretary of State, and in
1929, at the age of thirty-:hree, was elect
ed to the U. S. Senate. There he met
with such giant intellects as Clay, Web
ster, Calhoun and Hayne, and in the
great debate on the famous Foote reso-
luton Benton says that Mr.. Clayton's
speeches were as able as any of the
OF 8.
The youth OF this State only know
that there was once a man named Clay
ton, who was a great man, and lived in
Delaware up to 1850. But this Society
should give the records of the Claytons,
the Bayards, McLane, Hall and others,
who have honored the State. 1t is due |
to us and due to history, that we should
commemorate their virtues and record |
their achievements.
After alluding to the appropriateness
Of tho old abnrch a parmanpnt ahi1- |