The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-06-27
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS.
Henry Ward Beecher's Birth,
day Celebration.
Reported Unhappiness Of
General Sherman.
MISCELLANEOUS. ETC. ETC.
Beecher Celebrates His Birthday.

Beecher Celebrates His Birthday.
NEW YORK, June 25.-Every seat
and every foot Of standing room IN
the Brooklyn Academy OF Music
were filled by the friends and admir-
ers of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, who
assembled to celebrate his SEVENTEEN
birthday. The Academy was taste
fully decorated with flags and stream
ers. hanging baskets Of flowers and
vines circled the lower gallery and a
line of living plants took the place
of the fOOtlights on the stage, and
rose in the center to a bank of flow.
ers. In one of the boxes were seated
Mrs. Beecher, Mrs. Harriet Beecher
Stowe and other members of the
Beecher family. The entrance of MI.
Beecher himself on the stage was
greeted with enthusiasm, the au-
dience rising and waving their hand
kerchiefs. He was also loudly cheer
ed. Professor E. West SAID they had
come to honor the philosopher. the
poor mans friend, the lover
of nature, Of flowers and
children; to honor n whose
name will stand for centuries like
Mont Blanc alone in his fame. Ex-
Chief Justice Neil proposed Rev. DR..
Chas. III. Hall as presiding officer.
DR.. Hall on taking the chair said MI.
Beecher, although he had been tire
most abused man in Brooklyn and
the1 country, was never known to
utter an unkind word of any man be-
cause he differed with him in belief,
and that he had never e a man
whom he believed loved the good OF
his fellOwman so deeply.
He then introduced Rev. DR.. j. O..
Peck who offered a prayer. Rev. DR..
Ingersoll, read a number Of kilograms
and letters of regret at inability to be
present. Resolutions expressive
Of respect, esteem and affection, to-
gether with congratulations on a
life so useful and honored, were
adopted by a rising vote. Rev. DIR.
Gatthiel, rabbi Of the Broadway
Temple, Brooklyn, read an address
and presented on behalf of his fell
low Hebrews q handsome silver
pitcher.
DR.. Collier, DR.. Fulton, Mayor Low
and John Berry, member OF parlia-
ment for Wexford, all spoke of Mr..
Beecher's labOrS and paid warm trib-
utes to his success and genius.
Beecher then rose and was greeted
with the warmest applause, the au-
dience again rising and cheering for
several minutes. When. permitted to
speak he said if he were susceptible
of believing one tenth of what had
been said about him, this celebration
would be that of the birthday of a
fool begotten by fools. When he
looked back to years ago it seemed to
him as if nothing had then been done.
Almost everything great that has
been done in science has been ccOm
plished since then, Power has seen
itself obliged to consult the multitude.
Italy has gained its unity, Greece has
again raised her head, Hungary has
freed itself from oppression,
w%0rkingmen had been en-
franchised in England. He expeced
yet to see every man twenty-One years
of age In England receive the fran
chise; then he expected to see some
other changes there. The world has
been moving and he, as one of Gods
passengers, could not be left behind.
The steps of progress made are the
footsteps of God. Looking down at
the future he was hopeful, because
God lives. Whatever faults have
marred the symmetry of his life were
his alone; whatever of service he has
rendered is Gods. He accepted the
love which prompted the exaggerated
praise given to HIM, because he loves
men; but he could do without their
love. He owed more to his father
and mother than to any other human
being. Concluding, he said it is easy
to stand if you know you are rlghi.
After returning thanks for the hon
ors paid him, the audience were re-
quested to rise, and Beecher pro-
nOunced a benedictiOn.