Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-23

lcoNrrNuEp FROM vrRsr rA0E.I
honorcd townsman as brave soldier.
We might toast him as en- able editor.
We might toast him as an accomplish
ed lawyer. We might toast him a. =
splendid mayor. We might toast him
~ a Minister plcnipotcntiary. But We
turn all these cold terms over to the
world at large. We have this evening
q dearer word TO speak, apd so, gentle
men, give you
"our Friend, Anthony NJ. Kelley"
At the conclusion Of Captain Drink
ards remarks the house rang with
cheers, and when Mr.. Kelley stood up
there was q moments silence, broken
by tho voice Of some one saying, "Three
cheers for Kelley" and they were given
with vim. Mr.. Kelley said:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen To
have been chosen TO represent the most
powerful republic on earth at the court
of a friendly nation would itself be an
honor filling to level falness an ambi-
ton far more exacting than my own.
This honor is largely increased, coming
at period when, | hope ] may say
without offending any sensibilities, the
hearts of the American people are throb-
hing with the pulse Of a deeper patriot
ism and wider fraternity than have in
n quarter Of century blessed and
frightened our beloved country, and
when public place derives new lustre
from the general rejoicing. The compli-
mcnt is further enhanced by the fact that
i have been accredited TO the mightiest
OF the young monarchies Of Christen-
dom--to a people thrilling with the
marvellous sap OF a new national life,
which bids fair to restore the golden
DAYS when the sons of Italy lowered
the portionless earth with the sublimest
manifestations Of human genius TO a
sovereign whose wisdom and skill are
rapidly urging his young kingdom TO
foremost place at the council chamber
Of the nations, and who, as We have
well been reminded tonight, earned the
homage Of all men who honor true
kingiiness by facing, in the interest OF
the humblest Of his subjects, the dread
spectre of pestilence with calm forti-
tude and a contagious courage more
chivalrous than that which illumines
bSttle and makes up the splendors of
history.
And here | shall be pardoned If |
spend single moment, since allusion
has been made TO it, in reference to
matter which otherwise | should deem
il due to the proprieties of my position
10 pass by here, as l have done else
where and everywhere, totally un-
noticed. | refer, of course, to the
clamor which the champions Of free
speech and free press forsoOth have
raised over the position | assumed and
avowed some fourteen or fifteen years
ago on the public question Of the ex-
trusion Of the Pope from the civil gov
eminent Of Rome, Of which he was
sovereign. That position was simply
the fundamental axiom Of public law,
that the invasion of the territory Of
peaceful neighbor and the subversion Of
his authority constitute violation Of
the rights of that sovereign, and blow
at the freedom and equality Of States,
which by the common law of ma
tons are the essential, fundamental, and
universal attributes Of all govern
ment, irrespective Of age, or size, or
power. OF that position | have no quail
fication TO make. No honor could COM
pensate me for its abandonment. 1t is
true and right now and always. But
another proposition Of public law is
equally fundamental--that the acquies-
ccnce of the people Of the invaded State
in the change of sovereigns is, so far as
the world is concerned, conclusive Of
the public question, and must deter
mine thereupon the judgment of all
people. lam to-day, as are millions Of
my countrymen, recognizing with the
fullest loyalty the authority of Gov
eminent over my own State founded on
what | considered gross and bloody
violation Of public rights, committed
against myself and them-but an au-
thority fixed and made unalterably Sc
cure in the acquiescence Of the people
an acquiescence which concludes the
public judgment Of the whole world.
But pass from these public and Of
ficial matters to respond, as ] do with
a full heart, TO that far more alluring
aspect of this compliment which finds
expression in that phrase Of your toast
which addresses me as friend. In
the satisfaction Of my friends my own
is multiplied, and | turn tonight, not
ungratefully, yet not regretfully, from
all contemplation of the public view Of
the event which occasions this gather
ing to thank you-as fellow-citizen, as
neighbor, and as friend.
had right to suppose, and did sup
pose, that a party appointment would
elicit even in my own State adverse
party criticism, and that at least d" the
half dispraise Of silence" would meet
me at the hands Of many with whom
since 1860 have waged party contests
with tongue and pen. But my most
strenuous political adversaries--l can
not tonight say enemies--have We'd
with my most partial friends in every
quarter of the Commonwealth in bid
ding me God-speed."
say it, sir, with pride which no
earthly advancement could elicit that
l shall pass from Virginia with the
kindly wishes and the indulgent, | may
almost claim, affectionate regard of
every man and woman whose favoring
adieux / would turn on my heel to Sc
cure.
Most OF all, am | proud to say
this Of the beautiful city Of my choice.
TO her am bound indeed by hooks of
steel.
In her defence long since | did
soldiers duty and shed soldiers
blood. stood in her streets in that
awful cataclysm of twenty years ago,
when fires internal tongue Tapped up
the red tide of her wealth and strength.
/ sat down with her in the ashes of her
desolation, casting my lot with her
when all her beautiful life was one
great sob and wall Of grief defying
comfort. have walked and worked
with her indomitabie peopIe. while