Morning journal and courier., 1885-05-28

1AOAO OAOSoOo anu prosperous bk4dA OuT OWu.
 I have served under seven Presidents and fourteen Postmaster Generals; and great changes have taken place in postal matters, among which I may mention: The railway mail service, cheap ocean postage, postal union treaties, free delivery by carriers, g system of money orders by which money csn be sent in the mail without danger of loss improved registration by which letter can be traced from one part of the country to another, and letters and news paper postage has been reduced. There are many things would like to speak of, but my emotions are too great and I forbear Before closing wish to thank all those witt whom have been connected officially dur ing my term of ofice-from the highest off cial of the Postofice department at Washing ton to the youngest clerk in the office of thif city-for all kindness and consideration And I want to assure my friends who have labored to make this evening so pleasant and memorable to me thaI shall remember their kindness as long al life remains. I am deeply impressed to night, and this scene will long live in my memory. And now, my friends, let mt commend to you my successor in office, Ben jamin R. English, who has entered upon his official duties with the good will and respect of this community, and who will, I am sure of the people of our city, Again thank you, fellow citizens, for the distinguished consideration shown me tonight.
 When Mir. Sperry concluded he was given three rousing cheers.
 THE POSTMASTER,
 MT. Lewis, then rose and announced that the ice cream and coffee would now be served after which the gentleman who was MT. Sperry's right bower in the postofhce (F. E. Harrison) for eleven years would act as master of ceremonies for the remainder of the even- ing's festivities.
 MT. Harrison's address was exceedingly happy and well beftting the occasion, and was enthusiastically received. On conclu- ding MT. Harrison read a brief letter from General U. s. Grant, which was received with immense applause. He then read a letter of eongratulation from ex-President Arthur, which was warmly applauded.
 THE GOVERNOR SPEAKS.
 Mr. Harrison then introduced His Excel lency Henry B. Harrison, Governor of Con necticut The Governor responded in sub stance as follows: This is most extraordi- nary gathering. We have had large gather ings in New Haven before, but none more re- markable than this. Here are assembled men of all political opinions to do honor to one man. To be sure he has filled an office with skill, but that is not the cause of this gathering He is n politician and has given many political blow to the men who are here to honor him tonight. He is an offensive partisan, and by that mean one who has his opinions and tries to make others think as he does He has been decapitated, and as his head fell into the basket his face was wresthed with the pleasantest of smiles. Let us hope that his successor will do as well as he did; and we have reason to believe he will as he comes Burning to ex-Governor English) from good stock. MT. Sperry has ever been ready to help friend in trouble or an enemy in trouble, and that is one secret of his great popularity. His many friends will look back to this occasion as one of the bright spots in their memory.
 AN EIGHTY-PoUND SALMON.
 The master of ceremonies then said that it was proper that the Mayor of the city should next speak, but he excuses himself and lets the eighty pound salmon from Ore gon, which was his donation to the banquet, speak for him.
 Mir. Harrison next read 8 friendly note from Postmaster General Villas.
 AN Ex-PosTMAsTER GENERAL.
 Hon. Thomas L. James, late Postmaster General, was next introduced He said: I was not aware that I was to speak until I arrived in New Haven this evening. It was fortunate, he said, that they met tonight not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Amer ican citizens, to do honor to one of the best postmasters that the country has ever seen. to the civil service laws, he said they were fought through Congress by Con necticut's great Senator, who is fit to be President of the Unit ed States. Great applause.) He then referred to ex-Governor English, who in Congress dared to vote for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and for the other acts that wiped out the blot of slavery from the land. Loud applause.) The speaker then paid glowing tribute to President Garfield and the scenes that fol lowed his assassination, and said that when he died, although he had been belied in life, a nation wept for him, and well they might, for purer patriot than he never lived.
 Ex-Mayor John B. Robertson was next in troduced as representative of the old post al system. He referred to the friendship that had always existed between himself and MT. Sperry, and then proceeded to give a sketch of the postal service as it was thirty or forty years ago, and concluded by wish ng life of happiness to the retiring post master.
 POSTMASTER ENGLISH.
 Postmaster English was next introduced, and after a few pleasant words excused him self and called upon Judge York to speak for him. Judge York responded in a handsome speech of a complimentary nature.
 The toastmaster then read letters from Congressmen Mitchell, Seymour and Wait.
 SENATOR PLATT.
 The E'senior Senator'' from Connecticut, Hon. O. H. Platt, was next introduced He said he hated to acknowledge that he was growing old, but such was the fact. Ordin- arily demonstrations of this kind are tender sd to men coming into office; but heret we zee the entire community rising up to honor one who is going ont of office. He came years ago from neighboring country town and joined his fortunes with the modest la- oorers, learned the trade of bricklayer. rose step by step and tonight is honored by an entire city. I trust the time will never come when the humble aboring man shall be deprived from aspiring to the highest office in the gift of his nation. Again, it is not inconsistent for a man to have positive political opinions md still hold office While I believe in ,ivil service reform, do not believe3in that kind of reform that puts paddock on mans lips. And I say to thek thew postmas- CT, hope if you have political opinions you will not be afraid to express them. I wish o have it put on record tonight and it is 10 prophecy when say that this is not the ast that will be seen of N. D. Sperry The ime will come when the people will say, Well done, good and faithful servant, thou last been faithful over few things, we will make thee ruler over many things"
 SENATOR HAwLEY.
 Senator Hawley was next introduced The Senator opened in 8 humorous way, and re- erring to partisans, said there had always ,een earnest and perhaps offensive partisans rom the days of Moses to the present time Proceeding, the Senator referred to .he re- firing postmaster in complimentary way IS faithful public servant, and said he loped the new postmaster would express his opinions at any and all times.
 CONGRESSMAN BUCK.
 Hon John R. Buck, member of Congress rom the First district, was introduced. MI. Suck made happy speech. His reference o the ovation by men of all parties was specially pleasing. He thought after per on had held office for twenty years and 'een retired he should after receiving such an 'vation as this from men of III shades of politics feel that his ambition vas fully satisfied. This is world of ambi- ion, of clashing, of unpleasant memories 3nt at the last we know that the friendship nd love of one true friend is worth all else beside. James P. Pigott was called out by Mayor lewis and made one of his humorous peaches.
 PROFESSOR DWIGHT. Professor Timothy Dwight was called out md responded for Yale college. After re- erring to the university in 8 pleasant way le paid his respects to MT. Sperry. In con luding he said that Mir. Sperry once told Jim that if he Dwight) could be his suc- essor he (Sperry) could die happy. The professor said he told him he should not die lOppy, so he passed the office to q rnembar