Montgomery County sentinel., 1888-04-06
A NOVEL AND GRACEFUL SCENE.

A NOHEL AMI GhACbFOL oCEH1'
Near the closing hours of the State Senate
on Monday night last was the presentation
of handsome gold watch and chain from the
Senators through the hands Of Hon. Edw.
Stake, of Washington county, to President
Peter as testimonial of the personal and
official relations existing between that gen.
tleman and the body over whom he had
presided throughout its session. 1t was
novel because we do not remember to have
ever before been cognizant of any such ac-
tiOn-it was graceful as 1t came with tho una
nimity of the Senate as recognition of the
impartial and eminent services of the pre-
siding officer during the whole of his Off
cial relation.
The presentation was couched in the most
chaste and expressive language, and evi-
IDENTIFY bore the heartfelt wishes of those
who were parties TO the presentation. Pres
ident Peters reply was full Of pathos and
fully manifested that he warmly appre-
ciated the very generous and handsome COM
pliment that had been paid him at the con-
clusion of the session by body OF such
marked ability.
In making the presentation, Mr.. Stake
said: at has been said that peace hath her
victories no less renowned than war, after the
smoke of the legislative contests has cleared
away and we stand tonight with our files
empty and our work done, we have 10 in
dulge In the pleasant contemplation which
should always follow the personal associa-
ton of members of assemblages like ours.
In the few moments which remain before
our parting, we have ceased to be Demo-
Gratis or Republicans, or Reformers. We are
only friends and fellow Senators Know
ing nothing Of the artifce or distinction of
party, or powers, or positions. Among the
most pleasant of the social amenities to me
is the compliment which my fellow-mem
bers have paid me In making me their rep
resentative to present in their name to you
Mr.. President, this testimonial as some Sigh
token of their esteem and personal regard
May it keep fresh and warm in your, as wei
as our, recollection the pleasant memories
of the session that just vanished into the 'on
l
OF this life, it is more than probable-nay
possible--that we will never all meet to
gether again, and the lines of our lives will
lead us in different paths and to diferen
destinations and will not again cross th
same point; yet, wherever we may be, ma
we always, as we recall the scenes of thi
night, feel in our hearts the sentiments c
that beautiful old Latin quotation, which
being freely translated, says: In after time
may it delight US TO remember these" UI
on the conclusion of his remarks he Wake
forward to the Presidents desk and pre-
sented him with magnificent gold watcf
the gift of the Senators.
President Peter, with much feeling, re
sponded He said: Senators, let me as
sure you that this token comes unexpected
ly. Only in the last hour or 80 did kno'
that such thing was contemplated. l ar
!. preciate 1t with q full heart Iappreciate i
because it will teach me the value of th
precious moments of life. It will even IT
mind me Of the time spent here with yol
No time will / look upon its face, bu
that it will recall TO me some pleasar
!, hours spent here with you. 1t will ais
teach me lesson not to waste valuab
time. 1t will always be to me as an oasis
+. bright spot in my life. 1t shall ever be keI
by my side while living, and trust tn,
!. after my death it will remain in my famil
as an heirloom, as reminder of the homo
:, able place to which you exalted me-"