The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-17
EX-pRESIDENT CLEVELAND.
He Responds to the Toast. 1.-The United States"
Before the Friendly Sons Of st. Patrick.

NEW YORK, March 16.-Ex-President
Grover Cleveland made his first public ap-
pearance as private citizen in New York,
and his initial speech since leaving the
White House, at the 105th anniversary DIM
ner of the Friendly Sons of st. Patrick at
Delmonico's, tonight. He appeared to be
in excellent health and spirits, and received
an ovation. which could not be excelled
in point of warmth and sociability. He
was attired ia a dress suit, and entered the
banquet hall on the arm of Joseph j.
O'D0nahue. He took the seat on the right
of the presiding officer. while Mayor Grant
was given the corresponding seat on the
other side. A life-size picture of st. Patrick
hung on the wall, thanked on either side by
an American and an Irish flag. The dining
room was appropriately draped with the
international osfors. At the speakers table,
besides Observation-Disclosures of the
United States and Mayor Grant,
were Hon. Everett P. Wheeler
Hon. John S. Wise, of Virginia; ex-Judge
Charles p. DAILY, Elbridge Gerry, Delancey
Nicoll, Hon. Roswell p. Flower, District
Attorney Fellows, Col. w. l.. Brown and
Nicholas, Holland, st. David's, st. An
drew's and st. Georges societies. Joseph
O'Dononue, as president of the organization,
presided at the central table. and, when the
banquet had ended: first introduced ex-
the toast The Day we Celebrate" after
which murmur of anticipation filled the
hall, for each of the several hundreds at the
tables knew ex-President Cleveland was
next on the list and that to him had been
sentiment "The United States" and when
ton was concluded with Mt.
Clevelands name, the diners
leaped from their chairs and cheered lus-
tlly: and while the din was at its height,
Mr.. Cleveland, his face trihe pale with
interest in the scene. slowly arose and stood
mOtiOnless. save for bows of acknowledge
ment at the earnestness of the reception
given him; The cheering having finally
chair. and, speaking clearly and easily,
said:
The words to which respond give rise to such
various and impressive refiec tons that find 1t
difficult to determine the line of thought which
should be followed. What is naturally and Obvi-
ously suggested by the sentiment proposed is a
country marvellous in its growth and develop
ment, great in its power and wealth, and free in
the character of its institutions and in the spirit
of it's people. There is also suggested broad
and hOsptable country, which opens its gates to
the people of all nations who willing to
sumo the duties OF American citizenship in ex
change for share In the blessings which God
it be said that in national sefishness and sordid
cOmplacency our country IL blind TO the welfare
OF Others. Wherever there exists a struggle for
freer government, and for mans eLfranchse-
ment there will be found the aid and sympathy
OF the people of the United states. In this we
but follow the promptingss which our
the combination we have received
from the sturdy men of other lands to our popu-
latlon, and to every element of our greatness. In
nc innf hTran pf.l,l 10.
ciety reminding us of such contributions, and
where the value of American citizenship is fully
acknowledged. it is in every way fitting and
proper that We should mention with love and
with loyalty ''rhe United States.' L have
ferred TO the obvious significance of these words
as they are related to a great, prosperous and
free nation. But other nations. too, are great;
they are prosperous and rich; and, in a measure.
they are free states, and may mean any organ
lied ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, monarchcal, or
free. It is therefore neutrality-suspicious. we donot
miss the reflection that THE United States alone
stand for one government always free, and
founded upon human rights and equality before
the law. Thus is presented the unity of our
States and the fundamental importance of that
unity TO all we are. and all we hope to he. Our
national life Is lnseparable from this Union or
the states. Thus II was launched upon its career
among the nations of the earth. Its machinery
Is suited to no other condition, and its success
depends upon Ii. Whatey might be the achieve
1nents OF separate and diSj0intcd States, nothing
but the triumph of 1.-THE United states" can fully
demonstrate, in the eyes OF the world, the sue
called the United statss'th fit2ers who formed
so well the bonds of our Union. yielded
to each other their opinions and discarded their
prejudices. In later years, in order that "the
United States" might be saved as precious her
itage, lives Were sacrificed and blood was shed
on many a hard-fought battlefield. We should
not be content with veneration for those who
made us Nation, nor with the sacred and CRATE
full remembrance OF those who shed their blood
and gave their lives for its perpetuation. We,
too, owe duty TO 1.-The United states" We can,
at least teach fraternity and federation, the
foundation OF our unity, and of our country's
life. If these lessons are firmly established in
the hearts of our c0untrymen, we shall, to the
extent that we aid in this cOnsummation, per-
form the duty required of us in our day
and generation. Let us, then, cultivate real and
genuine generosity and fraternal kindness
partisan exigency shall excuse the creation or
Keeping alive OF irritation and jealousy among
people charged with the safety, the develop
ment and the triumph OF American Institutions.
Our destiny is before us. 1t can only be reached
by union and harmony. We are not called upon
to surrender or jeopardize the many results in
favor of our Union we may have gained i'm its
armed defense, but rather to foster and secure
those results through the patriotism of magma
nim1ty. In the presence OF the duty God has laid
upon us as a nation it should never be forgotten
that failure waits on dissension and division, and
that grudging acknowledgment OF common
brotherhood or hating cooperation In a COM
mon patriotic purpose will surely check ma
uOnal progress. In this assemblage, where SO
large representation is found of the race which,
much 10 make our country great,
and whose hearts at this time turn
lovingly low ing to their brethren who struggle
that reference to any element of our freedom and
happiness will meet with a heartfelt response.
Here, regardless of place of birth of former
allegiance, we meet as American citizens, proud
of our country, devoted to her interests and
prosperity, and wishing with enthusiasm for
those less favored, the happiness, the freedom,
the strength and the peace which are found In
1.-THE United States"
Following Mr.. Cleveland's speech. which
was cheered literally during its utterance
toasts named: ireland" John s. Wise. of
Virginia: THE State of New York; Ever
EFT p. Wheeler; THE City of New York y
Mayor Grant; The Bench and the Bar
Eldridge I. Gerry; THE Army and Navy
John K. Fellows; Women" Delaney
Nicoll, and Our Sister Societies." by pres
idents of some of the societies who were
among the invited guests.