Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-03-17
CLEVELAND'S GRAFTON.
After-Dinner Speech from
the Ex-President
WITHA JULY FLAVOR.
A Pman of Praise of the United
States and a Compliment to
the Sons of Erin.
Associated ress Dispatches to the HERALD

this evening, at the one hundred anC
fifth anniversary dinner Of the Friendly
Sons of st. Patrick, at Delmonico's. He
received an ovation which could not be
excelled in point of warmth and socia
bility. He was attired in g dress suit
and entered the banquet hall on the arm
of Joseph j. O'Donoghue. He took the
Sc vt on the right of the presiding officer
while Mayor Grant was given the CORE
spending seat on the other side. The
dining room was appropriately draped
with the American and Irish col
ors. Joseph ]. O'Donoghue, as Presi.
dent of the organization, presided
at the central table, and when the ban
quet had ended, the first introduced was
Elk. Chief Justice DAILY of this city,
who spoke to the toast: "The
Day We Celebrate" after which
murmur of anticipation filed the hall
for all knew that the Ex-President was
the next on the list, and to him had been
assigned the duty of responding to the
sentiment to "The United States"
When the Presidents brief introduction
was concluded with Cleveland's name,
the diners cheered Justify. While the
dine was at its height, Cleveland, his
face trifc pale, slowly rose and
acknowledged the reception given him.
The cheering having finally subsided,
Cleveland, speaking clearly and easily,
said:
''The words to which I respond give
rise to such various and impressive re-
Elections that find it difficult to deter
mine the line of thought which should be
followed. What is naturally and obvi-
ously suggested by the sentiment pro-
posed, is a country marvellous in ite
growth and developments, great in its
power and wealth, and free in the char
acter of its institutions and the spirit Of
its people. There is also suggested a
broad and hospitable country, which
opens its gates to the people Of all ma
tions who are willing to assume the du-
ties of American citizenship in exchange
for share in the blessings which God
has in store for the American people.
Nor can it be said that, in national self
ishness and sordid complacency, our
country is blind to the welfare of others.
Wherever there exists a struggle
for freer government and for nan's en-
franchisement, there will be found the
aid and sympathy # the United States.
In this we but follow the promptings
which our free condition inspires and
acknowledge the contribution we have
received from the sturdy men of other
lands to our population and to every ele.
ment of our greatness. But other ma
tions, too, are great. They are prosper
GUS and rich, and in measure they are
free. States may mean any organized
overnment-tyrannical, monarchical or
free. 1t is, therefore, most important
that we do not miss the reflection that
the United States alone stand for
one Government, always free and
founded upon human rights and
equality before the law. Our national
life is inseparable from this Union Of
States. Thus it was launched upon its
career among the nations Of the earth.
Its machinery is suited to no other con-
diticn, and its success depends upon it.
Whatever might be the achievements of
separate and disjointed States, nothing
but the triumph of the United States can
fully demonstrate in the eyes of the
world the success of the American expert
ment of self-government.
"We should not be content with VEN
Grafton for those who have made us
nation, nor with the sacred and grateful
remembrance of those who shed their
blood and gave their lives for its per-
petuation. We, too, owe duty to the
United States We can at least teach
fraternity and liberation, the sure foun-
dations of our unity and of our country.
Ii these reasons are firmly estab-
lished in the hearts of our coun-
trymen, we shall, to the extent
that we aid in this consumn alton,
perform the duty required of us in our
day and generation. Let us, then. culti-
vate real and manly generosity and fra
ternal kindness among all our people.
Let US resolve that no partisan exigency
shall excuse the creation or keeping alive
of irritation and jealousy among people
all charged with the safety, the develop
ment and the triumph of American in
stitutions.
"Our destiny is before US. It can only
be reached by union and harmony. We
are not called upon to surrender or
jeopardize any results, in favor of our
Union, which we may have gained in its
armed defence, but rather to foster and
secure those results through patriotism
and magnanimity. 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 oi
our common brotherhood or healthy CO.
operation in a common patriotic pur.
pose, will surely check our national pro
gress.
In this assemblage where 80 large
a representation is found of the race
which, in all stages of our national life
has done so much to make our country
great, and whose hearts at this time turn
lovingly to their brethren VINO struggle
for the blessings which are here enjoyed
/ know that a reference to any element
of our freedom and happiness will NEE
with a heartfelt response. Here, re
gardless of place of birth or of former
allegiance, we meet as American citizens
proud of our country, devoted to he
interests and prosperity, and wishing
with enthusiasm for those lesg favored
the happiness, freedom, strength anC
peace which are found in The United
States"
Following Cleveland's speech, which
was cheered liberallv during its utter
ance and at it's close, came these speaker
to the toasts named: Ireland" John S
Wise, of Virginia; estate of New York,
Everett P. Wheeler; "City of Ney
York." Mayor Grant; "Bench and Bar,
Eldridge T. Gerry; "Army and Navy,
District Attorney Fellows; "Women,
Delancey Nicoll and "Our Sister Sc
o;a,;as - bv tho nraaidanta of aonoa Of ~,