Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1893-02-28
HONORED WITH A DINNER.

Senators without Respect to Party
Affiliations show Their High Es'
TEEN of Vice President Morton.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.-Vics-Presiden,
Levi P. Morton WAS honored to night az
none of his predecessors have been. The
entire senate without distinction of party,
united in rendering him complimentary
dinner snd In bearing testimony to the
admirable manner in which he has pre-
sided owe, the deliberations of the upper
house of congress for the past four years.
The banquet, which was held in the dining
hall of the Arlington, was the best that
skill and taste could supply. The decora-
tons were effective and the company dis
tinguished. Scar csly one senator of
prominence was absercs. Among the
other guests present were ex-Senstors
Evarts and T. W. Palmer, General Alger,
Frank Hatton, P. v. DsGrsw, e. L. West
and g. G. Clarke.
Senator Manderaon, president pro tenn,
was chairman and POSTMASTER and his
ready wit and graceful rhetoric never once
permitted the pre- ceedings to flag. Messrs.
hdl6, SOCkE0ll3 1HNnktp, lAob hAo otA0I
orators were fully equal to the occasion.
The guest of the evening, Vice President
Morton, responded as follows:
"There are events In the life of every
man that stands out with such promi-
nence, and make such imprints upon him
that an indelible impression remains while
memory holds its seat. This occasion, 30
Hattering to me, the spec ches 30 compli-
mentary. your cordial greeting and the
hearty good will expressed in such pleas
ing form, shsll ever live within the volume
of my brain, unmixed with baser matter.
Four years ago I came. through the suff-
RACES of the citizens of this great republic,
to the high place, the main duty of which
is to preside over the deliberative body.
re cognized as the highest in the world, of
which you, the representatives of forty
four sovereign states. forming one power
full nation, are members.
81 brought to the position limited ex-
perience and but little knowledge of psrlia-
mentary law, for the line of my life had
been cast In places whore such knowledge
is not acquired I felt the full force of
my short comings, but relied with trust
ing confidence upon the gentle forbearance
that has ever characterized the senate of
the United States. Experience has shown
that my trust had abundant foundation.
That have served the senate acceptably
land am fain to believe 80 from the
earnest recognition you have given me
here and elsewhere) has been because of
the generous aid and unselfsh support rs
csived by ma from all members of the
body without distinction of party and
without bias from political sfiliations
would be lacking in the common senei-
bilities did I not feel verwhelmed with
gratitude, and express the strong
est words that my tongue (too
feeble to express the full emotions of my
hearty is capable of forming the thanks,
the sincere and hearty thanks with which
to acknowledge the compliment 60 gen.
erously paid me. 1 am greatly beholden
also to the efficient officers and employees
of the senate who, smoothing my way,
have bean the guides along many psrlia-
mentary path by me unexplored and over
many q rugged road to me unknown.
''Ths distinguished gentleman who will
for congrstulation, aud at the end of his
ton that the support and countenance
ever accorded to It's presiding cfic-r by
the senate will be his, rendering the per
| formanca of grave and important duty 6
pleasant and attractive function"
Mr.. Morton closed with a graceful ellu
sion to the retiring president, of whom hi
said:
| Gin few days there will pass to privat,
life the man who won distinction as
soldier in the period of war, and laatini
renown as civilian in time of peace.
patriotic citizen, safe counsellor,
thorough statesman. wise ruler, tn
name of Benjamin Harrison will shin
brighter with the light that comes will
every passing year."
Mr.. Morton's remarks were re ceived witt
every demonstration of cordial approval.
The presidents health was drunk in 81
lence and was a touching allusion to hi
domestic aft ctions Mr.. Evarts, VIII
proposed it, was received with muc
warmth by his old 1850 ciates.
Mr.. Halls followed this up by one of til
most humorous spec ohss of the evening
He referred to the numb.r of speeches
morning prayers and funeral eulogies tn
vice president had bsen obliged to liste
to, and remarked that the vice presider
was the worst practiced-upon man in tn
United States. Laughter.
Mr.. Villas spoke for "The North" MI
Butler for 'The South" Mr.. Hoar for eth
East and Mr.. Cullam for "The West.
Mr. Hisccck also spoke.