Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-02-28
The Senate Gave Morton a Banquet
Last Evening.
FAMOUS MEN WERE PRESENT
The Gaess or the Occasion Made =
Graceful specch. Compiincnsing
she senate and Mr.. Harrison

"%"'~f"
entire senate. without distinction II
party, united in rendering compli-
mentary dinner and in hearing testi-
mony to the sssnirable manner in which
he has presided over the deliberations
~ the upper chamber of congress for
the past four years, The banquet.which
was held in the beautiful dining hall of
the Wellington. was the best that skill
could supply. the decorations most ef-
fectlve and the company AS distinguished
a. could well be. inasmuch as scarcely
one senator - prominence was ahrrnt.
Among the other guests who partici-
pated in the proeeedings were ex Scna-
tors William NJ Evarts and T. w.
Palmer. General Alger. Frank Hatton.
r. V. DeGraw. II. l.. West and III. &.
Clarke.
senator Manderson. president pro
tenn II the senate. was chairman and
toastmasfsr. and his ready wit and
graceful rhetoric never once permitted
the proceedings 10 flag. Messrs- Hale.
Cockrell. Evarts. Villas and other orators
were fully equal 20 the occasion.
MIR. Morson's speech.
The guest OF the evening. the vice
president. responded as follows: There
are events in the life ~ every man that
stands out with som. prominence. and
make some imprint upon him. that an
indelible impression remains while mem
ory holds its seat This occasion. 50
ilattering 10 me. the speeches so com
plImcntary. your cordial greeting and
hearty good will expressed in such pleas
ing form shall ever live within the book
and volume IL my brain. unmixed with
baser matter.
-Four years ago | came. through the
suffrsges of the citizens ~ this great re-
publ, TO the high place. the body recog
nixed as the highest in the world. of
which YOU. the representatives of forty
four states forming one powerful nation.
are members. | brought To the position
very limited experience and but little
knowledge of parliamentary law; my
lines 81 life had been east where such
knowledge is not to be acquired. felt
the full force Of my shortcomings. but
relied with trusting confidence upon
that gentle forbearance that has ever
characterized the senate OF the United
States.
Compliments the Senate.
Experience has shown that my trust
had abundant foundation. That ! have
served the senate acceptably. and | am
willing To believe 50 from the earnest
recognition you have given me here and
elsewhere. has been because of the gen
erous and unseliish support received by
me from all members of this body with
ouf distinction 81 parties.
Il would be lacking in the common
sensibilities did not feel overwhelmed
with gratitude and express in the
strongest words that my tongue ttoo
feeble 10 cxprass the full emotions ~
my heart is capable IL forming the
thanks. the sincere and hearty thanks.
with which ! acknowledge the compli-
ments ~ generously paid me. am
greatly heholden also 10 the efficient
officers and employees 81 the senate. who
smoothing my way. have been the
guides along parliamentary path by
me unexplored. and over many a ruggsd
r,ad 20 Tue unknown.
The distinguished gentleman who
will in few DAYS succeed me. has cause
Tor congratulation. and al the end of his
sesvice will have like occasion for salts
faction that the support and counten-
ance ever accorded 20 its presiding off
csr by the senate will he his. rendering
the performance of grave and impor
tant duty pleasant and attractive
function
His Tribute to Mr.. Harrison.
Mr. Morton closed by graceful allu.
sion Ia the retiring president, of whom he
said: In a fea days there will pass u
private life the man who won dlstinc
tion a. a soldier in the period ~ war.
and lasting renown as civilian in time
of peace A patriotic citizen. safe
counsellor. thorough statesman. wise
ruler. the name II Benjamin Harrison
viii shine brighter with the light that
comes with every passing year.
Ills remarks were received with every
4 ,nonstration ~ cordial approval
tx Senator Evarts touchingiy re
fetred 10 President Harrison's domestic
afllictIons and then proposed his health
tie followed the toast with a speech.
which was we'll received. Senator Hale
II the evening. and Mr. Cockrell of
Missouri made historical reference 10 the
twenty two vice presidents who have
hitherto flied the chair. ~ whom Mr.
Morton u thr sole survivor.
Mr. Villas spoke for The NORTH Mr..
Butler Tor The Sot,h.~ Mr. Hosr for
The East and Mr.. Cullom Tor The
West and business men in Politics
The proceedings we're rrotraefcsl 10 a
very iate hour ami were marked hy bar
Insny and good feei.ng.