Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-04-16
HE RECEPTION.
An Original Poem Read by Rev. DR.. Sun
derIaud


derIhnd.
Washington, April 1i.--Our respected
senator, Hon. Justin Smith Morrill,. cele-
bratcd his S6tI birthday to-day on the floor
of the Senate, where he has long and faith
fully worked for the interest OF Vermont,
and he received the congratulations ami
well wishes of every member from both
sides of tho chamber. His committee room
was sought b. many from both Houses,
who recognize him as dean of the capitol.
He celebrated the event by giving notice
that on Thursday he would make remarks
on additional accommodations for new
national museum.
This evening he held his customary
birthday reception at his residence on
Thomas Circle from o'clock till near mid
night. the house being thronged with visit
ors prominent in official society who came
to congratulate and extend the hope that
he woul live to celebrate many more such
anniversaries.
The house was beautifully decked with
choice flowers, choice bunch of roses
from Senator Proctor and a rare bunch of
orchids from Massachusetts being the
most noticed. The scene as the senator for
upwards Of two hours stood by the side
of his wife and chatted first with one and
then another of his guests was one long
to be remembered by those fortunate
enough to be present.
feature of the evening was the read
Ing by that eminent divine, Dr. Sunder-
land, of an original poem:
Most Honored Frlend:-
IT'S marvellous done.
To-day the chariot OF the circling sun,
With FURNISHED wheel and grandly waving
plume,
with garlands fresh OF friendships sweet
perfume,
Hath passed at eighty-six.
The natal day, how far away 1t seems!
Yet the long vista of mans brightest
dreams
So we'll fulfilled, so truly, bravely fought,
So we'll fulfilled, so truly, bravely fraught
With patriotic deeds and lofty purpose
wrought,
We to thy name affix
Greeting and JOY, this favored hour be
thine,
Vermont and all America combine
To hail thee Nestor of the Senate bar
And proudly gaze on thine unclouded star
Which even yet doth wax.
Oh, rare the fate which comes to mortal
man,
Such fate as thee dost show to us again.
To be so full OF life and aptitude,
AS 'twere some fair elixir hath renewed
The strength our burdens tax
Well may thy friends assemble here to
Both thee and thine in this great happi-
ness
For what Is past OF life for thee hath
sped
With golden feet and sure and dauntless
tread,
With cons gone to blend
And what's to come for thee and thine we
leave
To him who beareth all that joy or grief.
May all the guerdon that hath filled thy
years
BE doubled now as in our smiles and tears
We all salute thee. friend
Another poem was written by an old
friend of the senator, Hon. Horatio King.
Both were received with great favor by the
friends present.
Among those who called and paid their
respects were Secretary Olney and wife,
Secretary and Mrs. Wilson. Secretary La
mont. Speaker Reed, Senator Proctor and
wife, Senators Brce. Cullom Teller, VOL
colt, Senator Pritchard and wife. Sena-
tors Cockerill, Sherman, Davis, Bate,
and German. Gen. Grout. Judge Pow
ers and wife. General Wheeler librarian,
Spofford. Gen. Greeley, Justice Gray and
Senators Burrows and wife,
After being received by the senator and
his wife the friends were invited to the
dining room where an elegant collation.
was served and at midnight the happy
throng dispersed with tho hope that all
might meet again under tho same condi-
tons ono year hence
either house to-day. having served con-
tinuously since 1856. the date of his first
election to tho House. During that tern
he was placed OH the committee on ways
and means, and over since has been In the
foremost rank OF fnaneiers of our coun.
try. His first work was to help draft q
tariff measure he being associated in thai
work with Hon. Henry w. Davis of Mary
land and Hon. William C. Howard Of
Michigan. His experience In mercantile
life enabled him TO take n foremost par
in preparation OF the new protective meas
ure which, sitter its passage. became
known as tho Morrill, bill and In latei
years .he war tariff. lie has always since
that dhy taken an active part In all mat
tiers pertaining 10 his party. and to-day
his interest In proposed tsrir changes
which have bosn blocked By the silver
men remains undated.
Only one senator has served longer
continuous term IN the Senate and tina,
was Senator Benton OF Missouri. who
served fram October, 1920, TO March, 1851
II Senator Morrill, lives to complete his
term I've will have served exactly 30 years
His present term expires next March ant
II the wishes OF his friends expressed this
evening arc fulfilled he will live 10 ts enc
and begin another. He Is remark bl,
strong and active for man Sc years ole
and does not easily succumb to fatigue