Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-01-19

tributes to his worth, but also for his
record in the Senate of the United
7tates. That Senator Gray was
.ouched by the cordiality Of his recep-
ion was apparent in the heartfelt
words with which he acknowledged it.
But If it was pleasure for him to re-
celye the kindly expression of appre-
citation OF his services, it was none the
less a pleasure to the ITO men present
/ to be the listeners to his able and
statesmanlike address, in which he set
forth with great clearness his belief
that the Constitution CT the United
States allows the acquisition Of terri
tory by conquest or treaty, although he
held at the same time, that the govern
inent is committed to no scheme of CON
tinued possession of the Philippines.
BY that speech it would have been
clear, were other evidences lacking,
with what rare Judgment President
MCKINLEY had acted in selecting Sena-
tor Gray rs a member of the Peace
Commission. In it, he set before his
hearers the distinction between expan-
sion and a desire to extend to other
peoples the blessings of liberty and
self-government.
The speech was noteworthy also in
its tribute to President Mckinley.
The President sent his tribute to
Senator Gray in the following letter,
which was received with much ap-
plause:
PRESIDENT M'KINLEY TRIBUTE.
Executive Mansion = Washington.
January IL, 1890 Gentlemen: 1 re-
gret very much that imperative pub
lie engagements will render it ind
possible for me to accept your cordial
invitation to be present ut the dinner
n to be given in honor of Senator George
If Gray, on the evening of the 18th in
4 Btant.
1t would give me great pleasure to
join with his neighbors and friends in
4 honoring Senator Gray, whose career
4 has been devoted to the public good
and earned the admiration of his asso-
ciates of all parties. His fellow-citi
Xzens have reason to congratulate him
pnd themselves upon the distinguished
services he has performed for his coun-
TRY and with them l beg to unite in
congratulations.
M Very sincerely yours, 1
W WILLIAM MCKINLEY. y
Wilmington Board of Trade, Will
{: mington, Delaware.
A MEMORABLE NIGHT.
1t was a memorable night in the his
tory OF the State.
The arrangements for the banquet
Fere made by committee, of which
1 ohm M. Rogers was chairman and
ohm b. Martin and William H. Ken
orthy the other members. When the
uests reached the Clayton House they
bund the lobby decorated with potted
lants and were received by the recep-
ION committee, which comprised the
Eight Rev. Leighton Coleman, chair
pan, Samuel Bancroft. Jr., A. III. Ber-
IN, William s. Hilles, Edgar M.
reeley Knowles, William W. Lobdell,
lillian W. Pusey, o. G. Purdy, Will
rd Salisbury, Samuel X. Smith,
kewis q. Vandegrift and L. Tatnall
farmer.
1t was about 7.45 o'clock when Col.
ields led the way to the dining hall,
|hich was handsomely decorated.
|etween the pillars two arches of
nilax, dotted with electric lights, had
pen sprung, and on the walls were fes-
pons of ferns, and in one corner of the
hll a mass of ferns and palms con-
Paled Grace Orchestra, which played
nroughout the evening. On the east
all, near the centre, was portrait Of
enator Gray, surrounded by red,
hite and blue electric lights, and be-
Nv it was Paris, 1887 in gold let.
RS on q. white ground
Ihe table was arranged in main
ction with six branches running al
ght angles with it. =, The utmost
sAs-re-.S B. - -H-.