New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-13
ADDRESS AT UNION LEAGUE CLUB.
ISAAC TOWNSEND SMITH TALKS ON THE
EARLY MARITIME LIFE OF
NEW ENGLAND.

Isaac Townsend Smith read a paper last night
before the members Of the Union League Club
upon the subject Of "reminiscences by OCtO-
genaran OF the Early Maritime Life of New-Eng-
land" Mr. Smiths extremely interesting lecture
was listened by a large gathering of members.
Mr.. Smith, who has now reached his eighty-eighth
year is OF the Oldest members Of the club,
Charles l. Tiffany. in fact. being his only senior
in this respect For the last forty years Mr., Smith
has represented the Siamese Government in this
country IN the capacity of financial agent and
Consul General
In beginning his discourse Mr. Smith dwelt upon
the interest which everything evoked relating TO
the naval and mercantile marine of the United
States. both of the old time and the new. 1t was
a story OF romantic history which no story of i'm
agnation could equal in thrilling Incidents Speak
ing of the opportunities ne had had of meeting
whom he made reference in the course Of
his address Mr. Smith carried his recollection back
70 the year 1923, when he Commodore Hull and
many OF the surviving officers and men of the War
of 1872 The occasion was the docking of the IA
nous frigate Constitution at the Charestown Navy
Yard, a notable event which Mr.. Smith graphically
described, and at which he remembered seeing
General Jackson, the President Of the United
States; several members of his Cabinet, and Mar
tin Van Buren, the Vice-President,
In 1894 Mr.. Smith, the supercargo of a ship in
the East Indies trade, began series Of voyages
which took him to all parts of the world, and it
was upon his experiences during those travels that
the "reminiscences which he related last night were
largely founded. Subsequently Mr. Smith proceeded
10 refer to the Navy in the early days of the Re
public At the close OF the War of the Revolution.
he said the Government sold off many of its war
vessels. because II too poor TO keep them in
commission. When the War of 1872 approach
ing the Government in order TO increase the Navy.
appealed 10 the patriotism Of the citizens to pro
vide by taking per cent bonds in payment Of
their subscriptions BY the resources thus obtained
the Constitution. the Essex and the President
built In summing up the achievements of that
war Mr. Smith said the question turally arose.
and continually required, Where and under what
circumstances were men OF such heroic mould pro-
in answering the question, but like the mighty oak,
were reared by steady growth. The coast Of New
England, he added, stern and rugged. and
scenery like that had in all ages produced men or
energetic character. New-England, in fact, had
forth of great energy and purpose, not
alone such bore their coUntry's flag with honor
on the sea- but great characters in history-dartng
leaders statesmen. Jurists and scientists men who
exercised an important and commanding influence
in shaping the destinies of their country.
United States continued true 10 the principles by
which greatness attained II was not too
much hope that other nations would recognize
that could be won by equity, justice and
fair dealing equally as well as by robbary and
violence.
Prior to Mr.. Smith, address the monthly meeting
OF the club held, at which the following were
elected membership: William NJ Wood. Ando-
yer Mass; James NJ Cromwell. Philip Hiss. Albert
Bostwick: Jeremiah Williams, Boston John y
William S. Gould; Henry c. Brewster and George
W Thayer Rochester N Y; Henry L Stoddard;
Melvin O. Adams Boston; Nelson B. Warden
Philadelphia. and John Hudson Hall.