Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-22


GADSBY'S reputation as a host undoubtedly
got him the honor of holding this birth.
night ball. His fare of the best his wines
the choicest, his fire the merriest his guests
the most entertaining and his stable the most
attentively hostlered. A Frenchman visiting
Gadsbys in 1901 characterized it as 1.-The best
in the United States" and Washington often
dined there. One of his last orders at the
famous hostelry, given upon inquiry if canvas
back duck were to be had Very good sir.
Give some of them with chatting dish,
some hominy and a bottle of god Madeira and
we shall not complain"
In the Alexandra Gazette of February IS,
1893, appears the following news report of the
celebration of the day ard night before
Yesterday was celebrated the Birth Day
of our fellow citizen, George Washington. The
day was ushered in by discharge of cannon.
In the evening there was a splendid ball at the
City Tavern at which George Washington was
present. The following toasts were drank by
a company of gentlemen who dined together in
celebration of the day at the Union Tavern,
accompanied by discharge of cannon.
list. The Hero whose Birth celebrate
may the virtuous principles which have
influenced his conduct be preserved through
succeeding generations
"2d. The President of the United States
may his administration be successful in sup.
porting the dignity and independence of the
United States.
I'D. The Vice President of the United
States-may his virtues and abilities deserve
the love of a free people.
"4th. The Congress Of the United States
may they never be influenced, IN any degree, by
foreign polticks
18th. May we never forget those who fought
and bled for the independence of our country.
9TH. The State of Virginia.
18th. The Spirit of '76-may it never be
erased from the American mind by foreign
influence
9Th Those who are prosecuted throughout
the world, in consequence Of asserting their
rights men.
10th. May those in Office have an eye to the
spirit of our Constitution, and not the opinions
Of those vested with the administration thereof.
"11th. The commerce of the United States
may those who endeavor to distress it know
that in doing they distress themselves
18TH A speedy termination to the misunder-
standings between the United States and the
Republic OF France, on terms which win pre-
serve the peace and dignity of our country.
18th The nations of Europe, who by their
military exert1onS, or neutrality assisted the
United States in their struggle for independence.
18th. De Ia Fayette-nay he speedily arrive
IN America, and spend the remainder Of his
days, with that tranquility of mind which
always attends good men.
18th. Kosciusko-may he long enjoy the
United States in the evening Of life, the bless
ings Of Freedom, for which he has borne so
large share of sufferings
10th The Fair of America.
SIXTEEN toasts well and heartily drunk in old
Alexandria in a day when a mans pleasure
was part of the liberty for which he fought
bled and died
Just what happened to the sixth toast on this
occasion nobody knows Whether it was lost
in the confusion attendant upon the conviv-
iality and Astounding good fellowship and hun1or
of the day is not apparent. But it would be
interesting to note what became of it. Per-
haps 1t was silently intended for Thomas JEFF
ferson, next to Washington the greatest vir-
g1n1an. Silent, paradoxically as it may seem,
because Of his attitude in the war haring up
between the United States and France year
later, at another birthnight ball to Washington.
this toast was drunk to him: THE Vice Presi-
dent OF the United States-the correspondent Of
Mazzet-may he abjure his present political
creed; or expatriate himself to that country best
adapted to it."
But if it is so that those who drank the toasts
at the Union Tavern on the twelfth of Febru-
ary 1893 drank silent one to the Vice Presi-
dent Of the United States, Jefferson, before the
Adams administration had come to close had
Modified them. For within another two years
he was the choice of Virginia for the presidency.
The birthnight ball of 1889 marks the first Of
but two given to "the Gen 9ral" during his life
time The other held the following February:
was, II the newspaper account is to be consid-
cred, more elaborate and pretentious affair.
At least, it was so writt,n II. The success of the
first emboldened the citizens to more general
celebration the following year. For this occa-
SION mnCary review was staged in honor OF
the Generals" birthday, at which he was pres
ent, followed in the evening by ball and
supper given at Gadsby's, ell of such mag
nif1cence, brilliance and beauty as to cause the
editor OF the Gazette to eXclam that did he
possess the chaste language of Addison COM
bmed with the creative imagination of Shakes
peare, he would feel himself honored and happy
in using them on this occasion"
But at that he did get in a line or two of royal
wordage, to wit: Aurora rose with more than
common SOlen6Or if WISHING IN assist IA
tribute of respect paid to cur hoary chief"