mm mm-m ■ mmmsm f : ■/ ***%■ *°Wf!-" ,• /V™* .* v ^ • " ■ ° ^ ♦ >°^ \6 "> » ^ V* ?• ,s^ -^slKiil?" aV^ :w5f^» e*^ -> ^' • T. % 1 of the President with admirable ability and success, and that in the manifestations of harmony and mutual confidence which have characterized the counsels of the President and his confidential advisers, we behold an auspicious presage of the con- tinued union and ascendency of the democratic party. Resolved, That the repression of sectional agitation, and the maintenance of domes- tic tranquillity, upon the basis of the compromise measures as a final adjustment of the controversy in relation to slavery, is a cardinal point in the policy of the demo- cratic party; and that this can only be accomplished by the cordial consent and united action of all Democrats to sustain the administration in its scrupulous obser- vance of the rights of the States as essential to the prosperity, perpetuity, and peace of our Federal Union. Resolved, That in its conduct of the foreign relations of the country, and in the energy which it is infusing into the two great arms of our national power, the pres- ent administration has conferred new elevation and dignity upon American citizen- ship, and, by its masterly and just vindication of the privileges of American nation- ality in the old Jacksonian spirit, has given new hope to the cause of free institu- tions, and challenged for our republic the admiration and respect of the world. Resolved, That the important reforms achieved since the 4th of March last, and still in progress, in the various departments of the Government, and especially in its fiscal administration, attest the fidelity and firmness with which the laws are ob- served and executed, bring back a vivid remembrance of the Jacksonian era, and commend anew the principles and policy of the democratic party to the confidence and support of the people. The company having partaken of the elegant and sumptuous banquet, the following regular toasts were read by the President. That to the Pre- sident of the United States was received with three times three cheers, the entire audience rising. That to the " Union of the States," and that to Andrew Jackson, were likewise received in a very marked/ manner, and with similar extraordinary honor: KEGULAR TOASTS. 1. The day we celebrate: Its annual return brings joy to every Democratic heart, associated as it is with the honor and glory of our common "country. — [Yankee Doodle.] 2. The Constitution of the United States: Magnificent in its conception — glorious in its results. — [Hail Columbia.] 3. The President of the United States. — [President's March.] 4. George Washington: First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. — [Dirge.] 5. Thomas Jefferson : The father of the Democratic Party — may his political pre- cepts ever be our guide in the fulfillment of our national destiny. — [Auld Lang Syne.] 6. The Democratic Party : That party which lias preserved the Constitution in its purity, added "new beauty and vigor to our political system," and pressed onward the nation in its career of prosperity and greatness. — [The Star-Spangled Banner.] 1. Andrew Jackson: The man who checked the progress of corruption, and brought back the Government in its republican simplicity, in accordance with the Democratic sentiment of the nation. — [Hail to the Chief.] 8. The Union of the States : Bound together in one common brotherhood, we re- cognise "no North, no South, no East, no West." — [Washington's March.] 9. The Army and Navy of the United States : On the land and on the sea they have vindicated American rights and honor, and crowned their deeds with imperish- able glory. Let them be increased and strengthened to meet the demands of our growing national interests. — [Columbia the Gem of the Ocean.] 10. Our Foreign Policy: Under the new era which has dawned upon us, the American name and character have been, and will be, triumphantly vindicated abroad. — [Liberty Tree.] 11. Commander Ingraham: His heroic conduct lias made illustrious hia name, and endeared it to every republican heart throughout the world. — [Guerriere Frigate Bold.] 12. The Democratic Press: Difference of opinion upon minor details may well be tolerated when great cardinal principles are not sacrificed. — [The American Star.] 13. Woman: Let her ever revere the name and cherish the memory of the im- mortal hero who silenced With the cannon's thunder the ruffian cry of "Beauty and Booty." — [Let the Toast be dear Woman.] VOLUNTEER TOASTS. The regular toasts having been drunk, volunteer toasts were received* By the Committee: The Gallant State of South Carolina. Mr. Orr responded as follows : I thank you, Mr. President and gentlemen, for the very cordial reception which the sentiment just offered received at your hands. The evening and the .occasion, and the regular sentiments which have been read, induce me to respond with peculiar pleasure to that sentiment in behalf of the State which I have the honor in part to represent. On the reading of the regu- lar toasts just concluded, I have perceived that two of the illustrious and gallant names which you have seen fit to remember and honor upon this occasion, were natives of the State which gave me birth, and are my coun- trymen. I allude, of course, to the world-renowned hero of New Orleans, and Captain Ingraham. [Great applause.] The one has passed from the scenes of earth to his final account; but no man has gone before him who has left his mark more deeply impressed on the policy of this Government, and no man will ever go after him who will impress his individuality so distinctly upon the history of this country as Andrew Jackson. [Applause and cries of no ! no !] The other, Captain Ingraham, is to you, as well as myself, personally a stranger ; but his gallant and bold-hearted act of daring and humanity in the bay of Smyrna, has shed a halo of glory around his name, and conferred imperishable renown upon the American flag and navy. I trust that the American people are still to know much more of him. They will ever find his gallantry and courage equal to any emergency, whether on the bosom of the deep blue sea, in the face of an enemy's bat- tery, or in neutral territory where American rights are invaded. [Ap- plause.] He is descended from the purest revolutionary stock — a family which served the country during "the time that tried men's souls." His manliness is only equalled by his modesty, and his merit alone surpasses both. He has proven himself worthy the name he bears, and all who may come to know Duncan Ingraham, will feel that his name and fame will never be by him dishonored. There is one incident which has come to my knowledge since the occur- rence in the bay of Smyrna, which shows still higher the refined delicacy of Captain Ingraham. He has been repining upon a sick bed since that occurrence, with health broken and constitution shattered, but there was too much of proud chivalry in his heart or him, to apply to the Secretary of the Navy to be relieved from his position and command in the Mediter- ranean — though disease was wasting him and the climate paralyzing his physical energies. He was nearly driven to the necessity of resigning his place, for, in consequence of feeling that he would be suspected of seeking his recall to enjoy the honors and cordial greetings which his countrymen have in store for him, he declined to make the request. Within the last two or three weeks my friend, the Hon. Caleb Lyon, of New York, and myself — and the kind interposition of Mr. Lyon is worthy of the highest commendation — called upon the Secretary of the Navy. He stated the 4 condition of Captain Ingraham's health, and the necessity and duty on the oart of the Government, in our judgment, to relieve him from his position. The Secretary replied, that if the Department had had any intimation what- ever that it was agreeable to Captain Ingraham to he relieved of his com- mand in the Mediterranean, an order would have been issued to that effect. lie said that it was unusual to relieve an officer unless on his own request; but inasmuch as the request proceeded from friends in this instance, he would send out orders, leaving it discretionary with Captain Ingraham to return or not. The Secretary met our request cheerfully, gallantly, and promptly. [Applause.] He appreciated, as did the Secretary of State, as well as the President himself, the high character and chivalry of Captain Ino-raham. He was glad of the opportunity to serve him; and I have the Treasure of saying to you now that an officer left this morning for New York to sail in the next Collins steamer, for the purpose of relieving him of the command of the St. Louis. In a few weeks, then, we may have the pleasure of greeting him as his noble acts so richly deserves — of attesting the high appreciation that his daring and gallantry have impressed on his countrymen. [Applause.] The State which I have the honor in part to represent, has been peculiar, as you are all well aware, in many of the political opinions that its people entertained. It has .refused to participate in the organization of the Demo- cratic party as a general rule ; but no State has adhered with more fidelity to the principles and even the nominations of that party than it has. [Ap- plause.] South Carolina is still devoted to those same Democratic princi- ples • and I tell you, that so long as the present Administration is governed and directed by those great principles Avhich governed and directed all the republican Presidents heretofore, it will have her cordial, and warm, and zealous support. [Applause.] I know that there are some differences of Opinion among Democrats as to the course which the Administration has pursued, and particularly in reference to certain appointments. Now, I am one of those who believe that the principle upon which the President has acted in m akin a* his appointments is the correct one. [Applause.] He may have erred in carrying out its details. I know that I have been imposed upon myself in nominating persons to office, and if one as humble as I am should have committed mistakes in recommendations, is it surprising that one who has to overlook thirty-one States, should also have committed mistakes in appointments ? [Applause.] It would have been dishonorable in the President if he received without notice or objection the votes of all who chose to come forward and stand on the Baltimore Platform, and all who went through the canvass, advocated and secured his election, and, after beinf installed, to have proscribed them, if he believed that there were honesty and fidelity in their declarations that they belonged to the true de- mocracy and intended to maintain its tenets. [Applause.] I do not think o-entlemen, however, that there has been any good cause for a schism in the Democratic ranks. I do not believe that any one of us has had all he expected. I made recommendations which I had near my heart; but, though unsuccessful in securing somo appointments, I knew that the Presi- dent lcid to overlook the whole country. He had other interests to con- sult* anil if it Avere not compatible with his opinions of public duty to mako the appointments tliat 1 have reeoinnieinled, I have not felt that I was au- thorized to make war upon his administration, or attempt to embarrass him in his policy; and I trust such will be the feeling of the party. Wo cannot expect to hav every thing our own way. and we must mako reasonable al- lowance for the President, who is charged with the carrying out of great principles. It is a matter of great importance for the preservation and perpetuation of democracy, that the President should he correct in his principles, than that he should he correct in his appointments. If he will carry out Democratic principles as Jefferson and Jackson did, he will he ahle at the expiration of his four years to turn the Government over into the hands of a Democratic successor; and the principles which we have been fighting and struggling for will be perpetuated and preserved. I trust, therefore, that the President will he sustained by all good Democrats. [Ap- plause.] I hope that if we are not satisfied with all that has been done, a little will be conceded for the sake of harmony — that we will exercise the charity and forberance which all of us would so much need if we occupied his place. [Applause.] I heartily thank you, Mr. President and gentle- men, for the kind reception which you have given the sentiment and the desultory remarks I have made. '[Applause.] Three cheers were proposed for the gallant State of South Carolina, and they were given with great enthusiasm from one end of the hall to the other. Mr. D. Ratclife submitted the following toast which was warmly ap- plauded, viz : California: Her abundant gold is not the finest specimen of her prolific soil — her Democratic statesmen are the noblest jewels that she has produced. Mr. Latham. Mr. President and gentlemen : It has been said by a cele- brated philosophical historian, that the history of some men is the history of their times. To no man, probably, could this remark be applied with more justness than to the celebrated hero whose victory we this night com- memorate. Andrew Jackson was the exponent of two great ideas in the American Government — one of a military and the other of a civil charac- ter. And in response to the toast which has just been proposed, I desire to show the connexion this old hero had with the development of those principles of the democratic party which have added the State which I have the honor in part to represent to the constellation of the American confederacy. [Cheers.] I have said that he established and impressed upon the American Government two great ideas — the one military and the Other civil. You all recollect that previous to the war of 1812, it was a very- grave question among the statesmen of our country whether or not this Government could be administered upon purely civil principles ; whether the great experiment of self-government upon which we had essayed could be carried out without an army sufficient to support it. You know full well that the belief had become a part of the political creed of all nations, that it was essential for the preservation of any Government that there should be established a well-organized and regular army to carry out and fulfil its decrees. Gen. Jackson dissipated that idea in the war of 1812. and particularly by the event which this night we commemorate. He then fully established the fact that the citizen soldiery of our country, who had the interests of their Government at heart, could wield its destinies and could direct its arms, and lead us on to victory. [Cheers] This then was the great military priuciple that he established, that it was not necessary that we should have a standing army or a large military force to uphold our institutions. The old hero knew then, as you now know, that our Gov- ernment is upheld by the love and affection of the people, and if the bark sinks, one plunge, and we all go with it. [Cheers.] But he also established a great feature in our Government of civil char- acter. I refer, gentlemen, to the time when he was called to preside over the destinies of our nation as President of the United States — an office which devolved upon him a greater degree of responsibility than ever rested on any man. Gentlemen, he then clearly and determinedly distin- guished between the powers which legitimately belong to the Federal Gov- ernment and those which belong to the States. He issued his fiat that the State governments had certain rights, and that the individuals of the States had certain rights, and that, so far as the States had not delegated their rights to the Federal Government, they were reserved to the States themselves ; that the Federal Government was created for special purposes — to extend the regis of its protection over their union — and that it had no power ex- cept what was expressly delegated in the 'Constitution of the United States, [Cheers.] I need not tell you that in all the conflicts which characterized his administration — the most memorable that have characterized the history of any administration from that of Washington down to the present time — he ever preserved the individuality of character which has stamped its im- press on the American people. [Cheers.] It was those pinciples which he engrafted upon the policy of the American Government that led to the series of events which I do not choose upon this occasion to follow — re- sulting in the addition to the Union of the States, which is now one of the brightest stars of this confederacy. [Loud cheers.] There is probably not one Avithin the sound of my voice who has not some friend or relative in the State which has just been toasted. And long before the American Government saw fit to extend its protecting shield over the State of Cali- fornia — long before the 9th of September, 1850, when that State was ad- mitted into the Union — they had there all the machinery of government, from municipal regulations up to the full organization of a large and com- prehensive State — a State three and a half times as large as the State of New York. [Cheers.] Gentlemen, I am here to night as a representative of progress, because my State itself has been the result of progress, and therefore I will give you, in conclusion, as a toast, our next-door neighbor : The Sandwich Islands : Pearls of great beauty set in a sea of blue enamel ; a a jewel which will yet adorn the forefinger of Freedom, that points westward. The following sentiment was then offered : Kentucky: The pioneer Commonwealth of the great "West; her Democratic sons have struggled for victory with an honesty and consistency which cannot fail to revolutionize the politics of that people. Mr. Breckenridge, who, on rising, was received with deafening cheers, spoke as follows : Mr. President and gentlemen : I am not in the habit of apologizing for being unprepared to respond to sentiments offered on occasions like this, because whenever I come to a public meeting I hold myself bound to take my proper share of the proceedings. I desire, however, to say to you, that after what has been heard to-night, and in view of what you may expect to hear, I shall detain you a very short time. . In response to the sentiment just proposed, I am sorry that it is not in my power to say that Kentucky may be welcomed to-day into the family of d'-mocratic States. I hope, however, that the time is not distant when I can say so. When we think of lwr origin — when we remember that she was born in the democratic fold — that her infancy was rocked in the demo- cratic cradle — it increases our regret that in after-life she was led off by that great man, whose genius was so brilliant that it seemed the true fire from Heaven. [Loud cheering.] She followed his principles and his person ; she adhered to him with constant fidelity ; and in all the elements of cour- age, honor, and greatness he was worthy of her love. He is gone ; and now an opportunity is afforded her to remember the principles which ushered her into political being. [Cheers.] And allow me to say to you, gentle- men, that she has as gallant a body of democrats as ever struggled in a minority ; and they hope the day is not far distant when she will take her original and appropriate place in the republican column, and when she will embrace once more — never again to abandon — the principles that marked the epoch of her origin. [Tremendous cheering.] Gentlemen, I have little to say in regard to the occasion which we have met to celebrate, and yet I must say a word or two that occurs to me. It was well said by the gentleman from California that General Jackson's his- tory may be viewed in a double aspect — military and civil. The achieve- ment which we have met to commemorate to-night was perhaps the most remarkable in the annals of our military history. It was there that we of the West — the people of the valley of the Mississippi — were taught to un- derstand that a man of genius could, out of raw materials and rude ele- ments, create, by his own genius and will, a power competent to repel the veterans of England. [Loud cheers.] And if, hereafter, it shall be their fortune to be engaged in any future contest, why, the blood of their ances- tors will quicken in the veins of their descendants, who will not bear the thought of falling short of the renown which was achieved upon the plains of New Orleans. [Cheers.] Therefore, that act of Jackson and his raw militia will, in any future war, be worth an army to the United States of America. [Renewed cheers'.] But, gentlemen, from the resolutions which were read to-night, and from the character of the speeches which have been made, I presume that this is a political meeting, too, and that it is not out of order to refer to the civil as well as to the military services of Andrew Jackson. Gentlemen, to my mind he was a greater hero in civil than in military life. [Loud cheering.] What is it to-night that makes you respond so enthusiastically to the men- tion of his namel What is it that springs up in the heart of every Amer- ican when the name of Jackson is mentioned ? Why, it is the fact that when he was in the presidential chair, and when monopolies and faction, and power and talent, combined to perpetuate the most gigantic abuses, and arrayed themselves against the liberties of his country, the Old Hero, almost alone, nobly defended the passes of the Constitution, until the people came to his rescue. [Great and prolonged cheering.] Gentlemen, I need not dwell upon it. I regard it as the most heroic act in civil or military life, ancient or modern. [Renewed and enthusiastic cheering.] Well, gentlemen, my friend from South Carolina (Mr. Orr) has referred to-night to the present condition of the democratic party. Before I say one word about the present, let me refer for one instant to the past. The maxims of Jefferson, and of Monroe, and of Jackson are ours — they are our watchwords. The policy of this party has brought us to our present amaz- ing height of national renown ; and in claiming this I mean nothing disre- spectful to any individual or party. Intending to say nothing offensive to any gentleman present of opposite opinions, I speak only of results as the proper consequence of democratic policy. [Cheers of " Good !" " Good 1"] s This policy has framed your laws, managed your affairs, controlled your government, and done all in such a way that prosperity and abundance have continued to smile upon the land, and we now present to the world the spectacle of a people unoppressed hy taxation, yet overburdened with revenue. Again, under its auspices, what vast domains have been added to the area of republican freedom. To it we are indebted for Louisiana, Texas, California, Oregon, Utah, and New Mexico. It has carried honora- bly the flag of the republic across the continent, and in the victorious tract of that flag have followed Christianity, civilization, and the arts of peace. [Prolonged" and enthusiastic applause.] From the frozen regions of the North to the edge of the tropics, from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, it has planted the germ of a free and independent empire to which Rome, in the height of her glory, could qpt be compared. [Loud cheers.] Withal it has so stimulated enterprise, rewarded labor, and extended commerce, that we see American society in every department moving forward by quickstep march to the music of industry's hum. [A Voice. We are going to have Cuba one of these days. Applause. J To such a party we belong; and these are the monuments of its policy and its glory. What has been done, gentlemen, has been done in a manner not inconsistent with the Constitution of our country. New States and new Territories have been added. No State has been pressed so to the centre as to chafe her ; no State has been driven off so as to move eccentrically ; but each playing freely in its proper orbit, the whole system has moved on in beautiful harmony, without collision and without disorder. [Applause.] Gentlemen, under these circumstances, with such a party, with such an- tecedents, and with such prospects, I, as an humble member of the demo- cratic party, went to its convention at Baltimore in 1852 to nominate a candidate for the presidency. The party had been divided, broken by per- sonal collisions, personal aspirations, and personal antipathies, which had previously resulted in our defeat ;. and as I understood it, as the people un- derstood it, we met together to lay upon the altar of common principles and common country past differences and past antipathies. We did do it, and sealed the act by a bond, and that bond was a written declaration of political principles ; and upon that written declaration of political princi- ples we nominated a candidate for the presidency ; we nominated a gentle- man who had not been connected with the acerbities, the passions, and the collisions of the past, and yet a gentleman whose antecedents were such that he could become a pure and proper representative of these principles, [Applause.] He was elected triumphantly, and upon what? Upon the platform of political principles thus laid down. And by whom was he elected? By the whole democratic party thus united upon this platform. [Renewed applause.] Gentlemen, I advocated his election. I advocated it upon the principles of that platform. Since that time he has issued two addresses to his countrymen — one his inaugural, and the other his recent annual message to Congress. I have read them, and read them carefully. I do not see anything in either which does not respond to the letter and spirit of the great platform of principles to which I have referred. The Democrats of my State say so. [Applause.] Why, there- fore, should any Democrat look coldly upon or stand aloof from the pres- ent Executive of the United States and his official advisers ? lias he be- trayed any principle? Has lie been faithless to his great trust? No. il.-us be not, with a noble constancy, kept his eye constantly fixed upon 9 the programme laid down before he was drawn from Concord, and has he not honestly endeavored to carry it into effect ? [Applause.] In the mean time, have not the laws been faithfully executed, the government adminis- tered with purity, and all our iuterests, at home and abroad, managed with signal ability ? A great field opens here, but I have not now time to enter it. If I should put myself in opposition to the present Executive, wheu 1 go home to render an account to my constituents, they would say, " You stumped the State a year ago in favor of the President on certain princi- ples ; has he adhered to them ? Yes. Has he maintained them honestly i Yes. Then, why do you oppose him ? I oppose him because he appointed A, B, and C to office in particular localities, when I thought he ought to have appointed D, E, and F." These things are transient; they are tem- porary, below the level of the times and the occasion. [Applause.] As my friend from South Carolina said, to say that the President of the United States has succeeded in appointing in every instance the proper man 15 office, would be absurd. It would be gross sycophancy and flattery to say so ; and I presume no man would be readier than the President himself to say that errors have been committed. In the first place, the President cannot personallv know every human being in this confederacy of tweni y- five millions of people ; and, in the second place, if he knew every one, lie must become infallible before he ceases to be liable to err. And infallibility is not an attribute of any man. [Applause.] Gentlemen, we need have no fears of serious opposition to the present administration inside the demo- cratic party, because the basis of such opposition must be too narrow t< > form a party upon. [Prolonged applause.] I feel, gentlemen, that I am detaining you too long. [Cries of Go on ! Go on ! A Voice — Go on ! You are giving the pub- lic just what has been wanted. [Applause.] I have but one word to say in reference to the disappointed — but one word. I am in favor of the union of the democratic party. [Great cheer- ing.] I believe it can exist, and I believe that it ought to exist. I believe, too, that before this Congress closes its session, when those great questions come up upon which the party and the administration are to be tried, you will see the democratic party a unit. [Loud cheers.] Heavens ! Think of it! Think of this administration dragging its four years through upon a contemptible little issue of whether Tom, Dick, or Harry was or was not properly appointed in the State of Kentucky or elsewhere ! [Tremendous and prolonged cheering.] Think of it ! Is there nothing higher ? Is there nothing nobler ? Is there no principle to advocate ? Is there no measure to cany out ? There are principles and measures. They are laid down in the inaugural address of President Pierce and in his annual message. And, for one, I desire to put aside these contests as contemptible and trivial, to foster no intestine feuds; to proscribe none who are true to principle; to recognise the honesty and propriety of the general course of the adminis- tration; to call public attention to abuses rooted out and reforms achieved; and to grapple with those great questions which at last must decide our fate with the people and with posterity. [Great cheering.] Gentlemen, I feel that I am not in a condition to address you longer, and therefore, with sincere thanks for the cordiality and kindness with which you have received me, I beg to give place to some other gentleman. [Here the entire audience rose and gave three enthusiastic cheers.] 10 By the Committee : The Granite Hills of New Hampshire: Fertile in every good and great qualifica- tion for the Chief Magistracy of the American Confederacy. Mr. Sidney Webster, in response to this toast, spoke as follows: Although your call, Mr. Chairman, is unexpected and somewhat embar- rassing, I can but thank you for your kindness. My heart goes out, to the members of this Association, for the enthusiasm and good will, with which they responded to the sentiment you have just proposed. There has been so much said to-night, which has been well said — and said, too, with an eloquence which few can ever hope to equal — that on any other occasion little would remain. But on each returning anniversary of the 8th of January, the spell of a great name comes upon all hearts, com- pelling the free utterance of their thoughts and opinions, however common- place and trite. You cannot pronounce the name of Andrew Jackson but that a multitude of ideas, a myriad of emotions, start instantly into being, and silently gather around. [Cheers.] Our thoughts at once run bright- ening along the links in that chain of memory which binds the present to the past. We are insensibly carried back to a review of the career of that man who has given immortality to the day we celebrate. We dwell with increased profit, upon the early trials and sufferings, and the enlarged pa- triotism of him, who was dedicated to the service of his country, in boyhood, by the baptism of fire, and by the shedding of paternal and fraternal blood. [Cheers.] It is well to assemble, as we do to-night, to recount these ser- vices. It is fitting thus to rehearse the awful virtues of our patriotic fathers. Affection prompts it, duty demands it, common patriotism compels it. Next in thanksgiving to that good God, who is the author of all good, should be our affectionate reverence for those, who have been, and are, the instruments here in working out the blessings which have been, continually showered upon us a nation. In the long and crowded catalogue, which records the distinguished acts which mark the career of General Jackson, the achievments at New Orleans, which we are here to commemorate, and by which the superior numbers and veteran determination of a foreign foe were driven back from the spoil and dishonor of a rich and populous territory, and whereby the long wrongs of England for a quarter of a century were at last avenged, and our glorious flag again flung out, all unstained as on that day when freedom, "Tore the azure robe of night, And set the stars of glory there " — stand with unquestioned preeminence. But my friend from Kentucky, with an eloquence such as seldom falls from the lips of man, has reminded you that these achievements do not constitute Jackson's only claim to glory. With him " peace hath " indeed " her victories, no less renowned than war." The administration of the Federal Government by General Jackson, for- tunately for his country, fortunately for himself and for those who came after him, transpired in stirring and momentous times. The high purpose, the firm resolve, against which the waves of opposition only dashed to break themselves in scattered foam, were to be tested under new and un- tried circumstances. Most of the measures of the Administration which bears his name presented topics of grave and serious differences of opinion. You, sir, know full well how important were the issues in-, volved. The two great elements of a State, labor and wealth, had become strong enough to contend together, for the rights of the elder 11 born. The reserved rights of the States were endangered. The greatest minds in America engaged in the discussions. American eloquence then achieved triumphs in the Senate, second only to those of the revolutionary epoch. Jackson was victorious. His enemies were compelled to adopt what they had been pleased to call the chief of his heresies ; and to this day there has not arisen from among them one strong enough, or bold enough, to lay one stone upon another of that which he threw down into ruins. He was called upon to meet depreciating friends and open enemies. There were not wanting those who denounced his political integrity and assailed his private character. There were to be found those who continually and persistently look backward to criticise and condemn, but never forivard to lead in the responsibility of the inception of great movements. But Jackson had so long been accustomed to look to his own conscience, and to the in- telligence of the masses of his countrymen, for an approval of his acts, and to acknowledge no other authority upon earth, that in all his trials and perplexities no hoarse murmur of disapprobation could turn him from his great purpose — the permanent good of his country, and the perpetuity of the great organization which he believed, and we all believe, is at once the conservator of our liberties and the controlling element of our national growth. I am aware, Mr. Chairman, that I am detaining you much too long. [Cries of "No! Go on!"] But while I am upon my feet, the memory of another epoch in American history comes to my mind. An allusion to it may not be inopportune at this time, when the hosts of democracy through- out the republic are again re-assembling upon the high table land of the the Union, the constitution, and the reserved rights of the States — at this time, when the North gives up, and the South holds not back. I allude, of course, to that day — perhaps the darkest in our history — when discord shook with ominous meaning her gorgon locks. The sublimity with which, on that occasion, the President announced, and the steady determination with which he maintained, that doctrine, sacred as the name of Washing- ton — " The Union, it must be preserved " — will be held in grateful remem- brance till the last page of your country's history has been turned. Nor does it detract any from the glory of Jackson, that the democracy on that occasion awarded praise to another American statesman, who now sleeps by the side of the pilgrims — fit companions of the mighty sleeper — in the modest tomb in his own New England. Again, I thank you, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, for the sentiment you have proposed to New Hampshire. She deserves it. ' She deserves all and more than you can say of her. Her intelligent citizens for nearly a quarter of a century, in every crisis of your party or your country, with but one brief exception, have v on each returning election day, brought and laid at your feet clear and overwhelming democratic majorities. Whenever your country has been in danger from a foreign foe, whenever you wanted men to fight your battles, whenever the cause of democracy, the rights of any of the States of the republic have been in peril, New Hampshire has been always found foremost upon the perilous ridges of battle. Mr. Webster closed, amid repeat cheers, and loud cries of " Go on," by proposing the following sentiment, which was received with great applause : "South Carolina: Rich in revolutionary merit ; rich in the nwnory of those who Jvungered and thirsted after constitutional liberty; rich in the literary and scientific accomplishments of her sons — but richer far in having been the birth-place of such a man as Jackson." 12 Despatch from Tammany. At this stage of the proceedings a telegraphic communication was re- ceived from the Tammany Society, celebrating the day at Tammany Hall, covering the following sentiment : "Gen. Robert Armstrong: The personal friend and pupil of the illustrious hwo whose gallant achievements we now celebrate." This was brought in by Mr. Key, the district attorney, who said that although sick, he conld not refrain from coming down with it. The Tammany toast was responded to by telegraph, as follows : Washington, Jan. 9, 1854. To the Tammany Society greeting: We received your sentiment with a national feeling, and respond as follows: Gen. Robert Armstrong : The man to whom General Jackson bequeathed his sword is so intimately connected with our national history, that if ever the occasion should require its services it will never be sheathed with dishonor. Mr. Pool rose at this stage of the procedings, and said that the Old Keystone, a State that gave Andrew Jackson fifty thousand majority, had not yet been heard from, and proposed a sentiment complimentary bo Col. Forney. Mr. Forney rose and said : Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I am deeply indebted to you for the honor you have done me in connecting my name with that of my native State. Pennsylvania. We Pennsylvanians have a modest old Commonwealth, and we are proud of her. We are willing to wait till the tail end of the feast : but when the hour comes in which the Government is in peril, when the hour comes in which democratic principles are in danger, when the hour comes in which the country's flag is assailed, that glorious old State, with a modest promptitude that never has failed her, is always found quickly in the front rank. [Three rousing cheers were here given for the Keystone State.] Pennsyl- vania, of all the northern States — I say it with due deference even to New Hampshire, the native State of the President — Pennsylvania upon that great question, the importance of which to the lovers of this Republic can never abate and can never be undervalued — I mean the constitutional rights of the States — has ever been first and foremost ; and because she is right with regard to this question, she adheres to the standard of democracy, and all the more warmly when it is borne by such a chieftain as Franklin Pierce. [Enthusiastic applause.] Sir, I am one of those who are not here to approve universally of every appointment Avhich this Administration has made ; anil, indeed, what ] 'resi- dent or governor was ever known to be satisfied with all his own selections for office ? The President is neither ubiquitous nor infallible ; and the errors of patronage made by Jackson never dimmed the deathless glories of his civil and military eareer. [Loud cheers.] But I am proud to avow my sincere attachment to the Administration, and especially to its policy 1 . domestic and foreign, including its fearless devotion to that standard of economy in the expenditures of the Government, and those imperishable principles at the foundation of our free institutions, taught in the school of Jefferson and Jackson. [Cheers] Sir, the oo,,d old State of which I am a most humble citizen has no griefs to revenge; she has no resentments U> gratify. [Cheers. | The attempt to engraft upon her the quarrel ©f another State has signally failed. [Loud cheers.] No matter what the distinguished * 13 auspices under which the attempt was made, no matter what the means that were resorted to, when the attempt was made, she remembered that in times past there had been another effort to seduce her from her allegiance to the Democatic party upon another question ; she remembered that this man whom she was now called upon to assail— I allude to President Pierce — during a long life and during an honorable service in yonder Capitol, had never given a vote against Democratic principles — -had never given a vote against State-rights ; and that, although representing one of the extremest northern States, he had never given a vote against the South. [Cheers.] Though assailed, and though attempts were made to intimidate him, he was always found true and '' steadfast. [Loud cheers.] I thank you, gen- tlemen, for the honor you have paid to the State of Pennsylvania. [Three cheers were here given for the speaker.] In conclusion, I give you as a sentiment : The health, long life, and prosperity of James Campbell, Postmaster General [Cheers.] Dr. A. W. Miller proposed — The Hon. J. C. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy: LTis appointments in the District of Columbia are an earnest of his democracy. Mr. F. McNerhany having been loudly called for, briefly responded as follows : Mr. McN. said, that if he had consulted whatever vanity might be mixed up with the better feelings of his nature, he would, notwithstanding the flattering call which had been made upon him, have remained quietly in his seat ; for he was not prepared, even by momentary reflection, to give proper expression to the sentiments suggested to his mind by the glorious anniversary which they were commemorating. But the simple remembrance of the renowned old hero and statesman, Andrew Jackson, sent a thrill of patriotic pride through his heart, and impelled him, unprepared as he was, to respond to the wishes of the kind friends around him. He therefore did so with a cheerfulness — he wished he could say with an ability — commen- surate with the profound regard and veneration with which he cherished the glorious name and shining virtues of that distinguished man. The oTeat event in the brilliant career of General Jackson which they were now celebrating was enough to render immortal his name. But grand and sub- lime as was the victory at New Orleans — a victory achieved over a foreign foe by consummate strategy and lion-hearted courage — the series of his splendid triumphs, while in the executive chair, over the domestic enemies of the country, shed a halo of glory around his name, and stamped it in- delibly on the great heart of the nation. Jackson was dead, but his mighty spirit yet animates the great party of which he was one of the noblest champions. The Old Hickory of the Hermitage, which has so often braved successfully the storms that beat upon and around it, had faded, withered, and fallen to its mother earth ; but in its place had sprung up a Young Hickory of the Granite Hills, deeply rooted in the affections of the demo- cratic masses, and proudly towering above the warring elements that sur- rounded it. He (the speaker) belonged to no faction. He thought the Baltimore platform was broad enough and strong enough to uphold every true democrat in the land. The principles of the democratic party were traced out, as with a pencil of light, upon the great chart adopted by the convention of 1852. Upon those principles, and by that platform, he would stand, let vvho would desert them. He believed that this Adminiti- 14 txation had been so far, and would continue to be, guided by those princi- ples, and that its policy had been in accordance with them. He went for maintaining and preserving the union of the democratic party. On that union depended the union of the States, and the prosperity, the happiness, the glory of the country ; for, in a political point of view, all the blessings which we enjoy have been showered upon us under the auspices of the democratic party. He would bury all dissensions that night, if he could, in the grave of Andrew Jackson, and invoke his great spirit to unite in a perpetual bond of fellowship the true lovers of democratic principles. He had no fear that a few disorganizes would succeed in their unholy purpose of distracting, and weakening, and destroying the democratic party. The Administration could not be justly censured because every aspirant for office was not gratified in his wishes, especially when it was remembered that the applicants stood in proportion to the offices as fifty to one. But the masses of the democratic party are the farmers, the mechanics, and laborers of the land — the bone and sinew of the democracy — cared nothing for paltry offices. They fought for great principles. And when the next presidential battle was to be fought, the mighty legions of the democracy would be found again rallying around their glorious banners, emblazoned with their cherished and unchanging principles, and again bearing them proudly on to certain and triumphant victory. In accordance with the sentiments thus hurriedly expressed, he offered as a toast — The Administration of General Pierce : Sustained as it is by the true democratic sentiment of the country, it can proudly bid defiance to the "disorganizers who as- sailit. [Great applause.] Mr. Orr proposed — The health of D. Ratcliffe, Esq., who, in the face of personal disappointments, has not forgotten democratic principles: May his conduct commend itself to all true democrats. Mr. Ratcliffe returned thanks in a humorous speech, and concluded by offering the following sentiment : \ The Secretary of State: The gratitude of a generous people for past services will ever protect his rear, and may" the Lord have Marcy on an enemy who has th« hardihood to assail him in front Col. Berrett, in the absence of Mr. Marcy, responded to the sentiment ; and stated the Secretary of State was prevented, by unavoidable circum- stances, from being present. Numerous volunteer toasts were presented, tf which the following were preserved, viz : By S. A. Elliott : Perpetuity to the Liberty of Conscience, the Liberty of Speech, and the Liberty of the Press: All true men, Like Jackson, will ever vindicate God's three greatest gift* to man. By Lambert Tree, jr. : Hon. Stephen A. Douglas: An able statesman, a true patriot; may he long live to share in the councils and honors of the nation. By B. B. French : Our Country — the words of Washington, Jackson, and Pierce: May the virtue and happiness of the people be preserved, and the government which they have instituted be perpetual. The Federal Union: It must be preserved. "No North, no South, no East, no West, under the Constitution, but a sacred maintenance of tho common bond, and true devotion to the common brotherhood." 15 By- Gideon Pearce : The memory of the lamented Silas Wright: The American Cato, and the model statesman. By Frank Reilly : The Democratic Platform of 1852: We approved its adoption, we conquered under its banner, and we will struggle for its perpetuation. By Albert Greenleaf : The liberation of Koszta by Ingraham: A gallant act of official duty. Otherwise it is no theme for congressional praise. By Thomas Thornly : The Battle of Orleans then proved that the people were resolved to preserve the Union; the late presidential election proves their determination to adhere to it. By D. M. Comb : Woman : Without her the world would be a bear-garden, and man worse than "bruin." By Daniel Ratcliffe: Democracy and the Administration: The principles of the one are well illustrated by the practice of the other, and those who oppose the latter should be regarded as enemies of the former. May they be admonished by the fate of those who, in like manner, opposed the illustrious and lamented Jackson. By J. N. Barker : As one of the great family of nations, the United States may never forget, in view of their foreign relations, that our warmest sympathies naturally belong to those who are gallantly contending for their independence and liberties. By Jas. Maguire : Andrew Jackson: Celt versus Saxon. By D. M. Comb : The Scion of 1853, a chip of the Old Hickory block of 1815, permits not even a judge to mar the plan of his operations when the good of his country demands it ; and, like his great prototype, will be sustained by his country. By P. A. Byrne: Yorktown and New Orleans: The one the last glorious achievement in arms of flie Father of his Country which closed the revolution; the other, the crowning deed of the heroic Jackson which consummated the work of national independence. By J. B. Craig : Andrew Jackson ; The mechanic's friend. By Jas. Maguire : The Hero of New Orleans: Like his statue, unequalled and inimitable. The banquet, which was a most elegant affair, passed off with the utmost harmony. The company separated a little before 12 o'clock, after giving three hearty cheers for the perpetuation of democratic principles and the safety of the American Union, U46 u • 4? ^: ao^ ~y3m&: *p^. :< w jy 4 « • : M' ] ---r SI llllllllllllllll 1 :!!"!!?