The New York Herald Newspaper, February 23, 1876, Page 3

GEORGE WASHINGTON, A Grateful Nation's Peans in Honor of Its Founder. PRAISE TO THE PERFECT MAN. Chimes and Carols, Te Deums and General Harmony. CELEBRATIONS BY ALL CLASSES. Distinctive American Parades and Every- body Perfectly Happy. With clear blue skies and genial sunshine the frst national celebration occurring in this, the centennial year, was heralded in, Nver were weather and occa. sion more fitly mated. The streets, the gayly dressed titizens and the closed counting houses lent, with the weather, a Sunday aspect to the day. All the great centres of commercial and financial activity were sileat and deserted, the depots of freight were still and lone- some, and along the river fronts the quiet of New Am. Sterdam reigned. All traffic was at rest, and in honor of the day the ships of all the world centred around our island displayed their colors. From many a tapering spire chimes were rung out on the vernal air, Milling the city with glad music. Bunting was displayed from all the public buildings and hundreds of flags fluttered from private staffs, The Dity Hall was elaborately festooned with colors; a Ufe-size oil parting of the immortal Washing- ton being a part of the decorations, The picture was placed over the front portico and around it in many a fancy wreath were twined the Stars and Stripes. These littic observances, together with a parade by the Eleventh regiment of the National Guard, were the only outward manifestations in honor of the day. Most of the other events were religious or social. Itis abroad commentary on the much-talked- of patriotism of a people who are acknowledged to be exceedingly demonstrative, that only one regiment, and that a phlegmatic Teutonic one, turned out in. honor of the memory of a man who fought for and first guided thé most magnificent political sgheme in the bistory of the world. Even the religious portion of the celebration was not what might have boen expected in these times of re- vival and regeneration, At Trinity, one of the fow thurches at which services were held, the Rev. Morgan Dix spoke words which may well be taken to heart. He dilated on this very poiut of allowing the ideal of 80 great a man as Washington to die out from the mind of a people pre-eminently apt to Torget. Notwithstanding the want of concerted action in celebrating the event, there were many private din- ners, shooting matches, athletic games and literary en- tertainments, which, when collected together, make quite an interesting record for the day. The theatres, too, gave matinées at which thousands spent the after- noon quito pleasantly, if not profitably, While bun- freds of pleasure-seekers were wending their various | ‘ways to the several houses of amusement the chimes of old Trinity, Grace and St. Thomas’ churches made % medley of nationa! airs. Among the theatrical amusements of the afternoon were ‘Julius Corsar’? {Booth’s), “Rose Michel” (Union Square), ‘Pique’? {Fifth Avenue), ‘‘Brass’’ (Park), and a variety of odd burlesques and negro minstrelsy. Several regiments of the NationalGuard gave receptions, and the Vet- erans of 1812, now fast passing away, had a reunion and discussed the olden times, The United Order of American Mechanics made a demonstration at the Cooper Union, and the Society of Cincinnati evinced an easy patriotism while enjoying a dinner served in Del- monico’s best style, The evening.was replete with amusements, prominent among which was the Martha ‘Washington Reception. Notwithstanding the immenso throng that gathered in the three halls devoted to the comfort of the guests of the hospitable Martha, num- Ders sufficient were found to fill several other halls in the city at which balls were given. The gentlemen of the historic region of Fort Washington orated and dined at High Bridge, and the members of the Lincoln Club did hkewise elsewhere. TRINITY CHURCH. At eleven o'clock yesterday morning Trinity church ‘was crowded to the doors by an eager and patriotic yn, The music was, if possible, more excel- Jent than that usually recited at Trinity, Perhaps the pecasion may have excited a new spirit in thé singers and Weveloped asympathy im the congregation, Tho To Deum (Mann in D) was certainly grand and affecting. The sermon was preached by Rev. Morgan Dix, who, after reading his text, gradually developed the theme of his discourse into a broad and comprehensive view of the significance of the celebration. He spoke of the beneficence of Providence in granting to the newly | formed States a man of such wae qualities as Wash- Ington. Sceptics and scoifers believe and maintain | that circumstances alone develop men. ‘o them the | scroli of history spread out like a grand panor- ‘ama revealed only accidents, but to the man of faith, to the intelligent analyst of human change, the hand of God was plainly aiscernibie. The reverend speaker dwelt at length upon those who sought to rob the people of their fondest ideals. Tho man without ‘an ideal, said he, is alost man. The ideal is something which we develop within ourselves; purer. higher, nobler than the material things with which we are sur- | rounded. Deprive the nation of this ennobling cle- | ment and it, like the man, is lost, It had been said, tontinued the preacher, that the superstructure of our government was too large and even flimsy. Whether this be true or not let every man judge tor bimselt, One thing, however, was indisputably truo, that the foundation stones of the Repnblic were solid and well set, More statesmanship and less political schoming were wanted; men who would stand forth for princi- le before party; men who would consider the nation rst and themselves Inst. THK CHIMES. As the congregation filed out of the church Mr, Ayliffe, assisted by Mr. Thiswell, performed the follow- Ing programme on the chimes:— 1. Ring the oe on eight bells. “iia Columbi 2 3. “The Land of Promise.” 4 A concerto in rondo torm, with various modulations in major and minor keys, composed by Dr. Ed. Hodges for Trinity church bells., 5. “Glory tot ther Give.” “Unfurl t nner. te and Bin Hail This Happy Day.” ional anthem, ‘hild of the Regiment." 6, the Conquering Hero Comes.” ‘ashington’s Grand March.” tennial Hymn.” Fantasia theme, with variations, composed by George Bristow, expressly for Trinity chimes, bin, the tem of the Ocean.” Mare! “Hail to the Chief. ‘On the Shore uf Tennessee.” (By desire of the com- rd EB: Rie sie Flag.” ld H GRACE CHURCH CHIMES. j Yesterday the anniversary of Washington's nata flay was celebrated fitly at Grace churcb, At elevon p’clock in the morning the service wos read by Rev, Mr, Tivbitts, assistant pastor, and at one o’clock the lowing patriotic chimes were rung:— 6 and firing of belle (Pariten), White nnd Bine.” The throngs movin Moca # C4 i pty to bi each national air was recognized th le expressed their satistaction in a lively janet. tk Hf said that the pealing of the bells of Grace church was Fred least of the many attractions of Broadway yes- THE CATHOLIC UNION. The Catholic churches did not hold especial services yesterday on account of the holiday. A religious observance, however, was attached to the day on the part of the laity by the Catholic Union as a representa- tive body. The annual festival of that organization was fixed for Washington's Birthday, and accordingly fn the forenoon a solemn high mass was sung and a germon preached at St. Gabriel’s church, East Thirty- peventh street, About fifteen hundred members of the ‘Union were in attendance, and a large number of the parishioners also assisted at the service. The cele- brant of the high mass was the Rev. Father Lowry; deacon, Kev. Father Hughes; sub-deacon, Rev. Watner Hood; master of ceremonies, Rev, Father Iu may be safely | | evening was a sketch entitled “Signing the Declaration of Independence, or Scenes in the | Continental Congress, July’ 4, 1776," followed | by an oration by Rev. Matthew Hale Smith, who, in al- | Inding to the past history of tne country, spoke of the along Broadway crowded the | jon to the chimes, and as | NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1876.—WITH SUPPLEMENT. O'Neil. Several pastors and assistant pastors oecu- pied seats within the sanctuary, among them being the Rev. Father Callaghan, Rev, Father McDowell, Rev. Father Fitzsimmons, Rev. Father Nicot, Rev. Father Larkin, Rev. Father Lynch, Rev. Father Mo- Quirk, and Kev. Father Donuelly. The sermoa was preached by the Rey. Dr. Duffy, of St Joseph’s church, in response to an invitation from the Union, He wok his text from the epistle of St. James, second chapter, where the disciple says that not only faith but good works are necessary for salvation. Weare apt to con. sider the world before the dawn of Christianity as im- mersed in awful ignorance and glocm; without honor, without morality, without God, without auy fixed prin- ciples to guide man to virtue, without any detinite eud toward which to direct his footsteps, without any sta- ble assurance of a final retribution. But all these sur- mises are false, and never was the world in a state of greater intellectual grandeur than at the period when the twelve fishermen were converted to rinciples theretofore unknown. Every art that could Bumehise or emuoble man hed ettalsed ie highest perfection. Every brauch of literature that tented to the exercise of the best faculties had been cultivated School after schoo! bad discussed the ab- and sought a solution of the mystery of man’s existence. The Roman principles of philos- ophy had come nearer the truth, the ethieal code of Alexandria had proposed a higher and a purer standard ot morals, and even upon the subject of the Godhead Tagan. had thrown off many of its grosser ideas and aimed at teaching principles of a more intellectual character, Yet, nothwithstanding all this grandeur and mental culture, such was the tropical splendor of the sun of revelation, that men thought from the con- trast to have passed from-the darkness of midnight to the brightness of noon, This was the mau- per of the coming of our faith, It came as the light—simple, complete and universal. It spoke of the past and the future with the sume certainty as of the present. It spoke of eternity as of time. 1t spoke of man and the greatness of his destiny as in the little- ness of Lis origin. But, notwithstanding all this, Hi MAX IN 118 PRIDE of heart and in his want of true Christian humility was so carried away by this luminary of faith as to wrest it even to his own destruction, For we find in after times men ignoring the principle of good works and depending solely upon their faith for justification, tell- ing us that Christ effected the redemption of mankind 80 completely, wiped away the worid’s sins so utterly, thatall we have to do is to lean upon Him, and that | without any concurrent labor of our own, but pep hs | the easy operation of believing in Christ, we are saved. Hence We hear so often the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Hence so much abuse of the Catholic Church and of God’s sacraments, simply because she and whey say that the murderer must shed tears of contrition, that the thief must return his stolen booty, that the avengefal and the detractor must re- store the fortune and the name of their victims; that, although without faith, it is impossible to please God, nevertheless faith without works is dead; that al- Uhough it ts faith inthe mysteries and revelation of the Christian religion which saves us, nevertheless it is faith in its precepts without their observance which condemns us. And here it is that the Catholic Church meets two different kinds of opponents—one the Pelagian heresy, which seems to resuscitate itself in this our day, and which says, if 1 am an observer of the law, if I refuse to lie, if 1 scorn to steal, if my man- Dood refuses to degrade itself by any act of moral or physical intemperance, I cannot fail to satisfy ajnst God, no matter what religion or faith I profess. Now, let me endeavor to di #6 this impression by assur- ing you that your good works can have merit but and through faith. Faith it is that impress them with the seal of eternal life, as the bank note issued from the Treasury Mepartment would be useless witnout tne proper indorsoment. So whatever we do, though hon- orable and Jaudable, af it bear not the characteristic of faith, it were presumptuous to suppose it conducive to salvation, This is what St, Paul inculcates to the Jews when he telis them:—Immolate whatever victims you please, purify your bodies ever so much, make Whatever profession you like of an exact religious wor- ship; if all these observances, all these ceremonies be not sunctifled by faith, they are to no purpose.” And this is what the doctors of the Church demonstrated incessantly to the heretics of their times. And this is why I preach it to you. And although the argument is in my words, nevertheless it is the doctrine of the saints, the doctrine of the Scriptures, the doctrine of Jesus Christ, that without faith, a 'smcere, humble, obedient faith, it 1s impossible to please God. Will you ask me to have more charity? Do you mean that char- ity which compromises the doctrines of Jesus Christ? Lanswer, I cannot do it. It is my duty simply to tell them to you. If they are too hard, close not with me; close with that God who created you, who sanctified you, who redeemed you solely out ot His mercy, aud tell Him, if you can imagine yourselves justified, that “it is a hard saying, and who cas bear it?’ However, His doctrine is unchangeable as Himself, and still remains, Be you angels or martyrs in respect to morals, if you are wanting in purity of faith, in simplicity of faith, in sincerity of faith, I answer with St. Paul, your works avail you nothing, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” But, strange to say, scarcely has the Church met and refuted this heresy, when she has to turn her attention to another, the exact contrary of the former one; however, no less subtle, but. more ex- travagant and unreasonable. 1 speak of one of the primary doctrines of the Reformation, that faith alone without good works will save us, This is a smooth doctrine and a remarkably agreeable doctrine if it only lead to heaven, and one that pandered successtully to the degraded age in which tt was promulgated, Faith without works, forsooth. Ask the saints and martyrs | of Christianity if they believed this doctrine. Why was it they prayed, fasted and bied for their faith? Why was it they practised with wonderful constancy’ the whole compass of evangelical councils, and they will tell you they did not believe this doctrine, for St. James taught them a different one, when he said'*‘as the body without the spirit is dead, 80 also faith without good | works is dead.” Is there anything which conduces more directly or speedily to infidelity and licentious- ness of belief than infidelity and licentiousness of works? If this be true, where is your fundamental doctrine that faith without works will save you? Is it notin accordance with the equity of our contract to bind a man the monfent he accepts that con- tract to all the obligations embraced therein? Why is it, then, when we by faith have accepted the con- tract of Christianity we are not bound by its essential obligations? Let me assure you, and you will tind itin accordance with reason, that the Christian who has accepted and believed Christianity and not fol- lowed its precepts—in other words, who has relied upon | the doctrine that faith alone will save him—will be more severely judged and more terribly punished than the man who has never accepted the tenets of Christianity. SAINT BERNARD'S UNION. Saint Bernard’s Literary Union gave a grand drama- tic and musical entertainment last evening in honor of | Washington’s Birthday, in Saint Bernard’s Hall, in West Fourteenth street, between Eignth and Ninth avenues, It consisted of several amusing sketches interspersed with music and ginging, which were under the direc- tion of Miss Leonora Martin, The feature of the by agrand tableau, in which thirteen young girls took parts, a Miss-Lizzie-Reynolds appearing as the Goddess ot Liberty. The characters represented were Benjamia Franklin, by Thomas Muley, Jr,, who read the Deciara- tion of Independence; John Hancock, Thomas Scan- lon; Thomas Jefferson, Micnael J,’ Scanlon; Jobn Adams, John B, Goldrick; Stephen Hopking, Michael J. Murphy; Samuel Adams, Bernard Gartladt; Richard Henry Lee, Patrick H. Walsh; Cnaries Carroll, James Fuller; Glerk of Congress, Peter Early, and several others, These gentiemen were dressed in the costume of the tite, and delivered the speeches of, the different characters they represented, several of them being excellent in finish and execution; that of Jobn Adams, by Mr. John B. McGoldrick, was particularly noticeable = T halt iteeif was d- | womely decorated with American flags, and around the | wails hung the coat of arms of each of the original thir- teen States of the Union, Among those present were abriel A. Healy, pastor of St. Bernard’s church; | Patrick J. O'Kelly, Rev, John Jos. Riordan, the moderator of the Union, and Captain Hoagland, of the Ninth regiment. For the benefit of those who could not obtain seats Jast evening the entertainment will be continued on this and Thursday eveni: ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS. The large hall of the Cooper Institute was crowded to repletion yesterday, the occasion being a grand cele, bration by the Order of United American Mechanics of Washington's Birthday. The gathering was exceed- | ingly enthusiastic, and the exercises, which were va- | ried, interesting and extensive, were carried out under auspices that gave general faction. Shortly before two o'clock every seat was occupied, while the plat- form was alsé quickly thronged. Tastetul and appro- Priate decorations lent an animated appearance to tie scene, which was also enhanced by the stirriug and patriotic airs which resoénded through the hall. The Progranmo embraced vocal and instrumental music, | addresses and recitations. Mr. George White, of Siar Council, Haboken, presided. The proceedings were | opened with prayer by the Rev. J. Boyd Brady. Then eae a piano solo by Mr. La Rue, which waa followed efforts of Steuben, Laiayette, of the gallant Marion, | Koseinsko and other foreigners who had done | so much in behalf of liberty. He dilated | at great length on the subject of religious equality and commected on the attempts being made to take tho Bible from the public schools, It was the corner stone of our hberty and civilization. Take the Bible out of the,public schools, and its opponents would claim that these were schools without religion and that they must | to principle, and Mr. have schools with religion, aud then would come a ae- mand for the pubhe moneys, That was the main idea of those who wished to take the Bible out of ti schools, It waseasy to get up @ religious war, bat such a War was not wanted. The speaker submitted that all foreigners were welcome tov these shores, bat they must abide by its laws. There must above all things be religions equality for all, Having paid a glowing tribute to the memory of George Washington, speaker retired amid deafening applause. <ddresses were also delivered by Rev. U. C. Steele and Rev. D. H. Miller. The former was very patriotic in his tone. He said this was the time for the revival of Americanism. It was a great Moody and Sankey meet- ing for political purposes. They bad a sampie of Ameri- canism during the war. It was then ascertained whether the foundation stone of the old fabric was in its place. The speaker dwelt upon the of the United Order of American Mechanics, and explained the prin- the - ciples upon which it was founded. He discussed the question of labor and capiual, andon mentioning the fact thas Abraham Lincoln was ope of the friends the workingman had been ever bicssed with, fon house rang with cheers. a —— Lad slavery pad raded the country, and pointed out the blessings which hed followed its abolition. He strongly advocated necessity of religious equality and equality, ail b said, meant true Americanism, Al! religions must be tolerated so long as they did not cross of another, The Chinaman bad just as much right t bis peculiar kind of worship as anybody else so long as the laws of the country were complied with. He insisted that the Bible be kept in the pabdlic schools, and that no power should be aliowed to withdraw it from that free institution. All must abide py the laws laid down for the good government of the Union. All foreigners were welcome, for there was room for all What * brought the Wrenchman, the Italian, the Irishman, the German to this country? He was hunting at last for that manbood which he could not findat home, This remark elicited prolonged applause. The speaker also passed a high hp ry on the virtues of Washington, and retired amid aloud burst of applause, The pro- ramme, which was somewhat lengthy, included the following :—Readin, “Washiogton,” Miss J. Henry; song, “Restasy,” Miss Katie Bain; song, “Star-Span- ged Banner,” Miss Ida Ross; reading, “Battle of junker Hull,’? Miss J. Henry; piano solo, “Golden Showers,” Professor E. Fath; song, ‘Let Me Dream Again,” Mies Katie Bain; “+01 antry,’? Colonel Moses E. Crasto; song, “Tilama,” Miss ida Ross; ad- dress, Rey. 8. 'M. Hegetoan, ‘The hall was densely crowded until the termination of the proceedings, which were marked throughout by the warmest demon- trations, and the celebration was altogether as spir- ited as those of preceding years. ‘‘My Country, Tis of Thee,” ieotared ee the audience, brought the meeting to a close, DINNER OF UNITED AMERICANS, The Vetcran Aesociation of the Order of United Ameri- cans last night dined at the Union Square Hotel. This association was formed in 1844, Since 1863 it has had no public celebration. Among those who were at the dinner were General D. Ullman, Colonel A. J. H. Duganne, ex-Senator Abraham Lent, Dr. Samuel Hall, Police Commissioner John R. Voorbis, Mr. Thomas E, Stewart, General Josoph ©. Pinckney and K. C, Root, the only surviving member of the original thirteen founding the Order. Alter the dinner Dr, Hall announced the following toasts :— “The President of the United States, ’” The Chairman said that the person who was to re- spond to the toast had gene to Washington to settle the currency question. “The Day we Colebrate—Nover to be Forgotten. May each future observance add to its brilliancy.’’—Re- sponded to by Edward Seymour, formerly of Alpha Chapter, No. 1. “The Laws of Our Land—may they always be exe- cuted with honesty and fidelity.’’—Responded to by Pohiee Commissioner John KR. Voorhis, “Our Common Schools—the glory of oar Republic, undefiled by sectarianism, our hope and our boast—We swear to maintain them. ‘Responded to by General Ullman, “United America—tried by the test of war history has shown that we could not be severed; that one American heart could not be torn from another, and that as Americans we aro united now and united for- ever. "Responded to by Colonel A. J. H. Duganne. “The Militia of the Country—Our reliance in the hour of danger.”’—Responded to by Colonel Joseph C. Pinckney. os “Our Legislature,”’—Responded to by Senator An- drew J. Campbell. “Our City Governmont.’’—Responded to by Alder- man Thoroell. General Ullman submitted amendments to the con- stitution of the United States to probibit the use of public money for sectarian purposes and tq@guarantee a free, universal, unsectarian education to every child, THE VETERANS oF 1812. Tho Veteran Corps of 1812 met yesterday at noon at Military Hall, No. 193 Bowery, to celebrate Washing- ton’s Birthday, On the roll of this organization there are 250 names of men who live at present in different parts of this State and in New Jersey. On their festal days in this city they generally turn out from thirty- five to forty strong. The largest number that have paraded In several years was fifty-nine, on the occasion of their visit to the Hippodrome, about a year ago. The names and ages of those present yesterday are as fol. lows: General Henry Raymond, aged 84; Colonel Abraham Dally, 81; Coionei John’ T. Hildreth, 74; Captain Leonard Baum, 83; Major Charles K.' Crowley, 89; Wiliam VP. Tuompson, 86; Harvey Crittenden,’ 8 William L. Sune, 80; Charles Cooms. 82; Nicholas Du 81; Samuel Kycxman, 84; Michael Van Name, 8! Chaplain Joseph Huil, 83; Thomas Jefferson Darling, 7 adrummer boy in the war of 1812; Wilham way, 8 Alexander Brady, 81; Henry Morris, 76; Thomas Bloomer, $1; Christopher Remmey, 86; Jared Almasted, 83; John Davenport, 82, and Parmentus Doxey, 85. Major Crowley served under the late General Wi field Scott and was with him at the battle of Lundy Lane, in 1814. He was one of a company of eighty- seven who made a churge on the fort that famous day, when but thirteen came back alive. " The veterans baving assembled they weré invited to dinner by ex-Major Louis Hallen, of the Fifth regiment N.G.S.N.Y., who said that he felt happy toask them, as Americans, to partake of a litle banquet ou the day so dear to them all, and hoped they would all live to see the Centennial Fourth of July. ‘Through General Raymond the veterans accepted the invitation, Leaving Military Hall the veterans marchod down Spring strect to Merchant & Allen’s Hotel, near Broad- way, escorted by Major 5. L. Reeves, Adjutant H. I, Elderd and Sergeant Adam Kaltenback, of the First battalion Washington Continental Guard. They rut down to dinver at half-past two o'clock, and after doing full justice to the good things provided, patriotic speeches were delivered by General Raymond, Colonel Daily, Chaplain Josepn W. Hull, of the Veteran Corps; | Major Louis Hallen, the host of the day ; Colonel Sterr; of the Sixth regiment, and Major 8, L. Reeves, of the Washington Coutinental Guard, Colonel Dally sang several patriotic songs and told a number of stories of the Revolution, In order to bo present at the Martha Washington reception at the Academy of Music in- the evening an early departure | from tbe banquet hall was made, and the representa- tives of the army of 1812 were taken to tho Academy in | carriages. THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATL The 144th anniversary of the birth of George Wash- ington was celebrated by the New York State Society of | the Cincinnati with a dinner at Delmonico’s last even. ing. Among those present were Pierre Van Court. Jandt, Dr. John F. Grey, Captain Jobn Schuyler, George T. Belknap, C. Ridgeley Abbott, J. Barton Ogden, Nathan Rice, of Massachusetts; Edrl Douglass, of New Jersey; General John Cochran and Alexander Hamilton, Mr. Hamilton acted as toast master, and in the absence of the President, Hon. Ham- jiton Fish, who sent a letter regretting his inability to be present in consequence of the pressure of official duties, the Vice Presi- dent, William 8 Popham, presided, The first toast given was “Washington,” ond was drunk in silence. The toast, ‘American Independence,” was also drunk im silence. Tho toast, “Tho Continental Army,” was responded toby General Alexander Webb; “The Founders of the State Society of the Cincinnati,” by Dr, Samuel Hart gnd “The Memory of Thove Who Fell in the Battles of the Revolution,” by the Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Hutton. “The President of the United States’? was drunk in silence and the toast, “The President General of the State Society, Hon. Hamilton Fish,’’ was reaponded to by Mr. William H. Crosbie; the toast “Our Sister State Societies” was replied to by C. Ridgely Schott and J. Barbour Ogden, STUDENTS OF COOPER UNION, The annual celebration of the birthday of the Father of his Country at the Cooper Institute was attended by an immense audience last evening. The flood of peo. ple overflowed from the large halt, choking the pas- sageways and crowding the ante-rooms. Fully 4,000 people attended, There was music, popular and pa- triotic, by a very good band. Orations wero delivered by the students of the institute, and the venerable Peter Couper amd other prominent gentlemen occupied soats on the platform. Mr, Fitzgerald Tisdall, Director ‘of the Institute, briefly rod od the exercises, and in- troduced Professor Frobis! Suffrage,’ a itcontrasted the trials of the poor and humbie in early days with the advantages of tiniversal sultrage ta our own time, Mr, James Fitzgerald fol- lowed, the title of his oration betog ‘Retr ion,"? it might be considered a continuation of the former. It treated of the daties of citizenship, and was ina large measure a description and eulogy of the heroes of t/ American Revolution and a contrast of their self-sacri. ficing Gevotion with the selfishness of the modern politician. Mr. David Legaré followed, giving an amusing essay ou “Courtship’’ and evoking abundant laughter ana piause, He analyzed the symptoms with an ey: tbe Remorens, piaytully hice Logg effect of the attack upon diferent constitutions. Mr. F, W. Pollock 6 on “Principle”! The atgoment was that the true prosperity of the citizen depended upon his adherence Poilbek endeavored to show that the prosperity of the nation resulted from its adher- ence to the principle in the constitution of keeping separate the interests of Charch and State, Mr. Moloney treated of the necessity and their use and abuse. “Washington,” written for the occasion by George W. Bungay, was delivered by Miss Louise Johnson by way of a conclusion to the celebration of the evening. Wroeg POLICE HEADQUARTERS, At the Central Office of police the natal day of Wash. ington was observed by a general suspension of bust- ness, The Commissioners remained in their offices a few hours during the forenoon, but after their de. parture the bails were vacated amd the building pre- sented a holiday appearance, AMONG THE GERMANS, Among the Germans the day was celebrated as holi- days are usually spent by that people. The different German organizations entertained their friends at their respective halla, and soirees were given in some of them. Post Koltes, No. 32, Grand Army of the Re- ic, which is composed oxclusively of Germans who iret in the lute war, gave a ball in honor of Wash- | | 1 | | Rader, ington’s Birthaay at the G 1y Rooms. | An immense crowd was in attendance. At Dri ic | Hall, 1p Houston strect, the Society Erheiterung gavo | an amateur dramatic entertainment, which was wound | up by @ ball, Several of the societies availed them- | Boives of the opportunity to wind up the season of their carnival entertainments, and several masked balls came vil. ON WASHINGTON HEIGHTS. Some four or five years ago the prominent residents | of Washington Heights resolved upon celebrating the | birthday of Washington in a patriotic manner, and after various conferences between several geptiemen, including N. A, Lespinasse, H. B. Perkins, Carman Combes, ex-Alierman Wilnam Van Voorbies, A. % Soulard, Y, B. Rader and GH Ss. Lespinasse, tho proposition was carried ‘out, and regularly each year a goodly company of patriotic admirers of Washington on Washington Hoights have gatherod at Schedler’s Hotel, At High Bridge, to commemorate the day. The dinner last night was, if anything, moro successful than the pre- vious ones, The menw was all that could be desired, and the Committee of Arrangements left nothing want- ing to make ita really enjoyable affair, H. B. Perkins cecupied the chair and Carman Combes the vice chair, These gentlemen wero ably supported by Messrs, Soulard, B. W. Vau Voorhies, Istac J. Stirling, D. 3. Baker, ‘George S. Lespinasse and"F. EB. Prevost, of the Committee of Arrangements, About eighty gen- tlemen participated im the festivities, including Judge Friedman, Goneral Warren Nash, IL. B, J. L. Anthony, Dr, Peet, of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum; J. 0. West and Ambrose H. Purdy. When the cloth had been removed The Chairman, Mr. H. B. Perkins, thanked the gentie- mon having the dinner in charge for the courtesy paid him in selecting him to preside. He referred to the period when nearly the whole of Manhattan Island was a wil- derness, whose echoes e awakened by the plashing paddies’ of the red man’s canow, or the sharp crack ot the hunter’s rifle, and contrasted it with the great en pormam of the New World, with its broad avenues, its magniticent parks, its marble palaces, its showy churches and its solid temples of learning. After dwell- ing upon the great progress made in the country in the development of all that makes ‘h people prosper- ous and happy, Mr. Perkins referred to Washington, whose memory they had assembled to honor. ‘‘To- night,”’ said be, “we think him and his bra pairiots at Valley Forge, at Trenton, at Mon at Yorktown, To-night in imagination we bim as he stood a century ago on that bleak November day on the opposite banks of the Hudson, weeping with the tenderness of a child when he saw the glorious ensign under which he fought go down before the devastating march of the ‘sordid sons of rapine and plunder,’ and we think of him us the gallant leader of that heroic little army which crossed the Delaware on that dark, cold and stormy December night and won for himself a | name that will outlive in history that of the 300 brave Spartans who fell at the bloody pass of Thermopy! The heroes of our Revolution how sleep in the silence of the grave. Their swords hang use- less upon the wall, or have been bea into ploughshares. Their battered panoply has been laid aside, but their memories are still dear to us, and their names are deeply engraven on all our hearts, To-night, from the bleak hills of Canada to the brodd savannas: of the South, trom the great Atlantic that rolls almost at our feet and bears upon its ‘storm tormented bos- som, the rich argosies of nations to the golden gates of the Paeitic, will be heard the swelling anthem of praise of him who laid the foundations of a republic that we hope may $ lasting as the pillars of eter- nity. And while we guard with pious care and patri- otc zeal the great heritage of liberty bequeathed to us by our Revolutionary fathers, we should not forget what an eloquent writer has said, that ‘other civilizations more splendid and consummate than our own have brightened along the horizon of the past, and then faded again as utterly as the vivid glories of sun- ‘set or the illummated mists that crown the bill tops in the morning’ Let us, then, through the aid of our colleges and our public schools, demonstrate to the people of other lands that which has never yet been written on history’s page or woven into the poet's verse—the enduring success of arepublic,’? Mr. Perkins conciuded by some pleasant references tothe gusto with which the educated American can turn from the daintily prepared viands to the arena of oratory and contend for the golden crown that glitters on the brow of eloquence. ‘Among the sentiments honored were, “Washington, ”? by Rev. H. H. Birkins; “The United States,” by Chauncey ©. Burr; ‘The American Idea of Govern- ment,” by Rev. Father Brann; “The State of New ‘Our Centennial,” by York,” by Thomas Ecciesine rk,” hy Colonel 'G. P. Mr. Purdy; “The City of New Hawi Yo nd “The Medical Profession,” by Dr. W. F. Frothingham. The programme was interspersed by recitation, song and story, n which Messrs, P, E, Sullivan, F. Steins | and William H. Adams led. Tne festivities ended about midaight, and ali left well pleased with the manner in which upper New York had houored the natal day of the “Hatchet Wielder” of the olden time, THE MARTHA WASHINGTON RECEPTION. The anniversary never received such a marked recog: nition from Americans as that’bestowed upon it last night at the Academy of Music in the cause of charity, When one recalls to mind tho immense advantages in regard to health; the object for which this ball 18 given, is caiculated to give; tne taking away from tho pestilential atmosphere ot metropolitan slums in mid- summer the invalid poor there is reason to thank the noble Now York public for their splendid respense, which they gave this deserving charity last night. ‘The Floating Hospital has already done Samaritan work It has rallied the sinking constitution on which poison’ ous air from sewers, basements and ill-ventilated attics has made sad havoc, and over which the only medical advisor that watched scemed to bethe grim King of ‘Terrors himself; it has called a faint flush into the wan face of tle starving mother and bas relaxed somo of the pinched up features of her poor offspring; jt has brought joy and momentary forgetiulness | of ill-fortane; ithas given balmy breezes to cheeks that never before knew aught but vapors most*vile; | in fine, it has been a harbinger of good, of charity of | love, Martha Washington is justly regarded as the first of the representative woman of America, In this Centennial year, when the Aincrican heart {s especially riotic; it was happy idea to couple the name of lartha Wasbington with charity, and to. provide a | celebration worthy of the occasion and of the ob- | ject. The scene at the Academy of Music was | ‘something to be remembered, The quaint costumes of | 100 years ago mingled with those wh the modistes | cause be isa man of common sense.’ The reverend gentleman stated that when the proper time arrived tho President would disclaim any such intention. This Statement was received with loud applause by the assemblage. Colonel Charles 5. — Spen- cer responded to ‘The Army and Navy,’” in full uniform. He said no power on earth could in- | duce Grant to permit his name to come before the people tor a third term. He further thought it was time that the ward associations should quit indorsing him, Ho also thought that the districts should join in calling the comjnittee to meet and declare the voice of New York, controlling tweive delegates, to the National Convention in favor of Roscoe Conkling, This proposition was greeted with frantic applause, Mr. 3. H Wales, Mr. George H Andrews, Justice Morgan and Lucius Van Allen replied to toasts, and it fell to the lot of Isaac H. Bailey, Commissioner of Charities, to reply to ‘The Press.” The gentleman, who is well known to the public as a perennial office: holder, denounced the press Of our country in unmeas- | ured terms, as the most demeralizing agency of the | century. ‘The editors he characterized as ‘‘assassins.”” | The assertions of Mr, Bailey were deprecatea by most ot the members present, The headquarters of the Greenwich Club, located at the Village House, No. 2 Abingdon square, was illuminated last evening, the entire front of the building being covered by a transparency of Washington crossing the Delaware. During the evening a large number of guests visited the club rooms, and were re- ceived by Judgo Kasmire, Judge Parker, ex-Alderman George B, Dean, Robert Wright, Assistant Postmaster William Symes'and others, The rooms of the “B, H. P.{”? an old organization of the Ninth and Filteenth wards, was also very taste- fully decorated throughout the day, and in the evening the whole building, which is located at the corver of Sixth aven nd Eighth street, was illumin- 1d. About ten o'clock the guests sat down toa banquet, presided over by J. W. Cornwell. Amonj those present were Henry Crooker, Jr., William Dougan, E. M. Plum, Jobn W. Karle, William Jennings, J. H. Girvin and ex-Alderman Ward, ARCADIAN CLUB. Fresident R, B. Roosevelt and Vice President Richard O'Gorman, of the Arcadian Clab, wero present at the club rooms last evening to celebrate the auniversary of Washington’s Birthday, which was made the occasion of the presontation of a sword to Daniel G. Gillette, re- cetly elected a captain of the Twenty-second regiment, Many members of that organization were present, as were also Mr. J, Soaver Page, Mr. Smith, and Messrs, Millard, Barber, ‘Ranuey, Bailey, Marks and other dis- tinguished gentlemen. Colonel’ T. B. Thorpe coutrib- uted a humorous speech, as did many other gentle- men present. The historical allusions of Mr. U'Gorman to Washington elicited much applause IN BROOKLYN. In Brooklyn all the offices of the city government re- mained closed, as were also those of the county govern- ment, so that underworked officials and overworked employ és alike scored “one” without putting in an ap- pearance against the Treasury. The flags of the city were displayed im gracetul profusion by Keeper For- mey on the Hall, while the Court House also gave its variegated bunting to the breeze, The schools and stores were closed and the streets were crowded by people, many ladies being abroad to enjoy the bright sunshine, Salutes wore fired at noon from the saluting ground gn Fort Greene, 100 charges of powder being used, , There was also a salute from the Receiving Ship at the Navy Yard, Among the amusement features of the day and even. ing may be note! the performance at the Brooklyn Theatre, where “Queen and Woman” realized right royaliy for the management, so numerous was the audience at cach pertormance. At the Park Theatre Colonel Sinn entertained his patrons with a very fair varicty programme, which was greeted by pit and gallery alike, according’ as the peculiarities of taste were considercd. Hooley’s Theatre was crowded by a select audience both afternoon and evening, the main attraction and star being Gus Williams. ‘‘Boyhood’s Days,” a funny sketch of juvenile felicity, was relished alike by young and old, There was an entertainment at tne Johnson strect Methodist Episcopal church and a Centennial concert. At the Puritan church, hurcy avenue, in the evening a Centennial reception by ‘President Washington and lady” was given, Rey. T, De Witt Talmage lectured at the Tabernacle in the evening on ‘The Mountains of Switzerland and Calitornia.”” At the thirty-second anniversary exercises of tho Brooklyn Institute, Washington street, in the evon- ing, an oration was delivered by Rev. mory J, Haynes, the subject being ‘John Adams,” the great advocate of the Revolution. The annual reports of the institute were read by the Vice President of the insti- tute. Prizes were delivered to the deserving pupils. ‘The private parties and balls held were innumerable. ON LONG ISLAND. Among other observances of the anniversary ot Washington’s Birthday on Long Island was a Conten- nial tea party, held at the Jamaica Town Hall, com- mencing at three o'clock P. M. and continuing through the evening, with a grand reception by General and Lady Washington from eight to ten P, M. There were tables spread with old-time refreshments as well as with some of more modern style, the attendants being dressed in quaint old-fashioned attire. There wasalso on exhibition a large collection of relics, comprising many rare articles, These comprised, among other things, a portrait of the first Dutch minister of Jamaica, in 1704; also of one in Kings county and of the grandfather of Bishop Onderdonk; pictures of the first Dutch Re- formed churebes in Brooklyn, New Utrecht, Busb- wick, Success and Jamaica; Indian arrow heads and axes’ spinning wheels, high heoled shoes and buckles, an old punch bow!, with the inscription on the bottom, “My wife drinks tea, and, be zounds! Pil drink puuch ;” an old gun, used in the French war in Canada in 1763; a printed ‘sermon in Dutch, by tho Dutch minister in Jamaica, 1741; ancient newspapers, the manuscript journal of a Quaker who preached in an orchard in Jamaica, 1699; Dill of sale of a negro female slave for £67 10s,'in 1760, a handbill of the Jamaica stage, 1791; a paper from the British General Howe to Aarori V! Nostrand, 1777; another from Sir William Erskine to Isaac Bennett, August 1776, and a great varioty of ancient furniture. The entertainment, which was a very successful one, was under the | auspices of the lidies of the Reformed charch of Jamvuica. There were no special observances elsewhere on the Island, excepting at Greenpoint, where there was a parade of the Fire Depart Tho anniversary of Washington’s Birthday was ob- of to-day would cail the latest and most elegant that Paris can boast of. The predominance of last century | toilets gave a feature of especial interest to the ball, | sreception, tea party or whatever we may chvose to call t ‘The throng was'immense. Carriages blocked all the adjoining thoroughiares, andthe floorand lobbies of tho | Academy, the supper room im Nilsson Hall and the tea | tables in Irving Hall were densely crowded, It seemed as if all New York and his wife were,present. The musi- | cal portion of the celebration was of particular | interest. George F. Bristow contributed a magnificent festival overtare entitled, “Great Republi worthy of the name and tame of the foremost of Atnerican com- | posers. Mr. C. KE. Horseley contributed a song and | chorus entitled, “Our Patriot Flag.’ When two such | accomplished musicians offer musical contributions to a festive occasion one may be assured that it is | of more than ordinary importancs. The leaaor | for the promenade music was Mr. C. 8 Gra- fulla, with. the Seventh Regiment Band under his direction and Adolph Bernstein, to whom metropolitan | devotees of Terpsichore offer up libations. Major Downing bad the Ninth Regiment Band at Irving | Hall, which was connected with the Academy | by a covered passage, something similar to that which characterized the last Americus Club ball, The vYacious States were represented ut the tables in Irving Hall, and many of the belles of tho | metropolis attended to. the tea urns and poured out for their numerous customers the beverage that cheers, but does not inebriate, Everything that could be done | to make the event commensurate with the iinportance | attached to it by the voice of the public was fulfilled by the management. The dancing pro- gramme comprised twenty-five selections. A number | of aptiquarian curiosities were placed on exhibition. | Busts of Washington and Yo Witt Clinton» were rominent amid the decorations, In the harly- urly of the ball, the music above took on | fantastic shapes, First it sounded like an orchestra played by” grasshoppers; the violius veiled with spiders’ webs and the flutes cut — from | reeds, Again it came down like a thunder | cloud, with abundant noise and superabundant brass. And the lights of the huge chandelier winked and twinkled, and the ever shifting mass of dancers on the floor wore a kaleidoscopic aspect, as it presented various colors and hues, and every ono said that there was never such a throng and a jam of humanity since those haicyon days when the coming tKing of Engiand danced on the same floor, or since Ihe Koss marshalled his legions in ball costume for the ast time. CLUB DINNERS. Tho rooms of the Lincoln Club, in University place, were tastefully decorated with bunting last might on the occasion of the dinner given to celebrate the fourth anniversary of its toundation. Tho tables groaned bo- neath a sumptuous repast, to which some seventy gentlemen did ample justice, At ono end of the room a full length bronze statue of Abrabam Lincoln greeted the eye, and from the other the Father of His Country beamed upon the assem- blage from the artist’s canvas. Among tho guests as. sembled were Henry Highland Garnet, the colored clergyman; Uolone) Charles 8. Spen- cor, Fire Commissioner Hatch, Commissionor of Docks Salem H. Wales, ex Judge Beneiict, Justice Morgan, | Police Surgeon J. H. Dorn, Agsistant Appraiser Van | Allen, Jaage Parker, of the Third Jadicial Court ; sion Agent Patterson, Commissioner of Charities Isaac H. Bailey, and Fire Commissioner Van Cott in the chair. Letters from Roscoe Conkling and Jota D, Lawson expressing be at their inability wo be Presevt were rend. The toasts were of the con- ventional triotic pattern. Ex.Jud; Benedict replied to “the Day We Celobrate.”” Dr, Garnet replied to “The President of the United States” in an eloquent h, in the course of which he declared his ig i U. 5, Grant was “not going In for a thir term, ” served yesterday upon Staten Isiand in a genoraily be- | coming manner, most of the business places in the | various villages being closed. Morning salutes wero | fired from the forts; the American colors wero dis- played from the Seamen's Retreat, the Coast Wrecking Company’s buildings, Police Headquarters at Stapleton, end also from many private hous: The ferryboats aud the shipping at anchor along shore were gayly dressed with bunting Flags were floating from the Sailors’ Suug Harbor, at New Brighton, and otber in- stitutions ou the North Shore. In the evening there were the annual ball of the Merry Fifteen Social Club at Tompkinsville, a dramatic periormance at Port Richmond, a Centennial concert at the Mission chapel in Castleton, and a concert at the Park Baptist church, Port Richmond, by the Young Apollo Glub of New York. IN JERSEY CITY. Thore was a general suspension of business in Jersey City, aud some stores which were open in the forenoon were closed for the day at nvon. The lodges of tho Order of United American Mechanics did not celebrate the day with as much enthusiasm as in former years. Thore was no display or parado whatever. floated from hundreds of dwelling houses as well as from all the offices of the municipal bodies and public institutions, Bunting was displayed from the shipping along the wharves. There were several balls, concerts and other entertainments throughout the evening, the most notable of which was a grand concert given at the Tabernacle by a combination of the Swngerrunde, Liedertafel, Quartet and — other German singing societies of Hudson county. Special religious services wero held in pearly all t churches, and the congregations were a8 large former years. rch were very impressive, Th holic Union assembled here and a solemn high mass was celebrate by the ay | priests :—Rev. Father Willett, & J., celebrant; Rev. Father Marechal, 8. J., deacon, and Rev, Father McQuade, 8.'J,, sub-deacon. Alter the mass there was a benediction of’ the blessed racrament and with this closed the devotion known as the Forty Hours Adoration, in The ceremonies in St. Peter's Catholic embers of the IN HOBOKEN, The majority of the stores and houses in Hoboken displayed the well-loved flag, and the city wore a holi- day appearance, Thousands of visitors came over from New York by the Barclay and Christopher street ferries, and made thoir way to the Elysian Fields, Wee- bawken, Union Hill, and Guttenberg. All tho lager beer saloons, of which institutions there wm no stint, in Hoboken, did a wonderful business, and the beverago of King Gambrinus flowed im steady streams from morning to evening, A few of the visitors of this city became somewhat hearty with their Iibations, but tn honor of the day they were neariy all discharged from the police station after they bad given evidences of returning reason. Im the evening the American Mechanics beld a reception which was largely attend There were alao several balls, The Hoboken ferryboats were gayly decorated with bunting, 80 were the steam. ship Glasgow line, and man steamships of and Hamburg line. The City Hail and the fire the Stare aud Stripes from sunrise to sunset, At Union Hill national flage foated over the Town Hail and from the majority of the houses, Tho day passed very agreeably, IN NEWARK, i The anniversary of Washington's Bisthday is ob, sorved here by ageucral suspension of business military parade. — A concert will be given this e oF the beaeut of the Centennial Expos: Flags | 3 THE CELEBRATION ELSEWHERE. THE MOST BRILLIANT CELEBRATION EVER KNOWN IN PHILADELPHIA--MILITARY PA- BADES, DECORATIONS, ILLUMINATIONS—THS VETERANS oF 1812. . Purapeirata, Feb. 22, 1876, Never has Philadelphia known a more joyous holiday in all her history, Never has Washingtou’s Birthday been celebrated with such general rejoicing and bril- Nant display. Workshops, offices and stores have been closed all day, no one bas thought of toil or busi- ness, and the whole city seems with one mind to have given itself up to merrymaking and sightseeing, The weather bas been unprecedentediy warm and Pleasant for the season, aud the down tows streets have been thronged all day with a jolly, good natured crowd, whose faces seemed to refed the warmth and brightmess of the sunshing It has truly been @ centennial celebration, exceeding in brilliancy and fervor any preceding anniversary Jubilee ever known in this city, In 1832 the centennial auniversary of Washington’s birth was celebrated; even then the display did not compare with that of to- day. The display of flags and bunting bas been some- thing remarkable and has not been confined to the business streets down town, Even the smaller dwell- ings in the suburbs and all over town have been dec- orated with flags, and it was the exception not to find patriotic emblems of some kind on every house in lock, however humble and modest, Chestnut street fairly’ bristled with obtrusive patriotism. The ex pression may be cousidered allowable from the fact that 50 numerous were the fag poles. projecting from doorways, windows, awn: | ing posts and signboards vat one ran some risk of impalement unless he kept his weather eye open, The decorations on Chestnut street were spirited and gay. Every building sported flags, streamers on banners, and some were aliost covered from top to bottom the bunting that fell from every window. ‘A striking feature of the testal display was that, for the first ime in history, probably, the flags of all nation’ were blended together in harmonious association, giving a peculiar richness of color and variety to the scene, It was not, a8 usual, the Stars and Stripes alone that toates from thousands of flagstaffs. The familiar beauty o our national standard was almost lost amid the colors o} the nations of the world, It was a recognition ol the fact that our country extends a welcoming band to her sister nationalities, and in this centennial year invites them to share in atriotic rejoicing. ‘The otlicial programme for the celebration of the day was carried out as announced in yesterday's Herat. The Keystone Battery tired a salute at sunrise, and al all the paval stations salutes were tired at sunrise, noon and a salute at sanset, An immenso flag was raised at Third and Dickinson streets, on the occasion ‘of which a salute of thirty-seven guns was fired, The camps of the Patriouc Order of Sons of America located in Philadelphia united in a celebration cons: ing of a literary and musical entertainment at Handel and Haydn Hall, Eighth and Spring Garden streets, ‘Tho new hall of the Order, on Sixth street above Spring Garden, beautifully dtted up and handsomely decorated, was opened during the day for the inspection of visi+ tors, THR MILITARY, The Veteran Corps First Regiment, P. N. G., und the command of Colone! Charles 8. Smith, celebrated the day with an imposing street parade, accompanied by the First Regiment, P. N. G., Colonel R, Dale Ben- son commanding, and the oflicers of the First Division, This command acted as an escort to His Excellency Major General John F, Hartranft, Governor of Penny sylvania, and staff, and the commissioned officers of the First D.vision of Pennsylvania, and ates the parade proceeded to Voncert Hall, where, in addt tion to music by the regimegtal band of fifty perform ers, an addross was delive! by Adjutant Genera Latta. The Washington Greys Artillory Corps celebrated the day in an appropriate manuer. By invitation, the Weccacoe Legion joined them in escorting Company F, of Beverley, Captain Eckendorf, commanding. Tout Company F and the Legion wore the guests of the Greys this evening at a banquet, given at the armory on Lardner street, at which also Governor Hartrantt, Adjutant General Latta, Major General Bankson, Gen erals Muirhead and Thayer were present, TUE VETRRANS OF 1812, A meeting of the veterans of the war of 1812 war held at the old Court House, Sixth and Chestna streets, at eleven o'clock this morning. The venerable President, Peter Hay, occupied tho chair, and Mr. John B, Springer acted as secretary. The meeting wat called to order by the chaplain, Rev, Dr, H. Pulethorp Hay, who offered prayer. The annual address was then delivered by the Presi dent, who spoke as follows :— GENTLEMRN—Again with pleasure do I greet you aa we asgemble here to celebrate with due honors the natal day of the great chieftain of that Revolution whieh gave birth to the nation whose ten decades of years have been marked by continued increase in growth and strength, so that in the Centennial it can vie in glory and ability with the oldest of the nations or the might+ jest, George Washington, whether we consider hun a@ the private citizen, pure in morals, upright in conduct, or as a military officer, sharing with his soldiers the toils and hardships in their saddest days, and leadin; his troops to victory, or on his knees before the God o Dattles, pleading for Lis country—George Washington stands first in War, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen. A model character alike for th private citizen, the military leader, or the occupa: of the Presidential chair. I can recall the feel ings which stirred in my own heart when Commodore Joho FP. Beresiord with his fore blockaded the Delaware, cutting off tho com. merce of Philadelphia, threatening Lewistown and New Castle with destruction, and the alacrity with which two companies, the Independent Blues, com< manded by Captain Mitchell, and the Philadelp! Junior Artilletists, commanded by Captain J, H. Fisler, now ono of our Vice Presidents, volunteered their serv- ice, and were stationed for a short period at Fort Miillin. Of the Independent Blues not one alive atthis day, and of tho Junior Artillerists but Jacob H. Fisier, Gabriel Kern and myself. The committee who wore appointed at a previous meeting to consult with Director General Goshorn rel- | ative to the Centennial Exhibition, reported that they had had a conference with that gentleman, who stated that arrangements would be made by which a suitable place would be assigned to the Veterans on the opening of the Exhibition. Alter adopting a tribnte to the memory of the late Colonel John K. Murphy, the Veterans adjourned tothe St. Cloud Hotel to participate in their anoual | dinner. Other demonstrations were held by civic societios and military organizations, and in the evening Ind ndence Hall, the public build: generally, club ouses, hotels, stores and thousands of private houses were illuminated brilliantly, WASHINGTON, Wasuinatox, Feb. 22, 1876. The celebration of Washington’s Birthday here rather limited. The Oldest Inhabitants’ Association held | a mecting at eleven o'clock, at which Washingion’s Fare- woll Address was read by Mr. H. N. Easby and a patriotic ‘At twolve o'clock | oration delivered by Mr. N. Callan. the Fire Department paraded through the streets and 8 passed in review before the President, A salute tired this afternoon by the District artillery, The Fitt regiment of Maryland National Guards, of Baltim escorted by the Washington Light Infantry cory this city and preceded by the Marine id, on th way to Alexandria, passed up Pennsylvania avenue thi morning and paid a marching salute to the President, All the government departinents were closed and busi hess was generally suspended. ALEXANDRIA, Wasmixarox, Fob, 22, 1876, | In Alexandria many houses were decorated and the streets filled with people to witness the great parade, Thousands from Washington and the surrounding country were present. The procession was the largest that has ever taken place in Alexaudria, and was com- posed of six divisions, the first. division being tho military division, comprising the Fifth Maryland he ment, headed Dy their band and drum corps, the Ma- rine Band, the Washington Light Infantry corps, and the Columbia Cadets of Washington, and the St, John's Academy Cadets; the second division of fire and hook and ladder companies; and the third, fourth and fifth sions, of mounted knights, schools, and business d trade wagons; and the sixth of burlesque socie- ties. After the procession the military were banqne! and at vight a grand ball was given at Sarepta Mall, SYRACUSE, Synacvar, Feb, 22, 1876, Washington's Birthday was celebrated in Syracuse by the parade of the Fifty-first regiment and the firing of 100 guns. This evening public services were held in the Prosbyterian church, Mayor Crouse presided, Patriotic songs were sung. and Chancetlor Haven, of the University, delivered an oration on Washiggton, Flaga were displayed throughout the city. DOBTON. Bostoy, Mase,, Fots 22, 1876. The observance of the day here is very general, There was a heavy snow storm last night, but the weather moderated and the day is now clear and beauty fal. Business is generally suspended, Many festivals wero celebrated, the principal one hemg that of the Warron street chapel birthday festival at Music Hall, The votorans of 1812 held their semi-annual meeting inde Prarivitios. stved in the State Prison, and solema it the Cathedral. eting of the Massachusetts wit ‘The day was! mass wats dbrate: ‘he wixth annuversary’ | Abstinencé Society was held. Fully one thoosand person were in attendance, Addresses were delivered y Wendell Phillips and others. * NEWPORT. Newrorr, R. I., Feb, 22, 1876, Tho birthday of the Father of his Country was ap propriately observed bere to-day. Banks, schools, Post Office and Castom House were closed. The New. portarullery paraded and at noon, by order of Gov. ernor Lippitt, fired a salute of 100 guns, A salute wae also fired from the United States torpedo station, HARTFORD. Hantroro, Feb, 22, 1876, Washington’s Birthday was celebrated by literary exercises at Trinity College thisevening. An oration was delivered by [xaac Meister, of Reading, Pa, and @ by Henry Ogden Du Bois, of Fairbaull, Aina