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PAPERS OF :MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
No. 1544 183,9 Nov. 27, ACCOUNT OF DINNER TO GEN. HOUSTON 16 DINNER TO GEN. HOUSTON. :Many of the citizens of the Republic, assembled at the City of Austin, desirious of testifying their respect for General Sam Houston, and their gratitude for his services, invited him to partake of a public dinner to be given on Thursday the 14th instant. The dinner was hand- somely served up by Mr. Hall, and about two hundred persons sat down to the table, which was prepared for a much larger number; but the inclemency of the day prevented their attendance. -After the cloth was removed, the following regular toasts were drank : 1. Our mother country, the United States :-First in our affections and first in our remembrance. [Three cheers.] [sic] 2. Our illustrious guest, General Sam Houston, the hero of San Jacinto:-His name and his glorious deeds are identified with the his- tory of Texian Independence. [3 times 3.J [sic] 3. The President of the Republic. 4. The Vice President of the Republic. 5. The Army and Navy :-They have a name among other nations: may the laurels they have gained never be tarnished. 6. The Two Houses of Congress :-l\Iay justice, prudence, zeal, and ability, pervade their councils. 7. The fallen Heroes of the Revolution :-Their achievements are more durable monuments of national glory, than brazen statues or marble vases. 8. Freedom of opinion and liberty of speech :-The great safety- valves of republican government. 9. The Judiciary :-Its decisions should be based upon Integrity and Independence, and guided by Wisdom and :Moderation. -10 The Currency of the country :-It should be based upon agri- culture and commerce, and sustained by industry and economy. At the conclusion of the regular toasts, General Houston responded to the sentiment in one of the most eloquent speeches we ever remem- ber to have heard; and impressed us with a more favorable opinion of his powerful intellect and generous devotion to his country, than we before entertained. Many passages of his speech were strikingly bril- liant. At the close of which, he offered the following sentiment: Texas :-If true to herself, she can be false to no one. Several toasts were preparred [sic] by the committee of arrangements and offered bv the several members thereof. By John D. M:'Leod.-Hon. anson Jones :-The gentleman and the soldier, the legislator and the diplomatist; he has been tried and ap- proved by the people. Dr. Jones responded, and gave the following sentiment:- Redemption to our currency; not by loans, but by industry, economy, and wiser legislation. By Charles Schoolfield.-Hon D. S. Kaufman, Speaker of the House
1 •Printed in the Austin Oity Gazette.
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