Volume 18 — RESPONSE TO A TOAST.

Remarks at a Complimentary Dinner to Colonel John W. Forney, at Washington, January 28, 1871.

The occasion was one of farewell to Colonel Forney by his brother journalists, on his retirement from the editorship of the “Chronicle” and removal from Washington,—Mr. Sumner being one of a few invited guests.

After the toast to Colonel Forney, and his response, Mr. L. A. Gobright, of the Associated Press, at the call of the Chair rose and said:—

“Gentlemen,—The glory of a free people is the possession of a government founded upon justice. It is their duty at all times to defend it against assaults from without and the causes of ruin within. Education is an essential principle with a view to the elevation of morals. The political superstructure being a social necessity, controversies as to the architecture and materials to be employed only excite comment, and thus quicken the interest in the great results. The people, however, select the workmen: Congress to make the laws; the Judiciary to expound them; the President to administer them; and the Press to record them with comments, either of censure or favorable, as the public interests may demand. We have heard from the Press; it is but just that we should now hear from Congress,—from one who is a native and a resident of a part of the country the people of which have long been familiar with the subject of Constitutions for the purpose of securing religious and political freedom. I therefore, in the name of this Society and at the command of our President, respectfully call upon the Hon. Charles Sumner to respond to—

“‘The Government of the United States: The Press records with pride the acts of the executive and legislative branches to secure the honor of the nation abroad and its prosperity at home.’”

Mr. Sumner, responding, said:—

Really, Mr. President, when I listened to the remarks of our excellent Mr. Gobright upon Education, Architecture, and various other important topics, I could not see how he could land on me. [Laughter.] By what process I am to-night in that line is past my comprehension. I am still further mystified when called to respond for the Government. [Laughter.]

Mr. President, do I represent the Government? [Laughter and applause.] I wish I did, but I fear that I do not. I do represent Massachusetts,—[“That’s so!”]—the venerable Commonwealth who gives me permission to speak for her. And yet, as I am called to speak of the Government, I am reminded of an incident which may not be familiar to all, as I do not remember to have seen it in print, of what occurred to Joseph Bonaparte, when, after the overthrow of his family, leaving France, he sought a home on this side of the ocean, and reaching New York, he looked about for a soldier or gendarme, or at least a policeman, to whom he could exhibit his passport. There was none within sight or call, when, at last, he exclaimed: “This is the first country where I ever found myself in which I could not find the Government.” I believe that you are not more fortunate to-night, when you call upon me to speak for the Government, than was Joseph Bonaparte, ex-King of Spain, when he landed in New York. [Laughter and applause.] We are of course talking confidentially here,—[“Oh, yes, of course!”]—and yet, if you will allow me to allude to the Government, I will say that I do wish this Government of ours may be so good and great, so true and brave, that it may become an example of republican institutions, by which they may be commended throughout the world. [Applause.] I am a believer in republican institutions, and I do earnestly wish that my country should be a most persuasive example.

But you are thinking more of your guest than of the Government, and, however I may be addressed, I am only a witness here to-night. I witness the honors bestowed and received. The two parties are the gentlemen of the press in Washington, of the first part, and my honored friend, John W. Forney, of the second part. [Applause.] The rest are witnesses only.

If a witness might speak, I would declare the pleasure I feel in this instance of fellowship and harmony, as honorable to the many hosts as to the single guest. Such an example will do something to smooth those differences which, unhappily, are too often the incident of public life. And yet this token is natural. Are we not told that we shall reap as we have sown? And has not your guest sown always the seeds of kindness and goodwill? [Applause, and cries of “That’s so!”] And, therefore, should he not now reap his reward? My own friendly relations began when there were many differences between us; but I remember continually the personal amenity, superior to all differences, by which I was won to him.

In leaving Washington, he goes from one circle of friends to another circle, of which we have honored representatives here to-night. I cannot wish for him more than that he may be as happy and welcome with them as he has been with you.

Our guest, only a moment ago, in conversation alluded to this Saturday evening, which so peculiarly belongs to gentlemen of the Press, as reminding of the “Cotter’s Saturday Night,” the exquisite poem of Burns. He will allow me to quote words peculiarly applicable:—

[Laughter.]

Such is your case to-night, unless you are connected with a Sunday paper. [Laughter.] Your weekly moil is at an end. Allow me to wish that when it is again renewed, it may be with heart strengthened and soul refreshed by the social enjoyment of to-night.