Phenix Gazette

THE PARIS DINNER.

From the Paris Citizen.

PUBLIC SENTIMENT

On Monday last, the 16th inst. the Public Dinner given to Mr. Clay, by the citizens of Bourbon county in conformity to previous arrangement, took place on the Green below Paris. Although we had formed high expectations, from the splendid preparations which were making, and the zeal that seemed to animate many of our citizens, we confess we were agreeably disappointed. Notwithstanding the heavy fall of rain on the preceding evening and the appearance of rain on Monday, this was by far the most splendid, and numerously attended entertainment ever given in the county. At an early hour of the day, crowds began to pour into town, from all quarters. Our streets soon became thronged. About 12 o'clock the sound of martial music announced Mr. Clay's approach. All was now eagerness to see the man who was the pride of Kentucky, made peculiarly dear to us, from the base and infamous persecution with which he has been assailed. In a few moments we could distinctly see the approach of a numerous procession, of citizens who had met Mr. Clay at many places on the road as far as the county line to greet him on his arrival. The Committee of invitation. (who had received him at the county line,) moved in front of the procession, followed by MR. Clay, in a carriage, flanked by Capt. G. W. Williams's handsome company of Infantry, followed by an immense crowd of citizens on horseback. As the procession advanced along Main-Street, he was greeted by the salutations and animated countenances of immense crowds who, upon the occasion, had assembled to give him a grateful reception. The windows were crowded by Ladies, who by their smiles and salutations, gave interest and animation to the scene. At Timberlake's Hotel the Procession halted a few minutes were the committee of Arrangements received Mr. Clay. From thence they proceeded on foot to the Green, upon which the Dinner was prepared. The rout to the place of festivity was through an almost innumerable assemblage of spectators; and several times. from the pressure of the crowd, the procession was compelled to halt. Before approaching the arbours the ladies had formed in two lines. to welcome his arrival, who received him with the most gracious and cheerful smiles, as he passed them to the arbour, where the gay and the young were dancing to the music of a fine band. The preparations for dinner were very extensive and elegant. Unfortunately for the occasion, there was a fall of rain after the first table had dined, which made it necessary for all the Ladies and many of the gentlemen; to retire to town; the rain soon passed over, when they generally returned--when Dinner was over, the Toasts were drank, (about 4 o'clock) amidst the reiterated Cheers of the company. We are perfectly unable to estimate the number present. It was certainly greater than we have seen on any occasion. Public opinion varies from five to eight thousand. Those accustomed to armies, to see the parade of large bodies of troops, fix the number at the highest estimate. But for the interruption occasioned by the rain, the day was harmoniously and happily spent. Capt. Wm. Garrard, acted as President and John L. Hickman Esq. as vice President of the Day.

TOASTS.

1st. The People of the United States- Free, enlightened, liberal and just; the Patriot Statesman reposes with confidence upon their Justice and Candor, and looks, to their award as a deliverance from calumny and detraction.

2d. The memory of our Immortal Washington--His name will forever stand a proud monument,

"Unhurt amidst the war of Faction.

The wreck of Party, and the crush of States."

3d. General La Fayette--Venerable Warrior!--Thy name and thy deeds, associated with our immortal Washington, will live forever.

4th. Our Distinguished Guest, HENRY CLAY--Father of the "AMERICAN SYSTEM," Mediator of Missouri; the friend of his Country, and of Man;--where is the Kentuckian who will not proudly say, He is my Countryman?

After Mr. Clay's health was drank; which was followed by long continued cheers, he addressed the company at some length, we regret that it is out of our power to lay before our readers this most splendid effort of genius--we will never forget the emotions we felt, nor the electric effect with which it transported the crowd--he was frequently interrupted by the enthusiastic applause of the people--his efforts throughout was worthy of himself and the great cause he defended.

5th. The President of the United States, "Let the Tree be judged by its Fruit."--The Fruit is good; we will not cut down the Tree.

6th. The members of Congress from Kentucky, who voted for John Q. Adams as president of the United States--The wisdom of that vote has already been attested by the measures of the Administration.

7th. The "AMERICAN SYSTEM"-- Having for its object the improvement of the Physical and Moral condition of our Country, the development of its resources, and the protection and encouragement of its Industry. If we would Support it, we must support its friends.

8th. Kentucky--True to herself; she can neither be allured nor driven from her principles long fixed, nor her interest well understood.

9th. The charges of "management, intrigue, "bargain and corruption," which have been propagated for more than two years by the "Combination;" without an author, and without a witness--their source is at length discovered; now let us have the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

10th. The officers of the state and nation- They are instituted for the public good; they should be filled by those best qualified, without an eye to individual or private advantage.

11th. Our Sister Republics of South America--May they agree not to disagree.

12th. Suffering Greece--May the Christian world at once unite and snatch her from the Iron grasp of the blood-thirsty followers of Mahomet, and declare her free, regenerated and independent.

13th. The Kentucky fair-. All nature swears, the lovely dears, Her noblest work she classes O; Her 'prentice hand she try'd on man, And then she made the lasses O.

[Owing to the want of room, we are unwillingly necessitated to omit publishing the Volunteer Toasts.]

What a triumph of principle--to see the man who has by his patriotism and wisdom contributed so much to the prosperity of his country, receiving the spontaneous expression of their gratitude and attachment--these feelings were always felt for Mr. Clay by the plain republican people of Bourbon It is the vile attack of his enemies which at this time has occasioned such a display of them. Let his enemies be assured, that the more they persecute him, the nearer do they place him in the affections of the people; he is emphatically a people's man, he has risen from amongst them without friends or fortune to advance him. It is the force of his own mighty genius and his constant fidelity to his country's best interests, that has given him his present exalted popularity and standing.

Alexandria Museum,

Open daily from 10 to 12, A. M. and from 3 to 5, P. M.