The Litchfield County Post

LIVERPOOL.

Splendid Dinner in the Town Hall.

On Friday a very splendid entertainment was given by our excellent Chief Magistrate to Mr. Huskisson and a numerous party, comprising several distinguished strangers, some of whom the late election had brought to Liverpool. Among the company was that distinguished American senator, Mr. Randolph whose political and social talents are of the first order.--This gentleman appears to have visited our town merely as an intelligent and inquiring traveller; and we have great pleasure in observing the genuine hospitality and unaffected friendly feeling with which he has been received in many circles. On hearing of Mr Randolph being in Liverpool, our worthy representative (Mr Huskisson just re-elected a member of Parliament) sought him out with a congenial and friendly interest, which was as amiably intended as it has been heartily acknowledged. The Chief Magistrate lost not a moment in inviting him to his ever-hospitable board. In the course of the evening,

Mr. Huskisson rose to propose the health of Mr. Randolph, and in that feeling and impressive manner which is peculiar to him, complimented the Mayor and his guests on the presence of one who had always been the ardent and efficient advocate of whatever was morally and politically good in his native country; and whose uniform friendly feelings towards England could not but be grateful to every gentleman who heard him.--Mr. Randolph's health was received with the strongest demonstrations of regard.

Mr. Randolph, on rising to return thanks, said, those who had experienced sensations of a man suffering after a protracted and uneasy voyage by sea, and the privation incident to it, on his arrival at the wished-for shore, might form a small estimate of his when he saw the British land; but they could not duly appreciate his feelings on the change from all that is necessarily uncomfortable and cheerless to the animated and social reception he had met with since his arrival in Liverpool.--Mr. Randolph in a chaste and appropriate manner, expatiated on the blessings we here enjoy, and which are fostered and protected by the ablest ministers this country ever had. He said, he could never distinguish between the interests of America and England; whatever was beneficial to Liverpool, could not but be highly useful to New-York. The interest of the cotton planter and the cotton spinner were one and the same. The tobacco planter in America, and the merchant and manufacturer in England, who converted that plant into a source of industry and wealth, had but a common interest. Mr. Randolph after having assured the company that he felt proud of having English blood in his veins, concluded by proposing, as a toast, "The Town and Trade of Liverpool."

After suitable compliments to many distinguished individuals present, among whom was Mr. Huskisson's colleague, General Gascoyne, and Colonel Fitzclarence, Mr. Randolph arose again to propose a sentiment which he trusted would be received with unanimous good feeling: and hoped that, if any one was found who could not be warmed by the sentiment, he might pass his days in the absence of whatever was intellectually good and agreeable. He proposed, "England and America the Mother and the Daughter."

This toast, from its congeniality with what was once uttered by Mr. Canning in the same room, met with the warmest burst of enthusiasm, and Mr. Randolph won the heart and good wishes of every individual present.

As we like to record the opinions of all who are distinguished for sound or original views, we cannot avoid noticing the observation of Mr. Randolph on this evening to a gentleman who seemed to doubt the policy of continuing the forms of government which seems spreading over America. "Legislation," said Mr. Randolph, "is progressive and improving.--Laws are susceptible of daily amendment: but forms of government are rarely altered with advantage to any."

EXCURSION ON THE RIVER MERSEY.

On Thursday morning, a numerous party of the most respectable merchants, brokers and tradesmen of Liverpool assembled on board the Britannia and Hibernia steam packets, and took a short and pleasant excursion.--Amongst the invited gentlemen was the Hon. Mr. Huskisson: and though last not least, the Hon. John Randolph, of Roanoke, member of the Senate of the United States of America, embarked and made one of the party.

At a suitable time the company partook of a cold collation, and the choicest wines. C. W. Williams, Esq: gave a toast complimentary to Mr. Huskisson, and expressing great satisfaction at his re-election &c. &c.

Mr. Huskisson, in returning thanks for the flattering tribute of approbation, which had just been paid him, concluded by introducing to the company the Hon. John Randolph, Senator of the United States, and begging leave to propose the health of that gentleman. [Much applause and three times three cheers.]

Mr. Randolph, in returning thanks for the very handsome compliment which had unexpectedly been paid him, expressed himself proud and gratified in meeting so numerous and respectable a party of the gentlemen of this country, the parent of his own, many of whose most useful institutions, the trial by jury, the writ of habeas corpus, civil and religious liberty, and a representative constitution, had been formed upon the model of those which had been established in this great and happy nation, by the wisdom and public spirit of our common ancestors.--(Applause.) And as his country has wisely gleaned from this the benefit of all the grand essentials of civil policy, he trusted she would also emulate her in the acquirement of all those minor, but not less endearing virtues and graces of social life, of which he had now the happiness to witness so pleasing an example.-(Great applause.)--When he returned to the other side of the Atlantic, he should carry with him a grateful remembrance of the kind, attentive and hospitable reception he met with on this; --and his greatest pride and pleasure would be found in such opportunities as might be afforded him of manifesting the sincerity of his feelings, by a similar return, not only to any of the burgesses of Liverpool, but any of the natives of England, whom he might at any time have the pleasure of meeting there.--(Applause.) In conclusion, he would beg leave to propose as a toast, their own Liverpool, not the town of which they were so justly proud,--not its trade, of which they daily toasted the prosperity, -not its distinguished and talented representative, whose recent election did honor to their choice, but their noble Earl, the great and gifted man, at the head of the administration of the country.--(Great applause.) The toast having been drank with three times three.

Mr. Huskisson returned thanks on behalf of the noble Earl, for that flattering testimony of their respect. He said it was a fact that was not a little surprising that his noble friend had never yet visited the town from which his title had been taken. He knew, however, that he had a strong wish to do so, and he did hope that an early opportunity would be afforded him of sparing a short respite from the labour of his official duties, to devote to that purpose, certain as he was of the gratification he would experience in beholding the public spirit, and rising greatness, of the town second only in trade and importance to the metropolis of the kingdom.-[Repeated cheers.]

On returning, Mr. Huskisson and some other gentlemen were landed at a point more convenient to them--when Mr. Randolph, who had been completely "the lion" of the party, remained on the deck of the Britannia, holding the delighted attention of the company, in fixed but unwearied admiration of his enchanted conversational powers. He is in person rather above the middle stature, extremely thin visage, excessively wrinkled, and without beard; and the features, when in repose, which was rarely the case during this excursion, presenting the appearance of a man near 70 years of age, although we were told that he was but 55. His eye is quick, lively, and penetrating; his conversation animated, correct and delivered with perfect ease; his observations forcible and impressive; his whole countenance kindling with expression: his manners free, but unassuming, with an air of playful gayety, and the unrepressed vivacity of a very young man, --we had almost said of a boy. On taking his leave, he was greeted with the most cordial expressions of kindness, and as he descended the side of the vessel into the boat, he was saluted with three times three hearty cheers, which he returned by raising his hat from his head, and waving it in the air, exclaimed in the most emphatic tone, "Old England and young America: -United, what nation can harm or dare assail them ?"

As soon as Mr. Randolph had left the Britannia and gone on board a river steamer, he was surrounded by another group of men anxious to see Mr. R. and hear what might fall from his lips. An Irish gentleman asked him what would be the best cure for the miseries of Ireland. "I will give it to you in the words of the Bible, Unmuzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. The Irish peasant is deprived of his due and proper share of the fruit of the earth." Another gentleman observed, that he did not think Cobbett was qualified to sit in the House of Commons. "Cobbett not qualified to sit in the House of Commons!" exclaimed Mr. Randolph "Why, he has qualified himself for a seat in that house as a lady qualifies herself for the Magdalen Asylum.--by a life of prostitution to all parties, and being faithful to none." Speaking of man, Mr. R. said "He is naturally indolent, and all your contrivances of church and state, or by whatever other name they may be called, are that A may be idle while B works." Talking of property, "Society," said the sage, "cannot subsist without property.--If, in political revolution, property be divorced from power, power will soon go in search of property. A re-action then takes place. Property goes in search of power and they become once more united." "In all state revolutions," observed Mr. R. "endeavour to keep down the dregs of society. You can easily blow off the froth; but, if once you let the dregs get uppermost, depend upon it that the draught will be not blue, but black ruin." A gentleman was inquiring about the constitution of Virginia. "Why," said Mr. R. "we vote for representatives viva voce, on freehold suffrage; and we Virginians would as soon have our noses cut off as change the mode to voting by ballot." "Then, sir, your mode of voting is the same as in England?" "Aye, to be sure," replied Mr. Randolph. "Have we not been steering on the same course ever since we left you, without tacking or taking in sail ?--only we have thrown the King overboard. God bless him!" In reply to an inquiry whether he would be at his lodgings at a certain hour.--"Yes," said he, "I'll be there before that. I have only to go to the Custom-house about my luggage, and a Custom house oath, you know is easily swallowed."