Daily Democrat And News

The Ceremonies on Washington's Birthday.

Saturday last was a great day—one long to be remembered by citizens old and young. The suggestions of the President in reference to observing the birthday of Washington with appropriate ceremonies was heartily acted upon. On no public occasion, on no week day was there ever such an unanimous consent to abstain from business in this city. From ten o'clock until four, every store and business place in the city, with but few exceptions was closed. The city was crowded with people, and all seemed thoroughly imbued with the greatness of the occasion.

At two o'clock, Metropolitan Hall was thrown open, and thither the people flocked by hundreds to participate in the ceremonies of the day—the reading of Washington's Farewell Address, etc., as set forth in the programme. Such a crowd! We have never seen its equal in this city. The hall was crowded to suffocation—every seat was crowded, every inch of standing room in the aisles, on the stand, on the stairs, the lobby and the gallery, was occupied and held by anxious listeners. Hundreds came and went away for want of room. Three halls of the same capacity might have been well filled.

The Address was read by the Rev. H. N. Powers. The reading occupied an hour and upwards, after which Hiram Price, Esq., took the stand. He was followed by Geo. S. C. Dow, Esq., and he by Hon. John P. Cook.

The Address was listened to with the most reverent respect, and we hope it took a deep effect upon those present. Heaven knows there is great need that the majority of that audience learn it by heart and heed its teachings. It has been too much forgotten. There is probably not an Abolitionist in the country who takes any stock whatever in the document. May the people of these United States learn it and remember it. The country will be all the better for it—rebellions would never occur among us, and the equilibrium of the Government would never be disturbed.

The speech of Mr. Price was made in his usual style, containing many bright and striking points, and many hits and allusions that had no business in a gathering of that kind. Particularly did he bear down upon the recent reception at the Presidential mansion, and uttered such language as some might infer rubbed pretty hard upon the person of the President and that of his better half. He questioned in a very caustic manner the patriotism, as well as the propriety of such a proceeding. On taking his seat, Mr. Dow took the stand and, in the course of his five minutes of agreeable talk, joined issue with Mr. Price on the reception question—on the patriotism and proper conduct of the Presidential family. He thought that Mr. Lincoln should be allowed to hold his receptions, and that his policy was right and should receive the countenance and support of every man in the Union. Next came Mr. Cook upon the stand, and among other good things stated, that he belonged to no "healthy political organization," but went in for upholding the policy of the President, receptions or no receptions, hoops or no hoops! The sparring brought the house down. Mr. Price denied any intention of "locking horns" with anybody on political matters at that place. He meant nothing of personal nature.

The proceedings were interspersed with music from the Männerchor, Davenport Musical Union, and the Band.
The following resolutions were adopted:

Whereas, In connection with the glorious tidings of the surrender of Fort Donelson, we have the sad intelligence that citizens of this county laid down their lives as a sacrifice upon the altar of our country, in the attainment of the greatest achievement which our Government has accomplished in its struggle with treason, and desiring as a community to pay the last and only tribute of respect to the memory of our fallen brave. Therefore be it

Resolved, That, as citizens of Davenport and of Scott county, we request the privilege of having the bodies of our noble dead brought back to rest, among friends, in friendly soil, and that the Committee of Finance, appointed at a meeting of our citizens held at the Le Claire House on Wednesday morning last, be and they are hereby instructed to place at the disposal of a committee, to be appointed by this meeting, such proportion of the funds now in their hands, or that may be hereafter subscribed, as said last mentioned committee shall find necessary to carry out this resolution.

Resolved, That John L. Swift, David S. True and John L. Davies be and they are hereby appointed a committee to provide for the return of the bodies of our dead, and to make arrangements for their interment.