392 Festival of the 



though he pretended that he was not married, because he had never tried, 

 was yet known to have made more propositions, and received more rejec- 

 tions, than probably any man living. He was in the habit, too, of making 

 his propositions after a very short acquaintance. 



Upon one occasion, he met with a lady in a rail-road car, who particularly 

 struck his fancy. He procured an introduction to her, and set about his 

 usual attentions. The lady, having been informed of his habit, humored 

 the matter through the day. As they approached the end of the day's 

 journey, the gentleman made*his usual proposition of marriage. The lady 

 replied with great seriousness, — that the subject which he had proposed 

 was a very important one, and ought not to be hastily decided, — that she 

 would take a little time to consider it, and if he would call at her house in 

 the morning, she would give him an answer, as in the meantime she could 

 consult her husband. 



He had actually offered himself, Mr. President, to a married lady. Just 

 such, sir, has been my fate all day, in seeking a subject for a speech to- 

 night. Every one I applied to, has turned out to be either engaged or mar- 

 ried to somebody else. And Heaven forbid that I should break off any 

 match. 



Beset by all these difficulties, sir, I repeat that I cannot make a speech 

 to-night, and as a memento of my sufferings all day, I give you as a senti- 

 ment — 



The Misery of Table Public Speaking — Equalled only by that of seeking a wife in 

 vain. 



The President then gave : — 



The American Institute — Tlie entrenched guard for the rights of the agriculturist, and 

 the promotion of American manufactures. A union for great resuHs, and national honor. 



Hon. Mr. Meigs, of New York, responded on behalf of the Institute. 

 He said that he was there as the servant of that body, which was full of 

 admiration of the taste, genius, and unparalleled industry of Boston. Nor 

 did any feeling of envy or jealousy exist in the minds of that institution. 

 The delegates were instructed to offer a most cordial and earnest invitation 

 to those present, to visit the Fair of the Institute, which was to be held in 

 October next. This invitation was cordially received. Mr. Meigs offered 

 the following toast : — 



Boston, and her splendid gardens, and her rail-roads to them. 



At this time, Mrs. Hamilton and several other of the distinguished guests 

 retired, and all present rose as they passed from the room. 



The following sentiments were then announced from the chair : — 



The LaAVs— The love-plants of earth's garden, who twine their affectionate tendrils 

 round man's nature, shielding him from noxious blasts, rejoicing with him in the full- 

 leafed summer of his prosperity, and clinging to him with unaltered love through the 

 dreary winter of ruin and decay. 



The City of New York — The giant granary of Uncle Sam's farm, whose sons are 

 continually between the shafts of the plough of improvement, and are the factors of the 

 profits of the establishment. 



