Washington's Birthday by Various
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page 16 of 297 (05%)
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Second Street, near Race Street.' According to a Philadelphia newspaper
account, the company was numerous and truly respectable, and among the guests on that occasion were the Governor of Pennsylvania, Thomas Mifflin, and Mr. Muhlenberg, Speaker of the House of Representatives. At all these patriotic banquets it was customary to give as many toasts as there were States in the Union, so that during the early years we invariably find that thirteen toasts was the rule. As new States were added, however, extra toasts were added to the list. Just when this custom died out can perhaps not be definitely determined, but probably the rapid increase of the States may have had something to do with it, as the diners probably saw that it was taxing their drinking abilities too heavily with the addition of each new State. However, at this Philadelphia celebration the toasts were fifteen, as two new States had recently been added, and among some of the most interesting are the following: The people of the United States--May their dignity and happiness be perpetual, and may the gratitude of the Nation be ever commensurate with their privileges. The President of the United States--May the evening of his life be attended with felicity equal to the utility and glory of its meridian. The Fair Daughters of America--May the purity, the rectitude, and the virtues of their mind ever continue equal to their beauty and external accomplishments. The Republic of France--Wisdom and stability to her councils, success to her armies and navies, and may her enemies be |
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