Page:History of the Press in Western New York (1847).djvu/27

Rh courts, and who, in his philosophical researches and moral teachings, reflected honor upon our young Republic, and entitled him to the lasting gratitude of our countrymen, in all succeeding generations. As he was, too, one of the pioneers of our craft on this continent, it is peculiarly proper that the Printers should celebrate the birth-day of one whose whole life was devoted to the edification and happiness of his fellow-man.

The Baltimore Typographical Society returns you, gentlemen, the warm hand of friendship, with the best wishes that your Festival may pass off to the satisfaction and happiness of all who may participate therein.

The following sentiment you may offer, if you think proper, in behalf of our Society:

Benjamin Franklin: Though no majestic column of brass or marble is raised to perpetuate his fame, his name and memory will live as long as liberty continues to have a votary, or the storm-cloud to be charged with electricity.

With high respect, I am, gentlemen,

Your fellow-craftsman,

,

Cor. Sec. Baltimore Typ. Society.

From, Esq., Foreman of the Book Establishment of the Messrs. Harper, New-York.

, Jan. 12, 1847.

To Philemon Canfield, and others:

Gentlemen:—Through the politeness of the Hon. James Harper, we have just been gratified with the perusal of the "Circular" you addressed to him, in which yoy request some "sentiment" from those employed in the establishment of the Messrs. Harpers. We cheerfully comply; but we have, been admonished to do so speedily, and we must therefore be brief. Allow us to express our pleasure at the kind spirit and brotherly love which pervade your communication. How much it is to be regretted that this fraternal spirit is not more common among the craft! The seeds of jealousy and distrust have been sown among us, and we are no longer brothers. We know of no means better calculated to bring about and perpetuate a feeling of harmony and union among the craft then festivals such as the present; and, thus thinking, we hail the return of the birth-day of the Immortal, with no ordinary gratification. As we cannot be present with you we send you our best wishes for your enjoyment, and hope this anniversary may be fruitful in beneficial results, and contribute much to bring about a sentiment of good-fellowship among Printers throughout the Union. We send you the following sentiments, to be used at your pleasure:

By F. Saunders—Benjamin Franklin: The Bacon of the New World—a "tria juncta in una"—Philosopher, Patriot, and Printer: his name and fame equal the glory of Science, Literature, and his Native Land.

By P. Baldwin.—Benjamin Franklin: A perfect specimen of Nature's noblemen.

By J. Cheetham—Franklin and the Press: The man who first grasped the lightning—his craftsmen have made it their messenger. Hope now points to the latter as the engine which is to give Knowledge, Liberty and Love to the world.

By T. Cook—The International Copy Right: Justice to others, opportunity for native talent, and a great step to regain the respectability for our art which it once had.

By D. Montesquieu Hodges—The Typographical Art: May it hurriedly be rid of all mere animal, and may he receive his just reward (the supreme contempt of all honorable and high-minded men,) who would even attempt to supersede them by machinery minerally and vegetably compounded.

By G. Stremmell—Benjamin Franklin: May each and all of us present a title-page to the world with as few imperfections as him whose virtues we are here met to commemorate.

By Peter B. Mead—The Art of Printing: The second "Light of the world," and handmaid of the first: may its rays penetrate and enlighten every recess of the habitable globe.

Very respectfully yours,

.

From Messrs., Proprietors of the Chicago Journal. ., Dec. 4th, 1846.

Gentlemen:—Your Circular of invitation soliciting our attendance at the Festival to be given in your city, in honor of, is before us.

The pleasure it would give to us to be present on the occasion, be assured, would afford us the highest gratification: that while mingling with the craft around the festive board, we might be reminded the more forcibly of the lofty character and brilliant virtues of that "Printers' Boy" whose birth-day yon invite us to honor in your company. But we regret that the press of business and sorts of that type forbid our acceptance of your polite invitation, and hence this sheet.

Be pleased, therefore, to accept the assurances of ourselves, and your typographical brethren in our office, of our regard, and believe us to be, with the following sentiments which we offer,

Very respectfully,

Yours, truly,

.

By R. L. Wilson—Whilst it look a Franklin first to guide the lighting to the earth, it was reserved for a Morse to govern and render it useful after its arrival. Air, "Quick Step."

By N. C. Geer—Benjamin Franklin: The most exalted excellence, in the most condensed form.

By J. M. Patten—Copy: It takes the fattest kind to afford a lean Rat a good living.

By J. J. Langdon—May the printers never think of the double line, until they are satisfied they can raise a form. [Our Devil offers the bet of a pound of butter, that this gentleman is an old bachelor.]

By Wm. F. Gregory—The rule of our action: May printers not always depend upon brass.

By G. E. Brown—The "West" in general, and "Chicago" in particular. Nature's fairest impression!

By A. Garrett—The Sheets that are in the wind: May they speedily be wet down with cold water.