here, render it impossible for me to visit you on the present occasion. I will therefore offer you the following sentiment:
Benjamin Franklin:—The Printer, Patriot and Philosopher,
His was the mighty mind,
That dared conceive the bold design,
Of leading Lightning captive.
In every clime monuments of his greatness have been reared to shield mankind from the bolts of heaven. Printers will ever adore him whom the elements obey, and the electric spark of love thrill every heart at the mention of his name.
With respect, &c,
M. P. Christian.
To Messrs. P. Canfield, Geo. Dawson, &c, Com.
From L. Mills, of the Palladium Office, Oswego.
Oswego, Jan. 11, 1847.
Gentlemen:—Your circular informing me of the determination of the Printers of your city to celebrate the approaching "anniversary of the birth-day of the immortal Franklin, and soliciting my attendance or a communication," etc., was duly received. Desirous of meeting with you and our typographical brethren who will assemble on that occasion, and hoping that it might be in my power to do so, I have delayed a compliance with your request for an early response until the present time, for the purpose of enabling me to communicate a positive reply. But I regret to inform you that my engagements are such that I cannot consistently be with you on the occasion referred to; and that I must deny myself the unfeigned pleasure and gratification which such an interview with my fellow-craftsmen would afford me.
It is a proud reflection for the members of our profession that their great American Prototype—one of the earliest pioneer Printers of our country—was the exemplary citizen, the true patriot, the great statesman, and the profound philosopher—Benjamin Franklin; and it is highly creditable to the taste and public spirit of the Printers of your city that they have engaged in and resolved to continue the celebration of his birth-day—an era in the history of the world which will never be forgotten while intellect is appreciated and virtue honored.
Let the memory of Franklin be generously cherished by the craft; let his virtue and his deeds be perpetuated and made examples for all who may now or hereafter profit by their imitation; and let his countrymen, grateful for his early and zealous devotion to the cause of their Independence, ever preserve in their recollections, and regard in their action, his wise precepts and patriotic counsels.
I trust that these Festivals will be continued from year to year, and that each succeeding one will exhibit an improvement upon the former, by engendering increased regard for the welfare of all those belonging to the craft, and renewed zeal in the promotion of ail its various interests.
In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to offer you the following sentiment:
The Junior Members of our Craft: May they study the history and emulate the virtues of the great and good Franklin, and learn from his example that happiness is the reward of integrity and benevolence, and success the fruit of industry and perseverence.
In haste, respectfully and truly, yours,
L. Mills
To P. Canfield and others, Committee.
From Rufus A. Reed, Esq., of the Cortland Co Whig.
Homer, N. Y., Dec. 17, 1846.
Gentlemen:—The obligation of engagements, such as all Printers can appreciate, and with which they can sympathize, will prevent my acceptance of your kind invitation for the 18th of January. How deeply I regret it, I need not say.
Blessing on the memory of Franklin! His mission it was—and no man fulfilled it so well—to dignify labor—to exalt the character of the working man. He built upon the foundation of the mechanic, the superstructure of the philosopher, the statesman, the sage; and while he omitted no grace, he exerted every energy. Your remembrance of his value to the age which he adorned, is worthy of those who follow his craft, and who practice his sound precepts.
Accept the following sentiment, and believe me that I wish yon all joy at your noble Festival:
The American Laborer: It is the glory of our country that he is the synonyme of the American Citizen.
With high respect, yours, truly,
Rufus A. Reed.
To P. Canfield, Chairman of Committee.
From George Dawson, Esq., Associate Editor of the Albany Evening Journal.
Albany, January 15, 1847.
Gentlemen:—I have delayed communicating with you until the last moment, because I hoped to be able to attend your Festival in person. Circumstances, however, render it impossible. This, to me, is a source of deep regret; for I have looked forward to your Celebration with great interest. I know how much I shall lose, because I know how much you have done to render the occasion "a feast of reason and a flow of soul."
The Printers of Rochester and Western New York have set a noble example to their brethren elsewhere. The spirit of the craft had lost its lustre. Many of its "high places" had been filled by those who have not "from youth up," inhaled the heart-expanding atmosphere of the Printing Office. However high-minded and honorable such men may be—however desirous of dealing justly by their journeymen, they cannot fully understand us, for they have not imbibed that inexpressible but felt sympathy which exists between practical Printers everywhere.
This state of things, more than any other, has tended, of late years, to render less frequent than formerly, these Typographical reunions. But you have removed the embargo, and trust your good example may be generally followed. It becomes those whose proudest boast it is that we have passed through every grade of the profession, to show to others that the disciples of Faust and Franklin, appreciate the dignity
