a Mail, that 'can't be beat' by Uncle Sam's, or any of 'that sort'—a Bee, that collects much honey from a band of practical Printers—an Eagle, that aims to soar in a purely 'Native' element—a Star, which shoots where'er a funny Corporal sends it—a real Whig, battling strongly against human oppression—a Herald, young and active—and last, though least only in size, a Chronotype, the impress of the present and a 'Wright' index of the future. We have also 4 evening dailies—comprising a Transcript, with a Lady Editor and 'host of admirers'—a Journal, of events on land and 'Bubbles' at sea—a Traveller, which 'girdles' New England much more faithfully than Puck did the earth—and a Herald the eldest twin of its morning brother. The residue of our periodical publications consist of weeklies and semi and tri-weeklies, devoted to all subjects now in public contemplation.
Since the days of Franklin, there have been improvements in our art much greater than there have been in the language. The styles and faces of types have been constantly changing and gradually approaching perfection, until it now really seems as if the ne plus ultra of taste and elegance in 'letter' had been reached. Prices have been also reduced, so that any enterprising Printer, with a few 'quoins' in his pocket, and leaded matter in his head, can easily procure the materials to set up shop, and thus press his way, sometimes to fortune, and ever to fame. Undoubtedly, as a class, our laborers are among those receiving the least reward pecuniarily—but it should be a source of honorable satisfaction to know that we are leaders who can't be left out of any line of progress in the great body politic.
I have intimated that there has not been much comparative improvement in our language, but allow me, as a convert to, and practitioner of Phonotypby, (spelling by sound, or pronunciation,) to say a word in favor of that system. It relieves the language entirely of those almost inexplicable and really absurd characteristics which render it so difficult for foreigners to master, and in the simiplest manner possible illustrates the pure Saxon dialect. It will restore Babel to harmony, and prove the great instrumentality by which all Nations shall 'see eye to eye'—the advent of the 'good time coming,' in the Millennium. And for this great reform, your own Rochester has furnished a most able Teacher and Lecturer, in the person of Mr. Augustus F. Boyle—which will some day be a proud 'fixed fact' in the history of letters.
But as my form is nearly full, I must close up in few words. The name and fame of Franklin are indeed the Nation's treasures; but it cannot be denied that the Art of Arts followed by him in his youth, was the inducing agency which made the sure foundation for his future greatness. His example is truly a worthy model for the imitation of all members of our craft in all times and climes: yet let us remember the enlightening influences of our profession are open to us as to him, and that with a devoted application to its powers, we are under the greatest teaching granted by the great Author of Intelligence.
I will conclude by sending a sentiment:
Printing: The powerful lever, based upon the fulcrum of Thought, by which the mental world shall be lifted into an orbit of light and knowledge inferior only to the brilliancy and glory of Heaven.
A. H. Bailey.
Our hands send you the following sentiments.
By Elizur Wright, Esq., Editor of the Boston Chronotype—The Pavors of the High Road to Immortality to others: beginning at the lower end may they finish their job at the summit.
By F. A. Cheever, Foreman—The Printers of Rochester: Worthy of all praise for their regular and spirited celebration of this Anniversary. May their example be imitated until the "Franklin Festival" shall be proverbial throughout the Union.
By A. H. Bailey—The cities of Rochester and Boston: The indispensable granaries of the New World: the one for the body, the other for the mind.
By Daniel K Chase—Printers of Rochester: We are with you, not in form but in heart. May our interests be linked together with that Telegraph whose magnet is brotherly love.
By Frank Eastman—The Printers of Rochester: When they have surmounted the proud eminence attained by the illustrious member of the craft, the Anniversary of whose Birth-day they are now met to celebrate, may they still keep in view the noble motto of their noble State—"Excelsior !"
Rochester: The "Bread City"—both for bran and brain.
To the unmarried Printers of Rochester: May they, when locked up in the chase of matrimony, be so well justified as never to fall out.
Rochester: Its mills furnish the best flour in all our Northern borders, which gives fat takes to every body that loafs upon it.
The Printer Volunteers: May they handle their shooting-sticks with the best success, and may their forms be returned from the squabble unbattered.
The Ladies of Rochester: The fairest Nonpariels in the case of womanhood—of beautiful fact and elegant form. May they ever be well matched, and prove the founts of happiness for innumerable castings.
The Type-Setting Machine—More "infernal" than Fiesch's, and better adapted for raising hell then all the devils this side of Pandemonium.
From T. H. Hyatt, Esq., Editor of the Daily Globe.
New York, Jan. 14, 1847.
Gentlemen: Your letter inviting me to meet with my fellow craftsmen of Rochester and Western New York, to commemorate the Anniversary of the birth-day of the immortal Franklin, came to hand this day. I know you will need no assurance of my sincerity, when I say to you it would afford me the most heartfelt satisfaction to meet once again and exchange cordial greetings with my brother Printers of Western New York; and especially gratifying would it be to me to meet you on go interesting an occasion as that of
