17
Nine cheers were given for the President, and the band played "Hail Columbia," the company all standing.
John Brougham here being called upon for a comic song, said, "Mr. President, with pleasure." He then gave, (what appeared to be a version of his own,) "The Rale Ould Irish Gentleman," with such a funny brogue, as to keep the company in a roar the whole time he was singing. He was warmly applauded.
The President in introducing the fourth toast, spoke of the rapid strides cricket had made in England during the last century. He alluded to several great cricketers, including Ward, Lord Fred. Beauclerk, &c. Ward made the longest score, and remained longer in than any man who ever played. The President also gave a history of the All-England Eleven, out of whom arose the United All-England Eleven, and to these two clubs they were indebted for the pleasure of the company of the gentlemen who were at the table that evening. He called attention to the fact that these men, many of whom had never been at sea before, had come three thousand miles to play a game of Cricket, and he trusted soon these international games would become general, so that billiards, of which the champion was in New York—(applause)—and rackets would also have their representatives from England. He gave—
- 5. The All-England Eleven—Our guests to-night.
The customary nine cheers were given for the guests, and Mr. Philips sang "The Englishman."
Mr. George Parr, Captain of the All-England Eleven, responded, stating that he and his men were not public speakers; if they were they could hardly respond to the kindness extended to them. If the Great Eastern succeeded, he hoped these matches would be often played, and he trusted to meet the St. George's people in England. There was a gentleman in America named Morphy, who had beaten all Europe at Chess. He hoped he would be pardoned if he said that they, (the All-Englanders,) had beaten the St. George's men at Cricket. He trusted then, that peace and happiness would attend them all.
In introducing the next toast, the President read a letter from the Mayor, apologizing for his absence on professional grounds. He expressed his best wishes for the welfare of the St. Georges Club.
The President then gave—
- 5. The Mayor and Corporation of New York.
The toast was received with six cheers, and the glee, "Mynheer Van Dunck," by the Glee Club.
