GREAT RAILWAY JUBILEE AT NEW YORK, MEETING of the AMERICAN PRESIDENT and the GOVERNOR-GENERAL of CANADA. [From the St James's Chronicle.] New York, Sept. 20.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 617, 13 March 1852, Page 3

GREAT RAILWAY JUBILEE AT NEW YORK, MEETING of the AMERICAN PRESIDENT and the GOVERNOR-GENERAL of CANADA. [From the St James's Chronicle.] New York, Sept. 20.

The two great local events of the hour are the annual fair at Rochester, in this State, and the | celebration of the opening of the lines of railways connecting Boston with the Canadas. The Canadians have come in large force to both these celebrations. | Lord Elgin arrived at the depot of the Western Road at five o'clock, the day before yesterday. The city government, the cadets known as the " governor's guards," and a large crowd of citizens were gathered to receive him. Lord Elgin saluted all who approached him by a hearty shake of the hand, and was cheered most enthusiastically by the assemblage. Lord Elgin was accompanied by Lord Mark Kerr, Major Cotton, his aides, and his brother, Colonel Bruce. The Lord Mayor welcomed him as follows: — Your Excellency, —ln the name of my fellow-citi-zens, I welcome you to the metropolis of New England. We recognise you not only as the ruler of extensive and important provinces, but as the principal representative on this continent of the venerated land of our ancestors. It is told of Saraoset, the Indian chief, that his first salutation to the pilgrims at Plymouth was ' Welcome, welcome, Englishmen.' Such was the greeting of the old warrior to those who were to invade the hunting grounds and extinguish the council fires of his lace. With a better augury for the future, it becomes me on this occasion to repeat that salutation, and say—Welcome Englishman and their fellow subjects, who come to us under circumstances so auspicious for our own and their prosperity, There is a special interest connected with your Excellency's visit at this time, gracing as it does with your presence the establishment of a social and commercial alliance between this city and ;he Canadas. Lines of intercommunication havfi been opened, by which the products of your provinces can find speedy and convenient transit to the sea. The railways which unite us are works more truly admirable than the wondrous avenues which radiated from Imperial Rome —avenues for facilitating the march of invading armies, or returning chariots laden with the spoils of desolated countries. Our own iron pathways, the result of scientific labour and skill —skill unequalled by ancient times—are devoted to far different objects. They unite in friendly relations the inhabitants of widely separated regions, minister to their mutual wants, diffuse abroad the means of knowledge, and scatter plenty through a smiling land. Our festival may be considered in some respects as tbe celebration of a conjugal union between Canada and the Ocean. We can dispense with the golden ring which was used in the espousals of Venice with the waters of the Adriatic, for this union is effected by bands of iron, which at once attest its perpetuity and strength. My lord, the connection which hereafter is to subsist between the people whom you govern and the Atlantic States is, perhaps, in no small degree, a pledge and a guarantee of perpetual amity between the British and American nations. The memory of their fratricidal conflicts is fading away, and the history thereof, I trust, is completed for ever. The record of their generous rivalry for pre-eminence ia the arts of peace is now opening, and is destined to exhibit the brightest pages in the annals of their common race. Such, lam confident, are the anticipations and hopes of the people for whom I speak, and they enhance the pleasure with which they salute you as their welcome and honoured guest. Lord Elgin replied as follows: — Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, —l am quite overcome by this kind and cordial reception. But, gentlemen, I have been travelling all day, and my throat is so full of dust that you will excuse me if I do not attempt to follow the Mayor in hia most eloquent address ; but there is one thiug he has said which I cannot allow to pass unnoticed. He has suggested that we should consider this celebration the conjugal union of the Canadas with the Ocean. Whatever may be my object in coming to Boston," 1 assure you, Sir, that I do not come to forbid the banns. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I appreciate most highly the sentiments of personal regard which you have so kindly expressed towards me, and still more highly do I appreciate the assurances you have given me of your respect and consideration for my Sovereign and my country, and for that great rising Canadian people upon whose prosperity and welfare my hopes, and my feelings, and my wishes are all centred. Gentlemen, I came here upon the hospitable invitation of the city of Boston; but piompted also by

the desire to show by this net of mine, rather than by more words, because I know that this mode of expression is more emphatic and more intelligible withal — to «.how by this act, my conviction that it becomes us, Americans and Britons — I put the American first — (heir, hear) — Americans and Biitons, descended as we are from the same stock, inheritors of the same traditions, and, ut less 1 gieatly misconceive the signs of the times, will) duties and responsibilities, as re*pects one another, not widely dissimilar, to be ready at all times and at all places, and especially at this time and upon, this soil of North America, to cultivate towards each other feelings of brotherly love and mutual friendship. These nve my sentiments, and I therefore accept your proffered kindness. (Cheers.) At five o'clock the President of the United States held a levee at the Revere House, when several hundred of our citizens and strangers were presented to him. Subsequently he visited the ladies' parlour, -where numbers of the fair sex paid their respects. The Mayor and Council of Montreal and Lord Elgin, of Canada, were also present. In the evening, immediately after Loi'd Elgin, had dined, he called upon the President in his own room, and was introduced by Mr. Crampton, the British Charge d' Affaires. All formalities were dispensed with. The meeting was most cordial and unaffected. Lord Elgin simply expressed his pleasure at meeting the President of this great Republic. The President in reply said he was most happy, to welcome his lordship on American soil, and hoped he would find his visit both interesting and agreeable. The President then introduced him to Secretaries Stuart and Conrad, and the parties, after a brief but free and sociable conversation, separated. Lord Mark Kerr and the Honorable Mr. Waldegrave were presented to the President at this interview. The closing scenes of the Great Railroad Jubilee were a procession and a banquet. Lord Elgin was in the procession, but President Fillmore was unable to attend in consequence of indisposition. The New York Herald has a long account of $he procession. It says — 'TW'Common, on account of the tent and the preL^sarations that were being made for the great dinner, was one of the piincipal scones of attraction, and was frequented by thousands duiing the day. Five or six tenth were erected here and there on that promenade, under which was iced water in the gieatest abundance, which several men were giving to the thirsty multitude free gratis for nothing, nor would they receive anything in return if offeied to them. This excellent arrangement was made by the Common Council, at the expense of the city. Theie were banners hung on each tent, on which were printed temperance sentiments of the real cold water order. The following two will sesve as a sample:— 1 he lovo of self should teach us to refuse The ruby wine, and clear cold water choose. This is the drink which Nature to us brings. Then quaff those streams which God alone provides, And sends in torrents from tin* mountain sides, To slake our thirst, and patched lips to cool, Refresh our spirits, and lejoice the soul. Again : — Cold water will keep Your head cool, Your heart warm, Your name good, Your life long. The public buildings and many of the private dwellings were tastefully decorated. I never saw such splendid, expensive, and tasteful decorations in my life, and I doubt very much if they were ever equalled on iiny occasion in the United States. I will take Dover-street, which was the most beautifully decorated in the city. ' Just imagine a street about an eighth of a mile, composed entirely of private houses, each decorated " from turret to foundation stone" with flags, banners, garlands, wreaths, and flowers, all connecting with each other throughout the whole length of the street, showing that the inhabitants generally acted in concert, so as to preserve an uniform appearance throughout the street. Not satisfied with providing these decoiations, there were banners on, each house bearing the name of a President of the United States in gold letters, thus :—: — " Washington," " Adams," " Jefferson," " Madison," " Monroe," " J. Q. Adams," and on other houses were the names, in the same style, of the Governors of the State of Massachussetts. At the residence of Thomas Blanchard was a medallion likeness of President Fillmore, which, was cut by the occupant of the house. Suspended across the street at this point was a banner bearing the following inscription — " The great peacemaker — steam-power — one of the powers that be.'' On the reverse — " Thomas Blanchard built the first steam-carriage in 1825 — Petition for railroad, 1826." Over this was a picture of an Indian, and at each side was the American flag. Another banner contained the following — "Our guests from British soil— we bid them welcome to Yankee land." On the left was " Lafayette," and on the right " Van Buron," " Harrison!" " Tyler."' Another banner was inscribed — " Liverpool, Halifax, Boston." In another part were the British and American flags, with a banner containing the arms of England and the United States. Again, there was a picture representing Lord Elgin's introduction to Mr. Fillmore, in which the likenesses were very well carried out, with the inscription— Now, let us hastp these b6nds to knit, And in the work be handy, Tiiat we may blend " God save the Queen" With " Yankee Doodle Dandy." As might have been expected, this poetry created a good deal of laughter and amusement. Another banner contained the name of the Mayor of Boston. Across the street at this point was a flag with this inscription—" Welcome our guests from the British provinces and our sister states." Again — "Montreal, Boston, and " Halifax," with three links of a chain. To the left of this was a banner, bearing the inscription, " Commerce." Another flag represented a meeting of Washington and Lafayette in Heaven. Another inscription was — " Bless the power that united and has preserved us a nation." Another, a picture of Boston as it was when it was discovered. A full length portrait of Daniel Webster. Several old English banners were suspended from one of the houses. When the procession had reached the corner of Emerald and Dover-streets, there was a stop for a few minutes opposite a rostrum that had been erected for the purpose. On this rostrum were 31 young girls, all dressed in white, with tricoloured sashes, each representing a State of the American Confederacy, and two representing the Goddess of Liberty and Queen Victoria. As soon as the procession halted, the young lady representing Massachussetts, Miss Eugenia A. Paxton, approached Lord Elgin, the Governor of Canada, and addressed him as follows: — "Massachussetts welcomes, with cordial salutations, to the hospitalities of her metropolis, the distinguished Chief Magistrate of Her British Majesty's Provinces in America." Miss Julia K. Cary, representing Queen Victoria, dressed in green, trimmed with ermine, and wearing a crown, presented a bouquet to the Secretary of the Navy for the President. She made a bi'ief address on the occasion, and both Mr. Stuart and Lord Elgin made brief responses. The procession was in the highest degree attractive, and the general appearance of the troops, cavalry and infantry, was much admired. There was considerable difference of opinion among the spectators as to what was the most attractive feature of the procession. The ladies insisted that the coaches containing Mr. Stuart, Secretary of the Navy (who, they unanimously agreed, was a very fine looking man) and Lord Elgin, were entitled to the palm ; while the gentlemen, on the other hand, were disposed to think that the various carriages and vehicles containing ladies, dressed in snowy white, wearing garlands on their heads, and possessing a peculiar beauty and grace, not to be

found out of New England, were decidedly the most attractive ol'the whole. After the procession, dinner was served up under an immense tent on the common. About 4000 .persons were present, including President Filliniore, who, however, was obliged to leave early in consequence of his indisposition. In replying to his health being drunk, The President said, — On this festive occasion we kuow no party distinction (applause). Nay, more, we acarcely know a national distinction. There are gathered around this festive board the American and the Briton, living under different laws, but, thank God, two of the freest nations under the sun (cheering). The little asperity that was engendered hy the revolution ■which separated us from our mother country, I am happy to say, has long since disappeared, and we meet like brethren of the same family, speaking the same language, and enjoying the came religion. Are « c not onei (Applause). Fellow-citizens, I trust that the unexpected-diecessity-that compels me to leave you thus «rly on -this festive will induce no one to leave the tabV» en my account. 1 'trust particularly that his lordtsbip,-the. Governor of Canada, will remain with you. (Applause). Lknow that he, and those with whom he will receigeffrom you, as they hare^alraady received, a most cordial greeting. (Great ti&pplause). But, fpllow-citizens, I can say no more — my heart i 9 full. 1 had no conception of what I witnessed thin day from my window. I thought I saw Boston in all its glory when I first came into its horders. I knew that it bad its merchant princes; but I did not know until to-day that it bnd us mechanic noblemen of -nature. (Great applause and cheering). But, fellowcitizens, pardon me, and permit me to bid you adieu. I can Assure you that this joyous occasion will be remembered by me to the latest hour of my life. I shall look back upon it with delight, and I trust my children will also. May the glorious Union, which , sheds these >> blessings aver a happy people of 25,000,000, continue , until time shall be no longer. (Nine cheers.) Lord Elgiu rose, and said — One single word (three cheers). I should havc^ feltat ray bounden duty to follow the President of therUnited States out of this room, if be bad not given me an order to the contrary ; and whde lam on the territory of- the >*. United-States I consider myself under his authority (applause). And as he imposed upon me bie -command to remain with you, most certainly 1 shall remain (applause). But 1 must say I never received an ojder b^forp, from any authority, which more- completely jumped with my own wubes (laughter and applause). -The President having given the hand of fellowship and farewell to Lord Elgin, Mayor Bigelow, and others, left the pavilion. Speeches were afterwards made by Lord Elgin, Governor Boutwell, Hon. Edward Eveiett, Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, Hon. Joseph Howe, of New Brunswick, Hon. Mr. Hincks, of Canada, and . others. The festivities closed- about seven o'clock. A 'Committee accompanied the President to Fall River.