CELEBRATION

OF THE

119TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH-DAY

OF

THOMAS PAINE,

AT

CINCINNAТІ,

JANUARY 29, 1856.

PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESOLUTIONS,

BY THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS:

CINCINNATI:

VALENTINE NICHOLSON & CO.

1856.

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INTRODUCTION.

THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS, for the celebration of the 119th anniversary of the Birth-day of THOMAS PAINE, the Author-Hero of the Revolution, congratulate the liberal and enlightened portion of their fellow-citizens on the success which has attended this effort to do justice to a great man's memory.

The Invitation of the Committee to the Political and Religious friends of THOMAS PAINE, to join in celebrating his Birth-day, met with a noble response. We were cheered by harmonious feelings and liberal contributions. Men of liberal sentiments, though widely separated in their opinions on political, social, and religious questions, joined heartily in a great ovation to the memory of an Honest Man, who, fearlessly and conscienciously did a noble work for Humanity.

The result was, one of the largest and most enthusiastic celebrations ever known in our city. It was ushered in with the firing of artillery, from the hills which overlook Cincinnati, and from the neighboring city of Newport, on the Kentucky bank of the Ohio river.

The meeting, which enjoyed and applauded the Oration, Addresses, and Music, was, probably, the largest that ever assembled on such an occasion. GREENWOOD HALL, the great hall of the Ohio Mechanics' Institute, was densely

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filled, and hundreds could not obtain admission; although two other celebrations were in progress at the same hour in the vicinity-that at the Turners' Hall, where the addresses were in the German language; and one in the neighboring city of Newport, Kentucky.

The Committee have much pleasure in presenting to the public, in a permanent form, this record of a public event, which, they trust, marks the dawn of a new era of Intelligence in the appreciation of Worth, and of Courage, and Liberality in the expression of our obligations to PUBLIC BENEFACTORS.

It may be proper to say that, in extending invitations to the speakers, no restriction was made, and no pledge required. Each was left to the free, consciencious performance of his individual duty, and is alone responsible for the sentiments advanced. The spirit of the occasion was one of Freedom and Toleration.

The Committee would express their thanks to all who have in any way contributed to the Great Moral Triumph, which has been achieved in this Celebration; and would encourage the friends of Free Thought to renewed exertions.

THE

PAINE FESTIVAL.

THE music of the United States' Military Band, from the Government Barracks at Newport, Ky., welcomed an overflowing audience of ladies and gentlemen to GREENWOOD HALL, which was appropriately decorated for the occasion.

ISAAC E. HEDGES, ESQ., on taking the Chair, as President of the Festival, addressed the assembly as follows:

ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

I have been unexpectedly called upon to preside on this occasion; but while I acknowledge my inability to fill the chair with the fitness the occasion demands, yet I am not disposed to decline the duties and responsibilities of such a position.

I congratulate you my fellow-citizens, of every clime and nation, that a day has dawned upon us, when we can assemble in such vast numbers, to commemorate the noble sentiments of one, who stood out in bold relief before the foes of Human Rights, whether they were Kings, Potentates, or Priests. We meet, not to worship men, but great principles. We are not idolators, or man-worshipers; but we bow humbly, and reverence great truths and holy principles, wherever they are found.

I have no sacrifices to make. They have long since been offered. The natural tendency of my mind has long since led me to look beyond the boundaries of sectarianism, and the popular creeds of the