New-York tribune (New York [N.Y.]), January 30, 1892
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS PAINE
ADDRESSES BEFORE THE MANHATTAN LIBERAL CLUB AT CHICKERING HALL
The Manhattan Liberal Club celebrated the 155th birthday of Thomas Paine last night with addresses delivered by Colonel R. G. Ingersoll and Moncure D. Conway, Paine’s latest biographer, in Chickering Hall. A large crowd gathered to hear the addresses and pay their respects to the memory of Paine. The occasion was also the 100th anniversary of his entrance into the French Convention of 1792, when, with M. Condorcet, he drew up a “Bill of Rights.” A painting of Thomas Paine from life by the elder Jarvis, now the property of J. H. Johnston, was exhibited on the platform at the left of the speakers.
Thaddeus B. Wakeman made an introductory speech, explaining the history of the picture and the elements of Paine’s character which it illustrated.
Moncure D. Conway, who is now engaged in writing the life of Paine, was the first speaker on the advertised programme. He told of the work of Paine in his busy and interesting life.
Colonel Ingersoll said in part:
“Thomas Paine was the first to propose that the Government be of the people, by and for the people. He also advocated the divorce of Church and State. It is believed that unless we had received the Ten Commandments we never should have known right from wrong.
(Applause.)
But it seems to me that there would have been a law against murder, at any rate, in countries where a large part of the people object to being murdered.
(Applause.)
Religion comes not from the clouds or any other world, it comes from the heart of men; charity, love, kindness and a pure heart is pure religion.
(Applause.)
Thomas Paine was not what would be called much of an infidel to-day; he would, if he were alive, be off with the conservative wing of the Unitarian Church. He would cut me dead, I think.”
(Laughter.)