The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-06-23

which ] can point to with exultation-
whose prosperity shall be my life-whose
glory shall be my guerdon. desire 10
have a country which shall occupy a BEN
e6cial position in the world. and by her
industry, intellect, integrity and courage
shall contribute, in community with all free
nations, to the common happiness and
grandeur OF humanity.
Hopes may have darkened, but the DIES.
tiny. TO which / would see my country
lifted, is before me still-a height, like that
of Thabor, crowned with an eternal sun.
1t is a bold ambition, but in this fine coun-
try | could have none other. The mo-
ment we set our foot upon her shore, we
behold the offspring Of Freedom-the en-
ergy, the thrill. the opulence to which she
has given birth-and. at a glance, we COM
prehend her iruitfulness, utility and SPLEEN
dor. We behold the wonders she has
wrought--the deformed transformed-the
crippled Colony springing into the robust
proportions Of an Empire which Alexan-
der might well have sighed to conquer
the adventurous spirit Of her sons compen-
sating by its rapidly, in little more than a
half a century, for the thousands of years
in which the land lay in the shadow of the
ancient forests-we behold all this, and the
worship Of our youth becomes more i'm.
passioned and profound. To this land
came, as an outcast, to seek an honorable
home-as an outlaw, to claim the protec-
ton of a flag that is inviolable.
By one Of the wisest and mildest Of the
ancient legislators il was decreed, that all
those who were driven forever from their
own country, should be admitted into the
citizenship of Athens. On the same
ground. in virtue Of the sentence of per-
petual Punishment which excludes me
from my native land, | sought a quiet
sanctuary in the home of WASHINGTON
To no other land could the heart, which
has felt the rude hand of tyranny, so con.
fdently turn for a serene repose. Long
may she prosper-gathering into the bo'
som of, her great family the children of al
nations adding to her territory, notb by the
sword of the soldier or the subtlety Of the
statesman. but by the diffusion of her prin.
ciples, and the consonance of her simple
laws and institutions with the good sense
and purer aspirations of his kind. Long
may she prosper-each year adding to hel
stock Of strength and dignity, and wisdom
and high above her cloudless fleets .and
cities. ever to the last generation, may
the monument of her liberty be deserted ir
the darkest storm which shakes the thrones
and dynasties Of the old world, may i
stand unscathed! In the darkest nigh
which falls upon the arms of a struggling
people, may it shine forth like the cross in
the wilderness. and be to them an emblem
of hope and a signal of salvation"
The Common Council seemed entirely
taken by surprise during the delivery o
this address. though they could not bu
admire the honorable and friendly motive:
which prompted him to decline the fatter
ing testimonial, while his brothers in prose
cution were still wearing out their. time in
the Penal Colonies. While abiding tc
the sufferings experienced by these gentle.
men, Mr.. Meagher was deeply affected
and many Of the audience were unable to
control their feelings.