The New York herald., 1862-02-23

giving more. There can be NO greater error than d
nation II is an Illusion which experience must cure
winch just pride ought TO discard
In Offering 70 you, my countrymen, these counses Of
an oio and aectionae friend, dare not hope they w
make the strong and lasting impression could wish
that they will control the usual current OF the passions
or prevent our nation from running the course which mas
hitherto marked the destiny Of nations; but If may
even Halter myself that they be productive OF some
oenent some occas'e nal good that they may now
ana tnen recur to moderate the fury Of party spt 10
warn against the mischefs OF foreign ntgues TO guard
against the i'm GESTURES of pretended patriotism this
nope VIII be lu recompense Tor the solcitude Tor your
welfare by which they have been dictated.
How far IN the discharge of my official duties, have
been guided by Abe principles which deneated
the public and other evidences my conduct
must witness to you and the world. To myself the as
surance Of my conscience that have At least be
Aeved myself 10 be guided by them.
In relation to the still subsstng war in Europe, my
proclamation Of the 22d of April 1893 is the index to my
plan Sanctioned by your approving voice, and by lhat
OF your representatives in both houses OF Congress- the
spirit OF that measure has continually governed me- unin-
nuenced by attempts TO deter divert me from It,
After deliberate examination with the aid OF the best
lights could obtain was well satisfied that our country,
under all the circumstances of the case had right 10
take, and was bound in duty and interest 10 take neu
tral position Having taken it, determined, as far as
should depend upon me, to maintain il with moderation
The considerations which respect the right hold this
conduct it is not necessary this occasion to detail
will only observe that according my understanding
Of the matter, that right SO being denied by
any OF the belgerent Powers has been virtually admit
ted by all.
The duty holdinga neutral conduct may be Inferred
without anything from the obligation which justice
and humanity every nation in cases in which
II IS free 10 act TO maintain nvolate the relations OF
peace and amity towards other nations
The inducements OF interest for observing that con-
duct will best be rce ed 10 your own reflections and
experience. With a p.edomiRant motive has been TO
endeavor TO gain time country to settle and ma
ture its yet recent institutions and TO progress without
interruption TO that degree Of strength and consistency
which is necessary to give it, humanity speaking the
command Of its own fortunes.
Though in reviewing the incidents of my administra-
ton, am UNCONSCIOUS OF International never
theiess too sensible Of my defects think proba
BILE that may have committed many errors Whatever
they may be, erventy beeeech the Almighty TO avert
or mitigate the evils TO which they may tend. shall
also carry with me the hope that country will never
cease to view them with indulgence and that, after
forty five years Of life dedicated TO its service with
an upright zeal the faults Of incompetent abilitiss will
mansions Of rest.
Relying its kindness in this as in other things, and
acuated by that fervent love towards it which 30
ural to man who views in IL the native soil OF himself
and his progenitors for several generations anticipate
with pleasing expectation, that retreat which pro-
ment Of paraking in the midst OF fellow citizens the
benign influence Of good laws under free govern
ment-the ever favorite object Of my heart-and the
happy reward asI rust of our mutual cares abos and
dangers. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
UEi1ED STATES, September IL 1896.
When Mr. Forney finished the sPEAKER said the House
would resume its session.
The guests the floor then began slowly to retire. in
the order in which they had entered.
The SPEAKER subsequently declared the House adjourn
ed until Monday
The presentation Of flags omitted