Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-07-06

sion.
Then may we indeed rejoice. Let the
cannon send forth its l0udest roar from its
brazen throat. Let music fill the air, and
the voice of a grateful people be heard
chanting the song of freedom and human
ity.
Let Us remember our Revolutionary sires
and pray as Elisha did of Elijah, that a
| double portion Of their spirit may rest upon
US and our children.
Then we too can say, as the glories Of a
redeemed aud regenerated land burst upon
our vision, " My father, my fathers, the
Chariot ofIsrael and the norsemen thereof
The second Grafton of the day was de-
livered by Jasper /. Williams, Esq, Of
Cleveland. It occupied nearly half an hour
and, being delivered extempore, our alb
stract is necessaril imperfect. It contained
many new and original thoughts, and was
a highly ereditable and well-sustained ef-
fort
The speaker alluded TO the growing ten
deuey to avoid these annual celebrations,
among those of high culture and conserva
tive ideas Of government. The style of
speeches common TO this anniversary had
been criticised as contrary to the best rules
Of rhetoric and tending to unsettle that
moderate and steadfast faith in our institu
ions which is only safeguard Of the true
patriotism. Thers seemed to be no good
reason, however. why we should not meet
on this hallowe2 day-tn indulge in no vain
| Qualification, but 10 look at the country as
It Is and pledge our united Efforts to make
1t greater aud better.
The speaker briefly cOntr&sted the sey5-
raj forms OF government, bringing out the
/ parnIor failures nf zach and than narD
pared our history and institutions with
those of other countries. Our Constitution
was based on the doctrine Of the universal
freedom Of man, and by the blessing of
God, we have since enlarged that ground
work to the universal brotherhood OF man.
lie discussed the general questions Of the
day, in no partisan spirit, but with faith in
the restoration of the Union on a basis Of
inhexible loyalty and equal rights. He
pointed out apparent mistakes in our policy,
reviewed our dangers and necessities, aud
suggested the safest means OF meeting them.
From the height Of experience we look
back into the past and wonder that we did
not see the end from the beginning. We
wonder now that in the dark days Of 81
and 60 We did not see the brightness Of the
glory OF 'Gj. Let US Danish the passions Of
the hour and step aside while the great tide
Of the present goes BY. In The light of his
tory, and with faith in logic aud in truth,
let u marshal the events Of the future.
This thought was elaborated somewhat, and
valuable lessons wrought out Of it. As We fail
ed under a vacillating system, and triumph
ed only when adversely inspired resolution
ard conscience taught US principle, 81 we
should read in the future the defeat Of p1li-
cies based on error and the glory Of nations
whose governments are Just.
He discussed quite fully the essential
principles of nationality, whose observance
History e~nforces no less than Morals. The
present Emperor of the French says that
Caesar, Charlemagne and Napoleon were
raised up by providence to trace out to
peoples the path they ought 10 follow. The
subtle argument of Napoleon was
reviewed and its fslltcy exhibited.
Those great men sought 10 build en-
pires and found Institutions which
should last forever, and viewing their work
from a human standpoint We are lost in ad-
miration at their majestic designs. But
With all their breadth of intellect and stu
pendous purposes, they did not go down to
the granite of conscientious principle upon
which alone a republic can exist.
We should profit by their experience, and
avoid their dangerous footsteps. We should
emulate their example of development in
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the proudest of the universe in wealth and
power; but We should 60 infinitely further
in %elevating and equalising the masses
Of mankind. We have principles to per-
petuate no less than s government to pre-
serve.
We demand certain things of our lead
ers-not that they be radical reformers, but
that they go forward with moderation and
frmness to the high ground of an eulight.
ened and liberal craftsmanship. They
should be conservative, but conserve only
what experience proves wise and good.
They may compromise slnoaE friends, but
never with enemies. Many of our great
men nave failed, come of them going down,
at last, embittered and ruined. We de-
mand more than intellect-great souls,
lofty patriotism, answering conscience.
Practically, while not discussing partisan
subjects, we cannot afford, as a matter of
pOicy-we dare not, as q matter Of prin-
cip!e-to follow any other than the path Of
Justice in reconstruction. The people will
never be satisfied with a timid restoration.
They demand what is right; and we can
never rest in peace on any other basis of ad-
justment. This IS no false philosophy it is
true, and as safe for strengthening as it is
beautiful in adjoining q country. History
proves its utility, and religion demands il.
The speaker briefly reviewed the state of
affairs in Europe, drawing illustrations In
favor Of the liberal ideas which prevail here.
He recOunted our chances of failure, and
said other governments had been more i'm
pOsing-pOssiOiy more powerful other
courts more brilliant, their leading spirits
perhaps men OF loftier ideas. But with all
deficiencies, our principles aIe essen
TALLY Just and our opportunity sublime
We may not erect the grandest monuments
of perishable material, but We may do more
for mankind than all the world beside. We
rise to the dignity OF our Tint and
circumstances. We AVE every example to
teach us-every motive to inspire us we
have only to be true to ourselves, to pre-
serve our moderation and integrity, r5mem
bering that righteousness exalteth a nation,
and that equality is the birthright Of AIneri-
can citizens, and We shall transmit to our sue
cessOrs a magnificent domain, a free consti-
tuition, and q virtuous people.
The o~rations concluded, a sumpLuous din
ner was served in the lecture-room of
the Institute, and at % O'Clock speak
ing was again resumed.
Frank Paine, Esq, Mr.. W. W. Nevison,
and DR.. Pershing, of Pittsburgh Female
made short, pointed and spicy i'm
romptu speeches and Mr.. Parsons being
called for by the audience, made a brief
and happy response.
In the evening a fine display Of fireworks
closed the celebration. W. C. A.