The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1876-01-04
The Old and the New.

The Old and the New.
At the beginning Of the new year it is
appropriate that We consider the old and
the new. These words have special sig
nifcance at the beginning Of the second
century of our national existence. The
great changes that have come over us
during the century, the wonderful pro.
gross We have made in power, influence,
culture, christian civilization, are themes
for the poet and the orator. and no doubt
the opportunity will be improved to the
fullest extent. We may well indulge in
little self congratulation that in one
century from the time when, with only
three millions Of inhabitants. and only
thirteen states and the results of war
with a powerful nation hanging doubt
fully in the balance, the declaration of
independence was signed, in only CEN
fury from that time, the United States
has become powerful nation, respected
among the great powers 81 the world ;
our flag l. recognized as a symbol of
freedom and civilization in all parts Of
the earth, serving as protection to the
weak and the oppressed everywhere ;
our territory has expanded until we ex-
tend from ocean to ocean from the lakes
to the gull aud have ,hirty.oight states
including Colorado we have a commerce
scarcely inferior to that Of the most not
ed maritime nations of the old world ;
our facilities for internal communication
through the most complete systems OF
telcgrarhy and cheap mail and our net
work Of railways are the wonder OF all
peoples cur government has attained to
a degree Of maturity aud perfection in all
its departments, legislative, executive
and judiciary, which could hardly have
been hoped for at the beginning Of the
century: our educational opportunities
from the primary school, up through
all the grades, to the university, are not
inferior to the corresponding institutions
of the most highly civilized countries Of
Europe; our philanthroples reach out
and embrace the whole world, extending
their grateful inf uenco TO bless al ma
tions and all peoples. We need not re-
count the triumphs Of science and an
and their application to our varied in
dustries, the progress of religious and So
cial culture, our magnificent churches
our fine public buildings, and the many
evidences Of national prosperity We
all recognize them as wonderful and ouI
thoughts 60 on beyond all these matters
to the minutiae of detail, recalling thou
sands OF proofs not enumerated Of un
exampled progress.
And SO the record of our first century
is made up. Our past is made secure tt
us. To that we may point with prid'
through all coming ages. But what il
to be our iuture2 The year has beer
ushered in with 6onfres, bell'ringing
cannon and tokens Of general rejoicing il
every portion Of our great republic, AT
tel nttering our congratulations for thu
past, it behooves US to think what is t,
be the history of the republic during
its second century. No prophetic vision
can tell us that, except as we read it il
our capacities and our preparation iorsit
We may have war. But that Deed 10
brighten us for we have brave heart
and brawny arms, with science and ma
material resources at our command t,
meet any ordinary emergency, il tn
fires of patriotism and true virtue ar
kept bright, and no fostering corruption
is allowed to sap our vitality as nation
So with all possible contingencies Of ma
e tional calamity, We may safely leave t.
!. God and posterity the future of the ua
. tion whose hundredth birthday will b.
0 reached with such eclat this year
A provided only that we are careful to lay
/ well the foundations of future prosper
h. ity in integrity Of purpose, devoted pat
riotism, economic administration and fl
deity tc all public trusts.