Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1889-03-18
yTr. CIeveiand's speech.

NFr. CIcveiand's speech.
At the dinner If h. Frienly Sons oi ST.
Patrick in New York On 5. ur..4y uight
ex- President Cleveland responded to the
toast, The United States" He said The
words to which espord give rise to such
various and impressive reflections that
| fnd it difficult to determine the line Of
thought which should be followed What
| is naturally and obviously suggested by tie
sentiment proposed is y country marvellous
| in its growth and development great in ltS
power and wealth, and free in the character
of its institutions and the spirit Its people.
There is also suggested Z broad and hos
pitabe country, which opens lie gates TO
the people OF all nations who are willing 10
assume the duties of American citizenship,
| in exchange for Il share in the essnge
which God hes in store for lie American
people. Mr. can it be said that il national
selfshness and sordid compacency, our
country is blind to the welfare of others.
! Wherever there exists q struggle for freer
government and for mans enfranchisement
there will be found the aid and sympathy Of
the people of the United states. In this we
but follow the promptings which our free
condition inspires, aud acknowledge the
contribution we have received from the
sturdy men of other lands to our population
and to every element Of our greatness.
In this reunion OF your ancient and hon.
orabe society, reminding Us Of such contri-
buttons, and where the value of American
citizenship is fully acknowledged, it is in
every way fitting and proper that we should
mention with love and with loyalty The
United States"
| Ihave referred to the obvious significance
of these words as they are related TO great,
prosperous and free nation. But other ma
tions, too, are great they are prosperous
and rich, and, in q measure, are free.
Estates" may mean any organized govern
ment-tyranuicGl, monarchical or free 1t is
| therefore most important that we DO not
miss the reflection that "the United Slatesn
alone stand for the one government always
free. and founded upon human rights and
equality before the law. Thus is presented
the unity of our States and the fundamental
Importance OF that unity, to all we are and
all we hope to be-
Our national life is insepsrable from this
union of the States Thus it was launched
upon its career among the nations of the
earth. It's machinery is suited to no other
condition and its success depends upon it,
| Whatever might be the achievements OF sep.
arate and disointed States, nothing but the
triumph of "the United States" can fully
| demonstrate in the eyes of the world the
| success of the American experiment Of self
| government.
To the end that our nation might be called
''The Uated States" the fathers who forged
so we'll the bonds of our union, yielded to
each other their opinions, and discarded
| their preiudices. In later years, in order
that "The United States" might be saved as
precious heritage, lives we're sacrificed and
blood was shed on many q hard fought bat
tlefed.
We should not be content with veneration
for those who made Us q nation, nor with
the sacred and grateful remembrance of
those who shed their blood, and gave their
lives for its perpetuation.
We too, owe duty to The United
States" We can at least teach fraternity
and federation, the sure foundation of our
unity and OF our country's life. If these
lessons are firmly established in the hearts
OF our countrymen we SHALL to the extent
that we aid in this consummation perform
the duty required of us in our day and gene
ration
Let Us then cultivate real and genuine
|
our people Let US resolve that no partisan
exigency shall excuse the creation or keep
ing alive of irritation and jealousy among
people all charged with the safety, the de-
yelopment and the triumph of American in.
stitutions.
Our destiny is before Us. 1t can only be
reached by union and harmony. We are
not called upon to surrender or jeopardize
any resutsin favor of our union that We may
have gained in its armed defense. but rather
to foster and secure those results through
the patriotism OF magnanmitY. In the pre-
sence of the duty God has laid upon us as a
nation, it should never be forgotten that
failure waits on dissension and division, aud
that grudging Acknowledge Of a com.
mon brotherhood, or 8 haltiug cooperation
in common patriotic purpose. will surely
check our national progress.
In this assembage, where so large rep
resentation is found of the race which, in al
stages of our national life, has done so much
to make our country great, and whose hearts
at this time turn lovingly to their brethren
who struggle for the blessings which are here
epioyed, know that reference to any ele-
ment of our freedom and happiness will meet
with heartfelt response.
Here, regardless of place of birth or o.
former allegiance, we meet as American cit.
isens, proud of our country, devoted to her
interests and prosperity, and wishing with
enthusiasm for those less favored the happi-
ness. the freedom. the strength and the
peace which are found in The United
States"
When Mr.. Cleveland arose to respond
to the toast he was greeted with rap
turous applause, which was again and again
reDeated as he proceeded, and es be closed
the applause swelled to most uproariou;
) cheers. As the suggestion of the chairman
Mr.. Cleveland was at once made the third
If ar