Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-03-17

self a reputation as good, sensible and
pstriotic after-dinner speaker. He declared
that the national and State life is INSOFAR
able, and that this country is always ready
to aid weaker nations in their struggles for
independence.
NEW YORK, March 16.-Ex-President
Grover Cleveland made his first public ap-
pearance as private citizen in New York
and his initial speech since leaving the
White House at the one hundred and fifth
anniversary dinner of the Friendly Sons of
st. Patrick at Delmonico's tonight.
He appeared to be in excellent health and
spirits, and received an ovation which could
not be excelled in point of warmth ana So
ciability. He was attired in a dress suit,
and entered the banquet hall on the arm of
Joseph J. O'Donoghue. He took the seat
on the right of the presiding officers, while
Mayor Grant was given the corresponding
seat on the other side.
A life-sized picture of st. Patrick hung
on the wall fanked on either side by an
American and an Irish flag. The dining
room was appropriately draped with the
international colors. At the speakers
table besides the ex-President of the United
States and Mayor Grant were Hon. Everett
P. Wheeler, Hon. John S. Wise, of Vir-
ginia; ex-Judge Charles P. DAILY, Eldridge
T. Gerry, Delaney Nicholl, Hon. Roswell
P Flower, District Attorney Fellows, Col
onel W. L. Brown and the respective repre-
sentatives of the St. Nicholas, Holland,
O. @ ca n
societies.
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE.
Joseph J. O'Donoghue as President of the
organization presided at the central table
and when the banquet had ended first in
troduced ex-Chief Justice DAILY, of this
city, who spoke to the toast "The Day we
Celebrate" after which a murmur of an
ticipation filled the hall for eac h of the
several hundreds at the tables knew that
the ex-President was next on the list, and
that to him had been assigned the
duty of responding to the senti-
ment to "The United States and
when the Presidents brief introduction was
concluded with Mr.. Cleveland's name, the
diners leaped from their chairs and cheered
4uSlllNs anu Willie l1lG ulu was al lbc
Mr. Cleveland, his face trife pale with in
terest in the scene, slowly arose and stood
motionless, save for bows of acknowledge
ment at the earnestness of the reception
given him. The cheering, having finally
subsided, Mr. Cleveland pushed back his
chair, and speaking clearly and easily, he
said:
Mr.. CLEvELAND's SPEECH.
The words to which 1 respond give rise to
such various and impressive reflections that
find it difficult to determine the line of thought
which should be followed
What is naturally and obviously suggested
by the sentiment proposed is country marvel
Gus in its growth and development, great in its
power and wealth and free in the character of
its institutions and in the spirit of its zeal
There is also suggested broad and hospitable
country which opens its gates to the people of
all nations who willing to assume the
duties of American citizenship in exchange for
share in the blessings which God has in store
for the American people. Nor can 1t be said
that in national selfishness and sordid COM
placency our country is blind to the welfare
of others. Wherever there exists struggle
for freer Government and for mans enfran-
chisement, 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 inspire and acknowledge the
contribution we have received from the sturdy
men of other lands, to our population, and to
every element of our greatness.
THEY ARE UNITED STATES.
In this reunion of your ancient and honorable
society reminding us of such contributions and
where the value of American citizenship is
fully acknowledged, it is in every way etting
and proper that we should mention with love
and with loyalty THE United States" have
referred to the obvious significance of these
words as they are related tosa great,
prosperous and free nation. But other
nations, too, are great they are
prosperous and rich, and IN a measure they are
free. States may be any organized govern
ment-tyrannical, monarchial or free. 1t is
therefore most important that we do not miss
the reflection that 1.-The United States" 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
thst unity, TO all we are and all we hope to be.
Our national life is inseparable from this
union of the States Thus it was launched upon
its career among the naJlons of the earth. Its
machinery is suited to no other condition, and
its success depends upon it. Whatever might
be the achievements of separate and disiointed
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.
SEALED WITH BLOOD.
To the end that our nation might be called
''The United States the fathers who forged so
well the bonds of our Union, yielded to each
other their opinions and discarded their pre-
judices In later years in order that ''the
United States" might be saved as precious
heritage, lives were sacrificed and blood was
shed on many hard-fought battle field.
We should not be content with veneration
for those who made us a nation, nor with the
sacred and grateful remembrance of those
who shedtheir blood and gave their lives for
its perpetuation.
We too, owe duty to The United States"
We can at least teach fraternity and tolera-
ton the sure foundations of our unity and of
our country's life. If these lessons ara firmly
established in the hearts of our countrymen we
shall to the extent that we aid in this con-
summation perform the duty required of US in
our day and generation. Let us then
cultivate real and genuine gener.
our people. Let US resolve that no partisan
exigencies shall excuse the creation OF keeping
alive of irritation and jealousy among people
an charged with the safety, the development
and the triumph of American institutions Our
destiny is before us. II can only be reached by
union and harmony. We are not called upon
to surrender or jeopardize any results in favor
of our Union we may have gained in its armed
defense, but rather to foster and secure those
results through the patriotism of magnanimity
THE NATIONS DUTY.
In the presence Of the duty God has laid upon
usasa nation it should never be forgotten that
failure waits on dissension and division. and
that a grudging acknowledgment of common
brotherhood. of a hearty cooperation in a CON-
moA patriotic purpose will surely check our
national progress. In this assemblage, where
SO large representation is founo OF the race
which, in all stages of our national life, has
done so much to make our country great and
whose hearts at this time turn lovingly
70 their brethren who struggle 1or the bless
lngs which are here enjoyed know that ref
erence to any element of our freedom and hap