Wichita eagle., 1889-03-17

God has in store for the American
| people, Nor can it be said
that in national selfishness and
sordid complacency our country is blind TO
the welfare of others. Wherever there ex-
! lists a 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 fol-
| low the promptings which our tree condl-
ton inspires and acknowledge the contrib u-
ton we have received from the sturdy or
other lands to our population and to every
| element of our greatness. In this reunion
| of your ancient and honorable society re-
minding US of such contributions 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 1.-THE United
! States"
have referred to the obvious signifi-
canoe of these words as they are related 10
great, prosperous and free nation. But
other nations, too, are great, they are pros
porous and rich and in measure they are
free-''stateso may mean any organized
overnment-tyrannical, monarchlal or
free 1t is, therefore, most important that
we do not miss the reflection that 1.-The
United States" alone stands for one gov
eminent 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 ali we are and all we hope to be.
Our national life is inseparable from this
union of states Thus it was launched
upon its career among the nations OF the
earth. Its machinery is suited to no other
condition and its success depends upon it.
Whatever might be the achievements OF
seprate and disjointed states nothing
but the triumphs OF the INIT
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 United States" the
bonds of our union yielded to each
ether their opinions and discarded
their prejudices. In later years in order
that the United States might be saved as
precious heritage, lives were sacrlhced
and blood was shed on many a hard
fought battle field. We should not be
content with veneration for those who
made us nation nor with the sacred and
grateful remembrance of those who she'd
their blood and gave their lives for its per-
petuation. We too owe duty to the
United States. We can at least teach
fraternity and liberation, the sure founda-
tions OF our unity and of our country's life.
If these lessons are firmly established IN
the hearts of our countrymen we shall
contamination perform the duty required
of us in our day and generation. Let us
then cultivate real and genuine generosity
and fraternal kindness among all our peo-
pie. Let us resolve that no partisan eXln-
gency shall erase the creation, or the Keep
ing alive of irritation and jealousy among
"a people all charged with safety, the de-
yelopment and the triumph of American
institutions. Our destiny is before US.
Is can only be reached by union and har-
mony We are not called upon to sur
render or ieopardize 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 patriot
ism and Indignantly. The presence OF the
duty God has laid upon us as a
I non should never be forgotten
or that failure awaits on dissensions
and division and that grudginS acknowl-
edgement of a-commOn brotherhood or a
hating cooperation in a common PATRIOTIC
purpose will surely check our national
progress. In this assemblage, where SO
large a representation is found of a race
which in all stages of our national life has
done so much TO make our country great
and whose hearts at that time turn loving
" to their brethren who struggle for the
blessings W hich are here enjoyed, know
that reference to any element OF our free
dom and happiness will meet with heart
lett response. Here TegafuIeSS OF DlFUn OF
of former allegiance we meet as American
citizens, proud of our country, devoted to
her interests and prosperity and wishing
with enthusiasm for those less favored the
happiness, the freedom. the strength and
the peace which are found in the United
States"
Following Mr.. Cleveland's speech, which
was cheered repeatedly during its utter
ance and at its close, came speeches to
toasts as follows Ireland" John S.
Wise, of Virginia; ''The State of New
York." f. P. Wheeler; 1.-THE City of New
York" Mayor Grant; THE Bench and the
Bar" Eldridge T. Gerry; The Army and
Navy" John r. Fellows; Woman" De-
lancey Nicolls, and Our Sister Societies"
by presidents of some of the societies who
were among the invited guests.