, 1890-11-14

the general ~well-being and prosperity OF
the people and In their educational
advantages and religious privileges, with
out a rival in the world, while its magnifi-
cent works of internal Improvement, its
wonderful agriculture, its great mines and
manufactures and It's marvellous means of
communications, creations of science and
skill, have surpassed anything before
known by the human race.
And in these same seventy seven years
the constitution of nearly every govern
ment in Europe has been ameliorated by
the introduction of more liberal princi-
ples. Central and south America have
become republics. Canada aud Australia
are substantially republics without the
name. Even in the far east. Japan be-
comes more free and liberal with each
year, and. more marvellous VT, light seems
to be breaking over benighted Africa, and
men are predicting, without exciting ridi-
cule. her redemption from her barbaric
sleep of centuries. In a word, freedom
seems to be gradually circumnavigating
the globe, and. proud thought for us. the
polar star of the navigator is our own
republic Of the United States.
Judge Thurman spoke feelinglY of the
uniform kindness and donors bestowed
dPOu hAn Nv AuG pCupiO VI OhAD lOAh
boyhood TO old age, and spoke of all the
distinguished lawyers and statesmen of
Ohio and other sections of the country
whom he had known during his career.
In conclusion be said: Before l con-
clude there is one statement | feel it my
duty to make. In one of our town pa
pers, a few days ago. L saw my name
suggested as that Of the proper candidate
for the presidency or vice presidency in
1892. l regretted very much to see the
suggestion, for, appearing in a paper
known to be very friendly to Inc and pub
hshed in the place OF my residence, it
might naturally be SUSPECTED by strangers
that it was inspired, or at least approved.
by me. Bat such is not the fact. My
friends. let me say to you in all sincerity
and without the least mental reservation,
that l am not nor shall | ever again be- a
candidate for Office. l have been sufi
GENTLY hOnored by my party and neither
ask nor desire any further honor than
continued friendship and good will. Gen
tlemen, you have gladdened the heart and
frightened the tootstep of an old man,
! your devoted friend, in his descent of the
hill OF life, when he has almost reached
Its foot. May Col bless YOU all. is his
earnest prayer.
Ex President Cleveland next responded
to the toast American Citizenship. "
He said, in part: | follow the prompt
ings of a heart full of devotion and
generation as [ tender from the Democracy
of the great state OF New York her
tribute of affection for the man whom we
honor tonight. | IN commissioned TO claim
for nv state her full share of the glory
which has been shed upon the American
name and character by one whose career
and example cannot be promoted aud
whose renown cannot be limited in owner
ship to neighbors and friends Of any
locality. We rejoice in the example
afforded on this occasion of genuine
citizenship revealed 10 US as the safe and
infallible interpreter OF duty in all emel-
gencies Of long and honorable public
career. aud it is an unfailine guide TO
usefulness and fame. In this presence and
in the atmosphere of these reflections we
should not miss the lesson they commend
to us or fail to renew our appreciation OF
the value of this citizenship, and revive
our appreciation of the sentiments and
conditions in which it had its rise and
growth.
First of all, we should be profoundly
grateful that the elements which make
up the strength aud vigor of American
citizenship are so naturally related to our
situation and are so simple. Here the
plain people OF the land are the rulers.
Their investure of power is accompanied
with the condition that they should love
their country; that they should jealousy
guard and protect its Interests and fair
fame, and that all the intelligence with
which they are endowed should be de-
1901 49,. ,nlo.Nu. I,z- - "a, -.
aud the promotion of its welfare. 1t
should never be forgotten that the infu-
ence which, more han all other things,
has made our people the safe depositaries
of governmental power, and which has
furnished the surest guarantee of the
sire myth and perpetuity of the republic,
has its source in the American home.
Here u patriotism is born and eDtwined
itself with the growth OF flial love, and
here our children are taught the story of
our freedom and Independence. But
above all. here in the bracing and whole
some atmosphere Of accomplishing fru-
gality and economy, the mental n moral
attributes of our people have been firmly
knit and invigorated Never could it be
said of any country so truly as of ours
that the permanency of its institutions de-
ponds upnn Its homes.
l haye spoken of fruQality and economy
as important factors in American life. I
find no fault with the accumulation OF
wealth, and am glad to see energy and en-
terprise receive their fair reward. But 1
believe our government. in its natural in
tegritv, is exactly suited to a frugal aud
economical people, and | believe it is
safest in tie hands of those who have
been made strong and self reliant in their
citizenship by self denial and by the sur
roundings of an enforced economy. When,
therefore, men in high places of trust,
charged with the responsibility of making