The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-11-21

provemeut, its wonderrui agriculture, its great
mines and manufactures, and Its marvellous means
Of communication, the creations of science and
skill, surpass anything before known by the hu.
man race
The Age of LiberaIity.
And In these seventy seven years the constitu-
tion Of nearly every government of Europe has
been ameliorated by the Introduction of more
liberal principles Central and South America
have become congeries of republics Canada
and Australia are substantially republics with
out the name, and even In the far east oriental
Japan becomes more free and liberal with every
revolving year. Aud more marvellous yet light
seems to be breaking over benighted Africa, and
men OF a sanguine and philosophic disposition
are predicting, without exciting ridicule, her re-
demption from her barbaric sleep Of centuries
In a word, freedom seems to be gradually cir
cumnayigating the globe, and, proud thought
for US the polar star Of the navigator is our own
republic of the United States
His Thanks to Ohio.
What have said may seem to some like ex.
travagant optimism; if so have only to reply
that have always preferred optcism TO pessi-
msm and common sense to BOTH and that
don't think that in what have said have de-
parted from the teachings of my guide.
My friends, IL s seventy-oue years since at
years OF age became citizen OF Ohio, and
have been one of her citizens from that day to
this, and will no doubt remain one Of her people
until shall be laid In my final resting place on
thrlh unuer nef 500. III would be the perfOrm-
ance OF grateful duty ON my part to speak of
the uniform kindness that have received, from
boy5ood 10 old age, from the people of this state;
Of the honors they have conferred upon me be-
yond my deserts; of the numerous and dear
friends have made and whose attachment can
never be forgotten for moment or remem bered
without emoton OF the distinguished men of
Ohio whom have seen and with many of whom
was intimately acquainted and of the Just
pride with which have witnessed the wonderful
growth of the state until her name is known and
commands respect throughout the whole civil
lied world. But Ohio is the theme from which
you will hear from your distinguished governor,
and no one is better qualified to do justice TO it
than he. shall therefore conflne myself TO O
Few personal "reminiscences which, IL they serve
no other purpose, will prove to you that IL Is an
old, old man whom you honor so highly tonight
The speaker went on to say that he had
seen and talked with the first governor of
the state, Edward Tiffin, that he had
known its first United States senator,
Thomas Worthington, that he had been
private secretary to Governor Lucas, and
seen and spoken to Gen. William Henry
Harrison, and had been intimately ac-
quainted with many other illustrious
Ohioans now dead and gone He paid an
eloquent tribute to Rufus p. Ranney, the
venerable and eminent lawyer, and con-
cluded his response in these words:
His Withdrawal from Public Life.
Before l conclude, there is one statement that
feel it my duty to make. In one OF our town
papers, few days ago, saw my name suggested
as that OF proper candidate for the presidency
or vice presidency in 1892. / regretted very much
10 see the suggestion, for appearing in a paper
known to be very friendly to me and published in
the place of my residence, 1t might naturally be
suspected by strangers that 1t was inspired, or at
least approved by me. But such was not the
fact. had no idea that such suggestion would
be made until ! saw it in this paper.
My friends let me say to you in all sincerity
and without the least mental reservation that 1
am not nor shall ever again be a candidate for
office. have been sufficiently honored by my
party and neither ask nor desire any further
honor than continued friendship and good will
| Gentlemen, / have said enough; MORE indeed
than i expected to say. Once more let me re-
turn my sincere. thanks. You have gladened the
heart and frightened the footsteps of an old
man, your devoted friend, in his descent OF the
hill of life when he has almost reached its foot.
May God bless you all is his earnest prayer.
The announcement of the next toast,
citizenship in America" and the pre-
sentation of ex-President Cleveland to re-
spond, was the signal for another outburst
| of enthusiasm. Mr.. Cleveland said:
Grover Cleveland's Speech.
Mr. President and Gentlemen-I follow the
| promptings of heart full of devotion and ven
| Grafton, as tender from the Democracy of the
great state of New York her tribute Of affection
| for the man whom we honor tonight / am
| commissioned to claim for my state her full
share of the glory >x~
.fnh hae haa had