Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-11-14
AMERICAN CIrIZENsnIp.-
EN-fresident Cieveland's Response /
That Toast at the Thurman Bancuet.

EX-PreSident Cleveland in replying
TO the toast american Citizenship" al
the Thurman banquet last evening.
spoke as follows:
Mr.. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN
follow the promptingS of heart full
OF devotion aud vcneration, as tender
from the Democracy of the great State
OF New York, her tribute of affection
Tor the man whom We honor tonight. |
am commissioned To claim for my State
her full share of the glory which has
been shed upon the American name and
character, by one whose career and ex-
ample cannot be pre-empted and whose
renOwn cannot be limited in ownership
TO the neighbOrs and friends of any To-
cality. We contest every exclusive pre-
tension 10 his fame and greatness, be-
cause he is 4 neighbor to all the people
of the land; because he is the friend of
all who love their country; because his
career Splendidly illustrates the best
and strongest elements of our national
character: and because his example be-
longs TO al his countrymen.
| 1t is fitting that those who have faith
in our destiny rs I nation, who believe
I that there are noble things which be-
I long diStinctively To our character Is Il
people and who prize at its true worth
pure American citizenship, should gath
er here tonight. 1t is given us to con
I template the highest craftsmanship, the
most unyielding and diSintercsted devo-
ton TO the interests of the people, and
the most valuable achievements in the
cause OF our cOuntry'S welfare, all OF
which have been stimulated and accom-
pliShed through the influence and inn
pulse of true, unperyerted, study Amer
icaniSm. We rejoice in the example
afforded on this occasion of genuine
American citizenship, revealed to us as
safe and infallible interpreter of duty
i'm all the emergencies of long and
honorable public career, and As an I'M
failing guide to usefulness and fame.
In this presence and in the atmosphere
OF these reflections, we should not miss
the lesson they commend 10 us, nor fail
70 renew our appreciation Of the value
Of this citizenship, and revive our apprc-
henSion Of the sentiments and cOndi-
lions in which it has its rise and growth.
And first of all we should be pro-
foundly grateful that the elements
which make up the strength and vigor
of American citizenship, are so naturally
related toour situation and are so sim
pie. The intrigueS of monarchy which
faint the individual character Of the
subject: the splendOr which dazzlcS the
popular eve and abstracts the attention
from abuses and stiles diScOntent: the
schemes of conquest and selfish aggran-
dilement which makes Il selfish people,
have no legitimate place in our national
life. Here the plain people OF the land
are the rulers. Their inyeStiture OF
power is only accompanied with the
conditions 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-
voted 10 an understanding OF its needs
and the promotion Of its welfare.
These are the elements OF American
citizenship, and these are the condi-
tions upon which our free institutions
are entrusted to our people, in full re-
lance. at the beginning and Tor all time
To come, upon American manhood, con-
secrated by the highest and pureSt
patriotism.
4 country broad and new, to be sub
ducd to the purposes OF mans, eX-
iStcnce, and promising vast and nde-
pendent resources. and Il people intelli-
gently understanding the value OF free
nation and holding fast TO an intense
affection for its history and heroes, have
had much 10 do with moulding our
American character and giving 1t hard
hood and vigor. But it should never
be- forgotten that the influence which,
more than all other things, has made
| our people safe depoSitarieS OF govern
mental power, and which has furnished
/ the SureSt guaranty of the strength and
perpetuity Of the Republic, has its
source in the American home. Here
Iour uatriotism is born and entwincS it.
self with the growth of filial love, and
/ here our children are taught the story
I Of our freedom and independence. But
nbove all. here in the braciug aud
wholesome atmosphere of uucompiain-
inc frugalty and economy, the mental
and moral attributes of our people have
.been firmly knit and invigorated. Never
could il be said of any country 50 truly
As of ours, that the permancncy OF It's
institutions depend upon its homes
have spoken OF frugality and ecOno-
nv rs important factors in American
life. | find no fault with the accumu-
llotiou of wealth. and am glad to see en-
Iergy and enterprise receive their falr
reward. But believe that our govern
lment in its natural integrity, is exactly
suited 10 a frugal and economical peo-
pie: and / believe il IS safest in the
hands of those who have been made
strong and Self-relant in their citizen
ship, by sclf-deuial and by the surround
Iings of an enforced economy. Thrift
and watchfulneSS Of expenditure among
the people tend 10 secure thrifty gov
lernment: and cheap and careful living
ION the part Of individuals ought to en-
force economy in the public eXpcndi-
lures.
When. therefore, men in high places
Iof trust. charged with the responsibility
lof making and executing our laws, not
lonly condemn but tlippantly deride
lchcapness and economy within the
homes Of our people, and when the eNpen-
lditureS OF the government are reckless
and waStcful, we may be sure that some
thing is wrong with rs, and that con-
Idition exists which calls for vigorous
land resentful defense OF American
ism. by every man worthy TO be called
am American citizen.
Upon the question Of cheapneSs and
economy, whether 1t relates to individ-
uals or to the operations of the govern
ment, the Democratic party, true to its
creed and its traditions, will unaltera-
lbly remain attached to our plain and
frugal people. They are especially en-
titled to the watchful care and protec-
ton of their government; and when
they are borne down with burdens
greater than they can bear. and are
made the objects of Scorn by hard task
maskerS. we will not leave their side.
As the great German Reformer, insist
ing upon his religious convinctlons' In
the presence of his accuSers- exclaimed,
Il can do naught else. Here stand
God help me-" so, however much others
may mock and deride cheapnesS and the
poor and frugal men and women oil our
land. we will stand forth in defence oil
their simple Americanism deiiantly pro-
claiming, I'VE can do naught else
Here we stand
Thus when the question IS raised
l.. oil hax-n tlt nptQS-