The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1890-11-22
CITIZENSHIP IN AMERICA.
Ex-Pra.idIent Grover CIeyeIaud's speech
al the Thurman Banquet


&, Thurman, at Columbus, Ohio, on No
yember 18th, that of Ex-President Cleve-
land was the most noteworthy. Weglve 1t
in full below
MIR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN-l
follow the promptings 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. | am commits
stoned 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 example cannot be pre-empted
and whose renown cannot be limited IN
ownership to the neighbors and friends OF
any locality. We contest every exclusive
pretension to his fame and greatness, be-
cause he is a 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 belongs to all his
countTymen.
at is fitting that those who have faith
in our destiny as nation, who believe that
there are noble things which belong distinct
ively to our character as a people and who
prize at its true worth pure American cltI-
zenship. should gather here tonight. 1t is
given us to contemplate the highest states
lnanship, the most unyielding and dislnter-
ested devotion 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 accomplished
through the influence and impulse of true,
unperverted sturdy Amerieanism. We re-
ioice in the example afforded on this occa-
sion of genuine American citizenship, re-
velled to us as a safe and iniallibe lnterpre-
ter of duty in 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 to us, nor fail to re-
new our appreciation of the value OF tins
citizenship, and revive our apprehension OF
the sentiments and conditions in which it
has its rise and growth.
OUR COUNTRY'S OPPORTUNITY.
and. first of all, we should be pro-
foundry grateful that the elements which
make up the strength and vigor of Amerl-
can citizenship are so naturally related to
our situation and are so simple. The ln-
trigues of monarchy which faint the indi-
yidual character of the subject; the splen-
dor which dazzles the popular eye and dis
tracts the attention from abuse and STILES
discomfort: the schemes of conquest and
selfish ACKNOWLEDGEMENT which make selfish
people have no legitimate place in our Ma
tional life. Here the plain people of the
land are the rulers. Their investiture of
power is only accompanied with the condl-
lions that they should love their country,
that they should jealousy guard and pro
tect its interests and fair fame, and that all
the intelligence with which they are en-
lowed should be devoted to an understand
inc of its needs and the promotion of its
welfare.
These are the elements of American
citizenship. and these are the conditions
upon which our free institutions were IN
trusted to our people, in full reliance, at
the beginning and for all time to come,
upon American manhood, consecrated by
the highest and purest patriotism.
"A country broad and new, to be sub
dned to the purposes of mans existence,
and promising vast and Independent re-
sources, and people intelligently under
standing the value of free nation and
holding fast to an intense affection for its
history and its heroes, have had much to
do with molding our American character
and giving it hardihood and visor But
it should newer be forgotten that the in
ijnenee which, more than all other things,
has made our people safe deposltarles OF
governmental power, and which has fur
pished the surest guarantee of the strength
and perpetuity of the Republic, has its
source in the American home. Here our
patriotism is born and entwines itself with
the growth of tilial love, and here our chill
dren are taught the story of our freedom
and independence. But above all, here In
the bracing and wholesome atmosphere OF
accomplishing frugality and economy, the
mental and 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 permanancy of its
institutions depends upon its homes.
Il have spoken of irugality and eaopo-
my as important factors in American life.
[ lind no fault with the accumulation of
wealth, and am glad to see energy and en-
terprise receive their fair reward. But |
believe that our Government, in its natural
integrity. is exactly suited to frugal and
economical people; and | believe it is safest
in the hands Of those who have been made
strong and self-rcliant in their citizenship
by self-denial and by its surroundings OF an
enforced economy. Thrift and careful
watchfulness of expenditure among the
people tend to secure a thrifty government,
and cheap and careful living on the part Of
individuals ought to enforce economy in the
public expenditures
cHEAPNEss is NOT DEAFNESS.
When. therefore, men in high places Of
trust, charged with the responsibility OF
making and executing our laws, not only
condemn, bHt fippantly deride cheapness
and economy within the homes of our peo
ole, and when the expenditures of the
Government are reckless and wastefnl, we
may be sure that something is wrong with
us. and that condition exists which calls
for a vigorous and resentful defense of
Americanism by every man worthy to be
called an American citizen.
''Upon the question of cheapness and
economy, whether it relates to individuals
or to the operations of the Government, the
Democratic party, true to its creed and its
traditions, will unalterably remain attached
to our plain and frugal people. They are
especially entitled to the watchful care and
prot ection of their Government; and when
they are borne down with burdens greater
than they can bear, aud are made the OBJ
jects of scorn by hard task-masters. we will
not leave their side. As the great German
relormer, insisting upon his religious con-
victions, in the presence of his accusers
exclaimed: I can do nought else. Here
| stand. God help mer So, however