The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-05-05
THE NAVAL REVIEW.

The scene of yesterday was not tri-
umph in the sense of rejoicing over a
conquered enemy; but in another and
loftier sense it was one of the greatest
triumphs that the century has witnessed.
The le ding powers of the older world
had sent their steel messengers, the her
aids of their skill, their Jwer and their
prowess, to give fraternal greeting to the
American Republic on this four hun
dredth anniversary of Americas discov-
cry. The fleets of Britain and of France
have been seen in American waters be-
fore. Their cannon have Numbered in
fierce hostility against each other and
against the United States. Now the
mission of the war vessels from beyond
the Atlantic is a mission of peace and
good will; their errand is an errand of
congratulation from the nations which
laid the foundation of European settle
ment IN the new world to the great Re-
public which has sprung from those frail
and heroic beginnings.
The thunder of the sauadrons yester-
day, like the musket shots of Lexington,
was heard around the world. 1t was a
salute. not to Americans alone, but to
mankind, whose future so greatly de-
ponds upon the fortunes of the Ameri-
can Union, whose flag is the polar star
of freedom for the nations of the earth;
and whose free government is the mo1el
and guide for people of every race and
color and language, as they grasp the
rights that belong to them, and seek to
establish a government of liberty and
order.
1t is not necessary to go back to the
days of the Revolution to understand the
tremendous change of which yesterdays
spectacle was tho browning evidence.
Only thirty years ago the government of
France, under ruler afterward driven
from the throne which he disgraced,
was engaged in dangerous intrigues
against the United States, and endeavor
ing to weaken by every means possible
the ability of the American people to de-
fend the Union from destruction. The
governing classes of England were open
ly hostile, and English cruisers, under
the Confederate flag, were preying on
American commerce. Germany did not
exist as Germany, and Russia alone of
Europe's leading powers held the atti-
tude of an ally and friend. Now every
great power of Europe, excepting Aus
tria, which holds minor rank as to her
navy, is represented in the harbor of
New York, and the government of the
United States, through its chosen repre-
sentatives, is hailed with honors due to
the leading powers of the West.
Americans may we'll ask themselves
what has brought about this great and
gratifying change; what has driven out
the carping jealousy of the recent past
to make place for unreserved and cordial
confession of Americas high position
ln &c l,a
what guidance have the American peo-
pie achieved that leadership, that
strength, that magnificent prosperity,
could avail to dislodge the Republic2
The pages of history tell in record
that glOws with patriotism, self-sacrifice
and heroism, with devotion to American
honor, to American privileges and Amer
can interests how this has been accom-
plished. The review of yesterday was
the elimination of thirty-three years OF
genuine American rule, beginning with
the Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln.
1t was fitting testimony to the wisdom,
the courage and the indomitable conf
dence in the nation and it's cause that
have characterized every Republican
President from Lincoln to Harrison and
that have inspired the policy of the
Republican party, under whose admins
tration the Union was saved and the in
dustrial independence of the nation es-
tablished.
The splendid specimens of foreign
naval architecture at anchor in the Hud-
son would never have come to give their
recognition to divided, a weak and a
poverty stricken country. They would
never have Numbered their salutations
in honor Of manned and dismantled re-
public. If America as a nation com.
mands the esteem of the world let us
not forget the men and the party that
preserved the nation. Let us not forget,
amid the boom of foreign and friendly
cannon in our noble harbor, that loyal
Americans faced shot and shell for four
bitter years to make such an occasion
possible. Let us not forget, amid vel
coming and rejoicing, that yesterday
was the anniversary of the birth Of that
hero who sleeps in Riverside Park and
and whose ears will never again listen to
the roar of artillery. Let us not forget
the multitudes of brave men who pre-
cesded and followed him to the grave,
and whose resting places a few weeks
hence we will be decorating with the trib-
utes of affectionate remembrance.
Let us not forget in the grand events of
the present the glorious and heroic
achievements of the past; but rather let
what we witness strengthen and confirm
our resolution to labor all the more
earnestly, faithfully and devotedly for
the welfare and advancement of our
cOuntry.-N. Y. Press, April o.