The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-03-04
ANNUAL DINNER OF
THE OHIO SOCIETY
Continued from First Pa:e.)

nations history and progress which has
not been met by the sovereign people
with high character. with ample strength
and unflinching fidelity to every honest
obligation. Partisanship can hold few of
as against solemn public duty. We have
seen this so often demonstrated In the
past as TO mark unerringly what it will
be in the future. The national sentiment
and the national conscience was never
stronger or higher than now. There has
been reunion of the people around the
Holy altar. consecrated to country newly
sanctified by common sacrifices-s The fol-
lowers of Grant and Lee have fought
under the anne flag, and fallen for the
same faith. Party lines have loosened
and the ties of union have been rooted in
the hearts of the American people. Politi-
cal passion has altogether subsidized. and
patriotism giows with inexsinguishable
fervor in every home in the land. Tho
flag has been sustained on distant seas
and islands by the men of all parties and
sections and creeds and races and nation
alities. and its stars are only those of
radiant hope to the remote peoples over
whom it floats.
There can be no imperialism These
who fear it are against it. Those who
have faith in the republic are against
it. So that there is universal adherence
for it and unanimous opposition to it.
Our only difference us that those who
do not agree with US have no confidence
In the virtue or capacity or high purpose
or good faith of this free people as a
civilZng agency; while we believe that
the century of free government which
the American people have enjoyed has
not rendered them faithiess and irreso-
lutte, but has fitted them for the great
task of hitting UP and assisting TO better
conditions of those distant peoples, VINO
have, through the issue of battle. become
our wards.
NO CAUSE FOR FEAR.
.Let us fear not. There is no occasion
for faint hearts, no excuse for regrets.
Nations do not grow in strength and
the cause of liberty and law is not adj
vanced by the doing of easy Things The
harder the task the greater win be the
result, the benefit and the honor. To
doubt our power to accomplish it is to
lose faith in the soundness and strength
Of our popular institutions. The Iibera-
tors will never become the oppressors.
A self-governed people will never permit
despotisnl in any government which they
foster and defend.
Gentlemen, we have the new care and
cannot shift it. And, breaking up the
camp of ease and Isolation. let US bravery
and hopefully and soberiy continue the
march Of faithful service, and falter not
until the work is done. It Is not possible
that seyenty-five million of American
freemen are unable to establish liberty
and justice and good government in our
new possessions. The burden is our OPP
portunity. The opportunity is greater
than the burden May God give us
strength to bear the one and wisdom SO
to embrace the other as to carry to our
distant acquisitions the guarantees Of
life liberty and the pursuit of happi-
ness.
President Mckinley read his speech
It was greeted with applause throughout.
His reference to the maintenance of the
gold standard and the absence OF entan-
elements caused great applause. When
he said seventy-hve million sreenan could
not fail to establish liberty and justice
and good government in the new posses
sions there was tremendous applause.
When President Mckinley sat down the
orchestra played THE Star-Spangfed
Banner AMI the guests arose and
cheered.
Governor Nash. of Ohio. was next In
troduced lie spoke briefly, and intro
duced Lieutenant-Governor Timothy L.
woodruff. who responded to the toast
1.-THE Empire State.