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there are other things to, which I must allude. Washington
helped to make the Constitution, and handed it down as it is.
I am proud, I am gratified, that I have it in my power to-day
to stand beneath the roof where that great man spoke the
Government into existence and laid down the basis of govern-
ment. Here, on this consecrated ground, by resigning his
commission, he set the great example of love, of freedom and
of constitutional government by lifting the crown from his
head and laying it at the feet of the people. This is the spot
where the great act was performed.
It was here that George Washington tendered his resigna-
tion as Commander-in-chief of the colonies as they then exis-
ted, and passed from the soldier to the citizen. He taught
an admiring world that to be truly great a man must be truly
food. This spot claims that honor. Would to God that we
ad an example of such wisdom and virtue in modern times.
It was left for him to set the example. He performed the
act that stands out alone and lifts itself above any other act
of any other man who ever lived. Hence I am proud to stand
here to-day and refer to subjects so familiar to you all. For
the kind, for the sympathetic, and, I think I may add, for
the sincere and cordial respect manifested here to-day, you
have my thanks, the thanks of a heart which will never
cease to be grateful as long as the life current animates it.
The remembrance of this kindness will ever be green in my
memory. I repeat, I do hope and believe an era of good feel-
ipg has commenced. Let us all endeavor to feel better and
kinder toward one another. I am satisfied if the North and
the South were brought into a closer intimacy there would be
a better feeling, for the friction would round the sharp corners
and remove the asperity which now exists. Let us try to be
one people and go on and fulfil our noble destiny, and I trust
through the difficulties which we have just passed, a benifi-
cent Providence will insure for us a more permanent existence.
I will not admit that this nation has completed its mission.
We are extending our possessions and power, and though
some may be opposed to the extension of our jurisdiction, yet,
in my honest conviction, the great principle of government,
instead of being too weak, as some contend, to cover a greater
area, would, if properly carried out, be strong enough to em-
brace within its sphere and influence the whole civilized
would. We have tried too much to make the public mind
assume the direction of invention and discovery. We have
been making too much law. If we cease to direct and invent
the mind to discovery, and ascertain what the law is, con-
form our action to it, the world, I am sure, would move in
more, harmonious motion. The North and the South can
vrorfc in harmony with the Federal Government. The parts
.are essential to the whole, and the whole is essential to the
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