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lose the spirit which animated its framers. Has not the history of the last years given, at least, occasion to the presumption that in these United States, American- ism, republicanism and democracy are three different elements, inimical and destructive to each other? No disinterested observer can come to a different conclusion. This is wrong and we should endeavor to propagate the faith in the unity and indissolubility of that political trio. We cannot separate these elements without demolishing the superstructure of which they are the foundation. The hallowed names of Americanism, republicanism and democracy, should never have been applied to hostile purposes. Their use as labels as political parties is disgusting to others and ruinous to ourselves. Nay, it is a criminal denial of the fathers who suffered and bled for the Declaration of Independence, and whose solemn voice speaks through history, and admonishes us to preserve as a sacred patrimony that which Divine Providence allowed them to bequeath to us. We have before us a long and glorious future, provided we perform our duty, and keep sacred the memory of the birthday of our national independence. Monuments and statues can preserve the memory of the acts of the illustrious founders of our republic; but if their spirit is not ours, we are hypocrites. Every citizen ought to bear their image, and be a living monument to them. That is our duty.
Fellow citizens, we have again heard the pledge made upon the birthday of our national existence by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Let us, who reap the benefits of the fulfillment of that pledge, in the solemn presence of the Ruler of the Universe, follow in their footsteps, and for the continuance and maintenance of their work, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor, and transfer to our posterity an unsullied faith. United we stand, divided we fall. United now and forever.
Mothers and maidens, we call on you on this important day. The spirit which animated our revolutionary heroes was mainly due, next to Divine Providence, to the patriotic conduct and instructions of wives and mothers. I know by the experience gathered in early youth how, in the darkest hours of national oppression, a liberty loving mother can implant and foster in the breast of her offspring the spirit of national independence, and prepare them for the moment when an outraged people will rise to throw off the yoke of bondage. Mothers and maidens of America, you have an ex ample of Mary and Martha Washington, and of so many other illustrious wives and mothers. Follow in their footsteps and let the remembrance of this day create in you the determination to sustain your husbands in the maintenance of our Union, liberty and independence, and teach your children from their earliest days to look up to Divine Providence for the preservation of our glorious national inheritance.
I would particularly, on this memorable day, invite the young and growing generation under my hearing never to forget that next to Divine Providence they are the hope of the good and brave men of the land. It is your privilege now peacefully to enjoy the results of the revolution, sealed and cemented in your ancestors' blood. But the time may come when your arm will be needed in the defense of your inheritance, and you ought to be prepared for such an emergency. And if, during your lifetime, our nation may escape the terrors of war, you still have duties to perform to your country and your God. At the time of your majority you will take your place as active peers of the republic. The highest station in our government is not out of reach of anyone among you. Look to Divine Providence in discharging your sacred duties towards your country. Prepare yourselves, under His fostering care, for the highest office, and yet strive to be content with the humblest station. Behave yourselves as American free-