Liberty, which we so much covet, is not a solitary plant. Always by its
side is justice. But Justice is nothing but right applied to human
affairs. Do not forget, I entreat you, that with the highest morality is
the highest liberty. A great poet, in one of his inspired sonnets,
speaking of his priceless possession, has said, "But who loves that must
first be wise and good." Therefore do Pilgrims in their beautiful
example teach liberty, teach republican institutions, as at an earlier
day, Socrates and Plato, in their lessons of wisdom, taught liberty and
helped the idea of the republic. If republican government has thus far
failed in any experiment, as, perhaps, somewhere in Spanish America, it
is because these lessons have been wanting. There have been no Pilgrims
to teach the moral law.

Mr. President, with these thoughts, which I imperfectly express, I
confess my obligations to the forefathers of New England, and offer to
them the homage of a grateful heart. But not in thanksgiving only would
I celebrate their memory. I would if I could make their example a
universal lesson, and stamp it upon the land. The conscience which
directed them should be the guide for our public councils. The just and
equal laws which they required should be ordained by us, and the
hospitality to truth which was their rule should be ours. Nor would I
forget their courage and stedfastness. Had they turned back or wavered,
I know not what would have been the record of this continent, but I see
clearly that a great example would have been lost. Had Columbus yielded
to his mutinous crew and returned to Spain without his great discovery;
had Washington shrunk away disheartened by British power and the snows
of New Jersey, these great instances would have been wanting for the
encouragement of men. But our Pilgrims belong to the same heroic
company, and their example is not less precious.