Carolina to the Constitution of the United States" one of the subjects
of his special congratulation. At that moment, however, when the
agitation consequent upon the Revolutionary struggle had hardly
subsided, when we were just emerging from the weakness and
embarrassments of the Confederation, there was an evident consciousness
of vigor equal to the great mission so wisely and bravely fulfilled by
our fathers. It was not a presumptuous assurance, but a calm faith,
springing from a clear view of the sources of power in a government
constituted like ours. It is no paradox to say that although
comparatively weak the new-born nation was intrinsically strong.
Inconsiderable in population and apparent resources, it was upheld by a
broad and intelligent comprehension of rights and an all-pervading
purpose to maintain them, stronger than armaments. It came from the
furnace of the Revolution, tempered to the necessities of the times.
The thoughts of the men of that day were as practical as their
sentiments were patriotic. They wasted no portion of their energies
upon idle and delusive speculations, but with a firm and fearless step
advanced beyond the governmental landmarks which had hitherto
circumscribed the limits of human freedom and planted their standard,
where it has stood against dangers which have threatened from abroad,
and internal agitation, which has at times fearfully menaced at home.
They proved themselves equal to the solution of the great problem, to
understand which their minds had been illuminated by the dawning lights
of the Revolution. The object sought was not a thing dreamed of; it was
a thing realized. They had exhibited only the power to achieve, but,
what all history affirms to be so much more unusual, the capacity to
maintain. The oppressed throughout the world from that day to the
present have turned their eyes hitherward, not to find those lights
extinguished or to fear lest they should wane, but to be constantly
cheered by their steady and increasing radiance.