To one who loves his country in all its parts, it is natural to
rejoice in whatever contributes to the prosperity and honor, and marks
the stability and progress of any portion of its people. I therefore
look upon the evidence presented to me of the soldierly enthusiasm and
military acquirements displayed on this occasion, with none the less
pleasure because I am the citizen of another and distant State. It was
not the policy of our government to maintain large armies of navies in
time of peace. The history of our past wars established the fact that
it was not needful to do so. The militia had bee found equal to all
the emergencies of war. Their patriotism, their intelligence, their
knowledge of the use of arms, had given to then all the efficiency of
veterans, and on many bloody fields they have shown their superiority
over the disciplined troops of their enemies. A people morally and
intellectually equal to self-government, must also be equal in
self-defence. My friends, your worthy General has alluded to my
connection with the military service of the country. The memory arose
to myself when the troops this day marched past me, and when I looked
upon their manly bearing and firm step. I thought could I have seen
them thus approaching the last field of battle on which I served,
where the changing tide several times threatened disaster to the
American flag, with what joy I would have welcomed those striped and
starred banners, the emblem and the guide of the free and the brave,
and with what pride would the heart have beaten when welcoming the
danger's hour, brethren from so remote an extremity of our expanded
territory.

One of the evidences of the fraternal confidence and mutual reliance
of our fathers was to be found in their compact or mutual protection
and common defence. So long as their sons preserve the spirit and
appreciate the purpose of their fathers, the United States will remain