Constitution imposes upon us, and if we are wise and energetic in the
struggles which lie before us, our path is onward to more of national
greatness than ever people before possessed. We are held together by
that two-fold government, which is susceptible of being made perfect
in the small spheres of State limits, and capable of the greatest
imperial power, by the combination of these municipal powers into one
for foreign action. It is a form of government such as the wit of man
never devised until our fathers, with a wisdom that approached
inspiration, framed the Constitution, and transmitted it as a legacy
to us. It devolves upon every one of you, to see that each provision
of that Constitution is cordially and faithfully observed. If
cordially and faithfully observed, the powers of hell and of earth
combined can never shake the happiness and prosperity of the people of
the United States. [Applause.] With every revolving year there will
arise new motives for holding tenaciously to each other. With every
revolving cycle there will come new sources of pride and national
sentiment to the people. Year after your flag will grow more
brilliant, by the addition of fresh stars, recording the growth of our
political family, and onward, over land and over sea, the progress of
American principles, of human liberty illustrated, and protected by
the power of the United States, will hold its way to a triumph such as
the earth has never witnessed. [Applause.] On the other hand, what do
we see? A picture so black that if I could unveil it, I would not in
this cheery moment expose a scene so chilling to your enthusiasm, and
revolting to your patriotic hearts. My friends, feeling that I have
already detained you too long, I now return to you my cordial thanks
for the kindness with which you have received me to-night.