And as we contemplate the glorious
death of those who fell, shall we not say,
"Since all must life resign,
Those sweet reward which decorate the brave
'Tis folly to decline,
And steal inglorious to the silent grave."
As compared with the existence of the world only a short space of time
has intervened between the 19th of April, 1775, and this day, yet three
generations of men have trodden these fields and aided in the great
work of perfecting and preserving American institutions. With what
confidence, fellow citizens, did your ancestors look to independence
and the establishment of the form of government under which we have
lived and prospered as a people? Beyond this form neither the patriot
nor statesman can look with hope.
Who will propose to the now united American people either a return to
the almost forgotten confederacy of 1778, or the establishment of
several governments? Nobody,--nobody. When we contrast our
institutions with those of any other country, how ought we to thank God
for the measure of personal happiness and political security we have
enjoyed.
Not that our institutions are perfect,--nor that there is nothing which
the philanthropist may deplore or the statesman condemn. All the
anticipations of our ancestors have not been realized. The past is
not all perfect; the future will not always cheer us with sunshine and
smiles; but he is a misanthrope who allows his opinions to be
controlled by the exceptions to the general current of our national
career.
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