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But it is the precise epoch at which we have arrived in the world's history, and in our own history, which imparts to this occasion an interest and an importance which cannot easily be over-estimated.
I can make but the merest allusion to the mighty movements which have recently taken place on the continent of Europe—where events which would have given character to an age, have been crowded within the changes of a moon.
Interesting, intensely interesting, as these events have been to all who have witnessed them, they have been tenfold more interesting to Americans. We see in them the influence of our own institutions. We behold in them the results of our own example. We recognize them as the spontaneous germination and growth of seeds which have been wafted over the ocean, for half a century past, from our own original Liberty Tree.
The distinguished writer of the declaration which made this day memorable, was full of apprehensions as to the influence of the Old World upon the New, He even wished, on one occasion, that "an ocean of fire" might roll between America and Europe, to cut off" and consume those serpent fascinations and seductions which were to corrupt, if not to strangle outright, our infant freedom in its cradle.
Doubtless, these were no idle fears at the time. Doubtless, there are dangers still, which might almost seem to have justified such a wish. But it is plain that the currents of political influence thus far have run deepest and strongest in the opposite direction. The influence of the
