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highest order of motives. [Applause.] With such a people democratic government will be the more successful, the more the public opinion ruling it is enlightened and inspired by full and thorough discussion. [Applause.] The greatest danger threatening democratic institutions comes from those influences, whether consisting in an excessive party spirit, or whatever else, which tend to stifle or demoralize discussion, and to impair the opportunities of the people for considering and deciding public questions on their own merits. [Applause.] If those influences are effectively curbed, our democratic government will not fail to hold up the true ideals of the great American republic and to move forward in their direction. [Applause.]
When I speak of ideals, I do not mean the vague dreams of a fantastic visionary. I mean the conceptions and teachings of such an idealist as George Washington was, [applause,] whose lessons and admonitions, left to the American people as his greatest legacy, stand as the soberest, the most practical, the wisest, and at the same time, as, in the highest sense, the most idealistic utterance that ever came from an American statesman. [Applause.]
And now, to close the proceedings of the evening, for which I cannot thank you too much, and which, so long as I live, will be one of my proudest and most cherished memories, raise your glasses and drink to the sentiment I offer you:
Our country, the great Republic of the United States of America. May it ever prosper and flourish as the government of, for and by the people; as the home of free and happy generations, and as an example and guiding star to all mankind! [Applause and cheers.]
