Show THE UNITED STATES The Toast to Which Grover Cleveland Responded A GRAND AND PATRIOTIC MAN The Friendly Sons of St Patrick Find I the ExPresident a Friendly Brother and Admirer NEW YORK March 10The banquet given by the Friendly Sons of St Patrick tonight was a grand success The feature fea-ture of the eveningwas the response of exPresident of the United States Grover Cleveland to the toast the United States The attendance was large and an enjoyable evening was spent Tho occasion was the 103th anniversary c the society ExPresident Clevelands Speech When the presidents brief introduction concluded with Mr Clevelands name the diners cheered lustily While the dinner was tits height Mr Cleveland his fare a trifle pale slowly arose and acknowledged the reception given him The cheering having finally subsided Mr Cleveland speaking clearly and easily said The words to which I respond give use to such various and impressive recollection that I find it difficult to determine the line of thought which should be followed What is naturally and obviously suggested sug-gested by the sentiment proposed in this country is marvelous in its growth and de elopements great in its power and wealth and free in the character of its institutions and spirit of its people OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE There is also suggested a board and hospitable country which opens its gates to the people of all nations who are wiling to assume the duties of American citizenship in exchange for a share in the blessings which God has in store for the American people AID AND STMPATHT EXTENDED Nor can it be said that in national selfishness selfish-ness and sordid complacency our country is blind to the welfare of others Wherever there exists a struggle for freer govern ment and for mans enfranchisement there will be found aid and sympathy of the people of the United States In this we but follow the pronipting1 which our free conditions inspire and acknowledge the contribution we have received re-ceived from sturdy men of other lands to greatness our population and to the clement of our OTHERS ALSO GREW But other nations too are great They are prosperous and rich In a measure they are free States may mean any organized organ-ized government tyrannical monarchical free freeI is therefore most important that we do not miss the reflection that the United States alone stands for government always free and founded upon human rights and equality before the law Our nation is inseparable in-separable from this union of states Thus it was launched on its career among the nation na-tion s < t the earth Its machinery is suited to no other condition and its success depends de-pends upon it AMERICAN SUCCESS Whatever might be the achievements of seperate and disjointed states nothing but triumph of the United States can demonstrate in the eyes of tho world the success of American experiment of self government We should not be content with venera tion for these who made us a nation nor with the sacred and grateful remembrance of those who shed their blood and gave their lives for its perpetuation gve We too owe a duty to the United States We can at least teach fraternity and toleration the sure foundations of our unity and of our country THE REAL SPIRIT I these reasons are firmly established in the hearts of our countrymen we shall to the extent that we aid in this consummation consumma-tion perform the duty required of us in our day and generation Let us then cultivate real and genuine generosity and fraternal kindness among our people Let us resolve that no partisan exigency shall excuse the creation or keeping alive of irritation and jealousy among the people all charged with tho safety development and triumph American institutions TO REACH OUR DESTINy Our destiny is before ns I can only be reached by union and harmony We are not called upon to surrender or jeopardize any results in favor of our union which wo may hare gained in its armed defense but rather to foster and secure se-cure those results through patriotism and magnanimity WE SHOULD NOT FORGET In the presence of the duty God has laid upon us as a nation it should never be forgotten for-gotten that failure waits on dissension and that grudging acknowledgement of common brotherhood or healthy cooperation in common patriotic purpose will surely check our national progress in this assemblage where so large a representation is found of a race which in all stages of our national life has done much to make our country great and whose hearts at this time turn lovingly to their brethren who struggle for blessings which are here enjoyed WITHOUT REGARD TO BIRTH I know that reference to any clement of our freedom and happiness will meet with heartfelt respose here regardless of place of birth or former allegiance AS ALLAMERICAN We meet as American citizens proud of our country devoted to her interests and prosperity and wishing with enthusisam for those less favored the happiness freedom free-dom strength and peace which are fouild in the United States 1 |