' (_Loud
cheers._)
Nor let it be supposed that we, as Americans, are entirely selfish in
this matter. We believe that this Union is the most sacred trust ever
confided by God to man. We believe that this American Union is the best,
the brightest, the last experiment of self-government; and as it shall
be maintained and perpetuated, or broken and dissolved, the light of
liberty shall beam upon the hopes of mankind, or be forever extinguished
amid the scoffs of exulting tyrants, and the groans of a world in
bondage. (_Loud applause._) Thanking you, ladies and gentlemen, for the
kind indulgence with which you have been pleased to receive these
remarks, I will now proceed to the toasts which have been prepared for
the occasion. Ladies and gentlemen, the first toast will be, 'The
President of the United States,' under whose proclamation we are this
day convened. Before asking you to respond to that toast, I would say
that we are honored by the presence this evening of his excellency, the
American Minister, Mr. Adams. (_Prolonged applause._) This is a name for
a century, and during three generations most honorably and conspicuously
connected with the cause of our country and of human liberty. The
grandfather and father of our American minister were each elevated to
the presidency of the United States by the votes of the American people.
The first, the illustrious John Adams, moved in 1776 the Declaration of
American Independence, and supported that motion by an immortal and most
eloquent address.
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