In the short space of time spanned by a single life, as if by "the touch of the enchanter's wand," the people have built a government before which the mightiest realms of the earth pale their splendors as do the stars of night before the refulgent glory of the coming day. Population has increased from three to thirty millions. Instead of thirteen, thirty-one stars now shine in the clear blue of this glorious flag. The multitudinous pursuits of enlightened life are cultivated to their highest pitch. The press is mighty and free. Peace and contentment smile alike around the poor man's hearth and the rich man's hall. Education scatters its priceless gift to every home in the land. Religion gathers around its altars the faithful of every creed. Statesmen have arisen "fit to govern all the world and rule it when 'tis wildest." Orators have appeared who have rivaled the great masters of antiquity. The doors of the American Parthenon are ever open to invite the humble but aspiring youth to enter and fill the loftiest niche. The highest dignity is within the grasp of all; for the lowly boy, born and reared in our own sweet valley of Cumberland, shall, when the spring comes round again, be clothed by the people with the first of mortal honors-that of guiding for a time the American republic upon her highway of glory.

DANIEL DOUGHERTY.

"Oration on Democracy."

人生倏忽，不过短短几十载，我们的国家，却足以使普天下最强大的王国黯然失色，好像晚星湮没于黎明的辉耀。这一切好似飞仙点化般神奇。原先人口三百万，如今已有了十倍。我们光荣的蓝色旗帜上，也增加了第三十一颗闪烁的星。开通的国民们，你们一生的种种努力，今天有了从未达到的成果。新闻界享有崇高的权利与自由；全国各处，无论是贫是富，和平与满足处处向人微笑：家家户户，教育播撒下文明的种子；宗教的神坛下，每一条教义都享有了忠诚；无论乱世治世，我们的政治家都足以管理整个世界；无论哪位古代宗师，我们的演说家都足以与之比美。有志青年们，忘记你们身份的卑微，美利坚这座帕台农神庙的大门永远为你敞开，来共图我们崇高的事业，尊严与荣誉在你们手中。看那在坎伯兰山谷出生长大的贫寒少年，当春天再次来临，我们就给他加冕人世间的最高荣耀，他将成为领导美利坚合众国伟大进程的一员。