We can justly claim that our Presidents form an unbroken line of wise and capable rulers, that leave indelible marks for good on the progress of civilization in the path of liberty, justice, and freedom. As for the present occupant of the White House, none can gainsay his devotion to duty, his ability and character, and his conscientious endeavour to serve faithfully the interest of our common country at home and abroad. Whoever our chief magistrate may be, we may be as Americans, sure that the national honor is always secure, and that our flag, the glorious “Stars and Stripes” will always be among the foremost standards among the nations of the earth. It can be truly said that our President is at the head of a happy family. Differences may divide us on election day, but at all times, love and reverence for our institutions, and liberties animate us, the fires of patriotism, obliterating the petty distinctions of politics, burn as brightly to-night in the North, South, East and West, of a united and prosperous country, as well as in the breasts of those around this board this evening. The public utterances of the President mark him as a statesman, who appreciates to the full the grandeur of our country, and the greatness of our people. In visiting through the several states last summer, the brave men of the South vied with the men of the North, in giving him an enthusiastic welcome, and proving to the world that, when the occasion calls for it, the spirit of loyalty and patriotism, and naught else, will be found in every American heart. It is a pleasing spectacle to us, and a source of surprise and admiration to foreigners, that our President comes and goes, as an ordinary citizen; respect for his office and person being as general among our 75 million inhabitants that we need not even the slightest display of force to with-hold his authority or strengthen his public acts. This is indeed an impressive fact, perhaps unparalleled in the history of any country, and a tribute to the stability of our institutions, supported by the people’s will and dominated by a spirit of justice and intellectual power. We have weathered a terrible storm, but the timbers of the ship of State have stood the strain. Our past has been glorious, and if we are true to our trust, we may look forward with optimism and faith to the future of our country, now the light of the world, and a beacon of hope to the oppressed of every land. This elbow touch of cordiality and enjoyment with fellow-Americans on foreign soil is a most happy occasion for us all, but the grandest sight in this hall is our American flag, that symbol of beauty and glory, the red, white and blue, which recalls to our minds so much that is dear to our hearts, home, friends and native land.