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methods of good government and of sound lines of policy. [Applause.] There was here no danger of dungeons or exile for the frankest expression of opinion, or even for the sharpest opposition to those in power, or to a political party—althongh I may admit that occasionally some excited politician, whom I had particularly displeased, would vociferously call upon me to “go home.” [Laughter.] So, under the generous institutions of the Republic, all the opportunities of our public life were freely thrown open to me, and I received, one after another, some of the most honorable distinctions which the ambition of any American can crave.
I have, therefore, always felt myself bound by something more than a mere citizen’s duty—or, rather, in addition to that—by a duty of gratitude, not to a person or a party, but to the Republic and the American people, to serve their interests according to the very best of my understanding and ability. [Applause.] And if, in doing this, I had to differ from esteemed friends, or to sever old party ties, I may say that I never did so with a light heart, but only because I thought I could not do otherwise, whatever the sacrifice.
The fact has been mentioned that I am an adopted citizen. Having been a voter for these forty-two years, and being, therefore, a much older voter than a majority of the native Americans now living, my naturalization may be considered complete. [Laughter.] For nearly half a century I have felt myself as a thorough American. [Applause.] Under the Stars and Stripes my children were born, and under that flag I am to die and they are to live. But my faithful love for this Republic does not forbid me to look back upon the old
