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t be merely servile imitators of Old World ideas, but must develop our own _American ideas_ in every department of government and society; thus, eventually, building up a national structure which shall, which need, yield to none, but may take precedence of all. We are too young, as yet, to have become such a nation, with its distinctive and separate features, each clearly marked and self-illustrating; but _not_ too young to understand the necessity of working out our own special plan of civilization. As the American nation did not follow the course of all others, by mounting from almost impalpable beginnings up through successive stages to an assured position of national influence and greatness; so need we not imitate them in waiting for gray hairs to see ourselves possessed of a distinct national character. As we did not have to go through the slow, age-long process of originating, of developing ideas, principles, but took them ready made, a legacy from the experience of all the foregoing ages; and as our business is to apply these ideas to the problem we are set to solve, not for ourselves alone, but for the world's peoples, for aggregate humanity, so should we be neither laggard nor lukewarm in fulfilling this high trust, this 'manifest destiny.' In the developing of our special American ideas we have a great work before us--a work but begun, as yet. There is an American art--an American literature--an American society, as well as an American Government, to be shaped out of the abundant material we possess, and compacted into the enduring edifice of national renown. For what is national character, but ideas crystallized in institutions? Until we have done this--given permanency to our special ideas in our institutions--we are a nation in embryo; our manhood exists only in prophecy. To assist in this mighty work is the duty and privilege of American women. What higher ambition could actuate their endeavors--what nobler meed of glory win their aspirations? O ye women, dear American sisters, whoever you are, who have offered up your husbands, sons, brothers, lovers, on the red altar of your country, that so that country may be rescued from the foes that seek her honor and life; who have labored and toiled and spent your efforts in supplying the needs of her brave defenders; whose hearts and prayers are all for the success of our holy cause; who are glad with an infinite joy at her successes, and who are sorry with
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