forbidding rivalry, and stifling even envy itself! Such a
nation deserves to be happy; such a chief must be for ever
revered.

"War, long menaced by the Indian tribes, now broke out; and
the terrible conflict, deluging Europe with blood, began to
shed its baneful influence over our happy land. To the
first, outstretching his invincible arm, under the orders of
the gallant Wayne, the American eagle soared triumphant
through distant forests. Peace followed victory, and the
melioration of the condition of the enemy followed peace.
Godlike virtue, which uplifts even the subdued savage!

"To the second he opposed himself. New and delicate was the
conjuncture, and great was the stake. Soon did his
penetrating mind discern and seize the only course
continuing to us all the blessings enjoyed. He issued his
proclamation of neutrality. This index to his whole
subsequent conduct was sanctioned by the approbation of both
houses of Congress, and by the approving voice of the
people.

"To this sublime policy he invariably adhered, unmoved by
foreign intrusion, unshaken by domestic turbulence.

"'Justum et tenacem propositi virum,
Non civium ardor prava jubentium,
Non vultus instantis tyranni
Mente quatit solida.'

"Maintaining his pacific system at the expense of no duty,
America, faithful to herself and unstained in her honor,
continued to enjoy the delights of peace, while afflicted
Europe mourns in every quarter under the accumulated
miseries of an unexampled war--miseries in which our happy
country must have shared had not our pre-eminent Washington
been as firm in council as he was brave in the field.

"Pursuing steadfastly his course, he held safe the public
happiness, preventing foreign war and quelling internal
disorder, till the revolving period of a third election
approached, when he executed his interrupted but
inextinguishable desire of returning to the humble walks of
private life.

"The promulgation of his fixed resolution stopped the
anxious wishes of an affectionate people from adding a third
unanimous testimonial of their unabated confidence in the
man so long enthroned in their hearts. When, before, was
affection like this exhibited on earth? Turn over the
records of Greece--review the anna