s teeth so
prolific as mutual misunderstandings. It is in the great and constantly
increasing intercourse between England and America, in its
reciprocities, and its amenities, that the security against
misunderstanding must be found. While that continues, they cannot be
otherwise than friendly. Unlucky incidents may sometimes happen;
interests may conflict; mistakes may be made on one side or on the
other, and sharp words may occasionally be spoken by unguarded or
ignorant tongues. The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make
anything. [Cheers and laughter.] The nation that comes to be without
fault will have reached the millennium, and will have little further
concern with the storm-swept geography of this imperfect world. But
these things are all ephemeral; they do not touch the great heart of
either people; they float for a moment on the surface and in the wind,
and then they disappear and are gone--"in the deep bosom of the ocean
buried."

I do not know, sir, who may be my successor, but I venture to assure you
that he will be an American gentleman, fit by character and capacity to
be the medium of communication between our countries; and an American
gentleman, when you come to know him, generally turns out to be a not
very distant kinsman of an English gentleman. [Cheers.] I need not
bespeak for him a kindly reception. I know he will receive it for his
country's sake and his own. ["Hear! Hear!"]

"Farewell," sir, is a word often lightly uttered and readily forgotten.
But when it marks the rounding-off and completion of a chapter in life,
the severance of ties many and cherished, of the parting with many
friends at once--especially when it is spoken among the lengthening
shadows of the western light--it sticks somewhat in the throat. It
becomes, indeed, "the word that makes us linger." But it does not prompt
many other words. It is best expressed in few. What goes without saying
is better than what is said. Not much can be added to the old English
word "Good-by." You are not sending me away empty-handed or alone. I go
freighted and laden with happy memories--inexhaustible and unalloyed--of
England, its warm-hearted people, and their measureless kindness.
Spirits more than twain will cross with me, messengers of your
good-will. Happy the nation that can thus speed its parting guest!
Fortunate the guest who has found his welcome almost an adoption, and
whose farewell leaves half his heart behind! [Loud cheers