permanent settlement in the
State of Ohio, at Marietta, was celebrated on the 7th of April,
1888. There was a difference of opinion among the people whether
the proper day was the 7th of April or the 15th of July, as the
landing of the settlers was on the 7th of April, but on the 15th
of July General Arthur St. Clair entered upon the discharge of his
duties as governor of the northwestern territory. The result was,
the people of Marietta concluded to celebrate on both days. Senator
Evarts made an eloquent address on the 7th of April, and I was
invited to deliver one on the last day of the second celebration,
commencing on the 15th of July. The ceremonies, visiting and
feasting continued during five days. The fifth day was called
"Ohio day," and was intended as the finale of a great celebration.
It was said that 20,000 persons thronged the streets and participated
in the memorial ceremonies on that day. This vast crowd, gathered
from many different states, were hospitably entertained by the
citizens of Marietta. The exercises commenced in the morning at
ten o'clock, with Governor Foraker presiding. Among the distinguished
guests were the governors or lieutenant-governors of the states
that were carved out of the northwestern territory. I had not
prepared a speech, but knew what I intended to talk about. I was
introduced by Governor Foraker in an eloquent address, which he
knew how to make. I said:

"Ladies and Gentlemen:--The very flattering manner in which our
governor has introduced me to you rather disturbs the serenity of
my thoughts, for I know that the high panegyric that he gives to
me is scarcely justified to mortal man. We have faults, all have
failings, and no one can claim more than a fair and common average
of honest purpose and noble aim. I come to-day as a gleaner on a
well-reaped field, by skillful workmen who have garnered the crop
and placed it in stacks so high that I cannot steal a sheaf without
being detected. I cannot utter a thought without having it said
that I copied from some one else. I thank fortune I have no framed
speech made, for, if I had, the speech would have been read or
spoken to you in eloquent terms, but I only come with thoughts
inspired by the great history we are called upon to review--a
hundred years of this northwest territory. What a theme it is!
Why is it that this favored country of 260,000 square miles and
about 160,000,000 acres of land had been selected a