suggestion that met me at
the threshold has not proved to be mistaken. The promise then held out
has been generously fulfilled. Ever since and through all my intercourse
here I have received, in all quarters, from all classes with whom I have
come in contact, under all circumstances and in all vicissitudes, a
uniform and widely varied kindness, far beyond what I had personally the
least claim to. And I am glad of this public opportunity to acknowledge
it in the most emphatic manner.

My relations with the successive governments I have had to do with have
been at all times most fortunate and agreeable, and quite beyond those I
have been happy in feeling always that the English people had a claim
upon the American Minister for all kind and friendly offices in his
power, and upon his presence and voice on all occasions when they could
be thought to further any good work. [Cheers.]

And so I have gone in and out among you these four years and have come
to know you well. I have taken part in many gratifying public functions;
I have been the guest at many homes; and my heart has gone out with
yours in memorable jubilee of that Sovereign Lady whom all Englishmen
love and all Americans honor. I have stood with you by some unforgotten
graves; I have shared in many joys; and I have tried as well as I could
through it all, in my small way, to promote constantly a better
understanding, a fuller and more accurate knowledge, a more genuine
sympathy between the people of the two countries. [Cheers.]

And this leads me to say a word on the nature of these relations. The
moral intercourse between the governments is most important to be
maintained, and its value is not to be overlooked or disregarded. But
the real significance of the attitude of nations depends in these days
upon the feelings which the general intelligence of their inhabitants
entertains toward each other. The time has long passed when kings or
rulers can involve their nations in hostilities to gratify their own
ambition or caprice. There can be no war nowadays between civilized
nations, nor any peace that is not hollow and delusive, unless sustained
and backed up by the sentiment of the people who are parties to it.
[Cheers.] Before nations can quarrel, their inhabitants must first
become hostile. Then a cause of quarrel is not far to seek. The men of
our race are not likely to become hostile until they begin to
misunderstand each other. [Cheers.] There are no dragon'