we should take a stronger position than ever
before occupied by our government and people. We can no longer confine
ourselves to the narrow limits that governed us as a people in the past.
Much has been said of what has been the ruling policy of the past. This
much, I think, is apparent to all, that the grave responsibilities of
the nation are too great to be contaminated by personal, partisan, or
sectional interests. Our interests are national in the highest degree.
They embrace two hemispheres. They involve the welfare of a hundred
millions of the human race. We are getting to that time when we shall
require not only the ablest men but many of them, in every department,
to protect and administer the affairs of the Nation. In those impressive
lines of Holland we might exclaim:--

"God give us men; a time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands,
Men whom the lust of office does not kill,
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy,
Men who possess opinions and a will,
Men who have honor; men who will not lie."

The important and great questions that had to be met and that have been
decided during the last few months have had a broadening influence upon
the great mass of our people. It has been uplifting to every community
and every phase of society. It has turned the attention of our people to
the great power and responsibility of our Republic, and institutions,
and true interests as a people and a nation, not only at home, but
through every part of the globe. We have been enabled to give freedom to
millions of the oppressed, and I believe that we shall be able to extend
to them the hand of support and secure for them a full measure of
justice and enlightened government. In behalf of the army and for
myself, I wish to return my most heartfelt thanks for this most cordial
greeting. [Applause.]

SAMUEL FREEMAN MILLER

FEDERAL JUDGES

[Speech of Samuel F. Miller, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States, at the annual dinner of the State Bar Association, Albany,
November 20, 1878. Justice Miller spoke in response to the toast: "The
Supreme Court of the United States." With the toast was associated the
following sentiment from De Tocqueville: "The peace, the prosperity,
and the very existence of the Union are vested in Federal Judges."]

MR. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN OF THE ASSOCIATION:--I perceive that
in the meeting of this State Bar Associati