BRILLIANTS FROM DEPEW.
Chauncey M. Depew, one of the leading American orators of the nineteenth century. From an oration on "Columbus and the Exposition," delivered in Chicago in 1890.
It is not sacrilege to say that the two events to which civilization to-day owes its advanced position are the introduction of Christianity and the discovery of America.
When Columbus sailed from Palos, types had been discovered, but church and state held intelligence by the throat.
Sustained enthusiasm has been the motor of every movement in the progress of mankind.
Genius, pluck, endurance, and faith can be resisted by neither kings nor cabinets.
Columbus stands deservedly at the head of that most useful band of men—the heroic cranks in history.
The persistent enthusiast whom one generation despises as a lunatic with one idea, succeeding ones often worship as a benefactor.
This whole country is ripe and ready for the inspection of the world.