You welcome me as one who, for the time being by your choice, is charged with the execution of the law. It is a great thing to be a citizen of this country, and the privilege has its corresponding obligations. This Government can never be wrecked by the treason or fault of those who for the time are placed in public position so long as the people are true to the principles of the Government and to the flag. [Applause.] Set your love upon the flag and that which it represents. Be ready, if occasion should call, to defend it, as my brave comrades did in the time of its greatest peril. Honor it in peace, cherish your loyal institutions, civil and educational; maintain social order in your community, let every one have respect for the rights and privileges of others while asserting his own.
These are the springs of our national and social life. If these springs are kept pure and strong the great river they form will ever flow on in purity and majesty. If local interests are carefully preserved the general good is secured, and all our people, each in his own place—the place where he labors, the place where he lives, the roof under which his family is sheltered—will continue to enjoy the benison of liberty in the fear of God.
To every one of you, those who come from the village shops, those who come from the mines and every vocation of life to join in this welcome, let me declare that I have no other purpose as President of the United States than to so administer my office as to promote the general good of all our people. [Great applause.]
[PHILIPSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, SEPTEMBER 20.]
Other points visited were Clearfield, where the veterans of Lamar Post and Colonel Barrett at the head of a committee received the distinguished excursionists. At Curwensville the party became the guests of A. E. Patton, and the President shook hands with 1,500 residents.
Philipsburg was reached at 3 P.M. The entire population of the town welcomed the President. The Reception Committee comprised Major H. C. Warfel, Hon. Chester Munson, J. B. Childs, O. P. Jones, S. S. Crissman, W. E. Irwin, Dr. T. B. Potter, Capt. J. H. Boring, M. G. Lewis, Henry Lehman, H. K. Grant, Al. Jones, W. T. Bair, Geo. W. Wythes, A. B. Herd, John Nuttall, and A. J. Graham. The President and Mrs. Harrison were driven through the city, which was elaborately decorated.
Returning to the station Mayor Warfel introduced the President, who said:
Citizens of Philipsburg—I thank you for this very cordial expression of your esteem. You must excuse my not addressing you at any length because of the very limited time at our disposal. I again thank you.