The Nicaragua Canal should be completed. [Cheers.] Our harbors should have adequate defence. [Cheers.] We should have upon the sea a navy of first-class ships. [Cheers.] We are here in the most kindly relations to these South American and Central American countries. We have been content that Europe should do the commerce of these nations. We have not availed ourselves of the advantages of neighborhood and of friendly kindred republican institutions to develop our commerce with those people. We have, fortunately, as a result of the great conference of American nations, set on foot measures that I confidently hope will bring to us speedily our just share of this great commerce. [Cheers.]
I am glad to know that we are here to-night as American citizens, lovers of the one flag and the one Constitution. [Enthusiastic cheering.] Proud of Oregon! Yes, you may well be proud of Oregon. But, my countrymen, above all, crowning all, greater than all, is our American citizenship. [Great cheering.] What would one of these States be without the other? What is it that gives us prestige abroad and power at home? It is that we have formed a government of the people, that we have one flag and speak with one voice to all the nations of the earth. [Enthusiastic cheering.] I hope that narrow sentiment that regards the authority of the United States or its officers as alien or strange has once and forever been extinguished in this land of ours. [Great cheering.] My countrymen, I am profoundly grateful for this magnificent demonstration. I accept it as a tribute to your institutions and to your country. No man is worthy of it; he can only return for it a fresh consecration of himself to the duties of public office and private citizenship. [Great cheering.] Again I assure you that you have given us to-day what is to my mind, under the conditions, taking into account the population of your city, the most splendid demonstration we have seen on the whole journey. [Prolonged and enthusiastic cheering.]
At the conclusion of the President's address the great assemblage began calling for Postmaster-General Wanamaker. After a few moments' hesitation the distinguished Philadelphian came forward and was the recipient of an ovation. He said:
Fellow-countrymen—I am proud to be present at this magnificent demonstration. I am especially pleased at the address the President has delivered. Instead of having it printed for Congress he has reserved it for the people of Oregon, and personally brought you his message. [Cheers.] What you have done to-day has certainly touched his heart; and no man would be human who did not feel moved at this wonderful welcome that you have prepared for your President. I think you had him in mind all the time, and wanted to show that your loyalty and affection would wash. [Laughter and cheers.]
I am proud to be an American citizen, and to see how the people rally round the flag and the chief standard-bearer, the President of the United States. [Cheers.] From the day he started from home his pathway has been strewn with garlands, and many times our way has lain through a path knee-deep with flowers. They have been scattered all the way from Virginia to Oregon; but above all is the hearty, loving, loyal welcome that has been extended to us at every stop we have made. On the boundary of your State, at the little town of Salem [laughter], I think, a welcome was spoken most beautifully and heartily by your Governor. [Tremendous cheering.] But you have about 60,000 majority over Salem. [Cheers.]
How can any one thank you for it except to go back to Washington and do the very best in his power for your good and the good of the whole people? Some of us Eastern people are doing now what Columbus did 400 years ago—we are discovering America. [Cheers.] If what you have done for us here to-night and what you have done to-day is a true index to your energy and determination, what is there you will not grasp and do when you get at it? [Cheers.] I am sure you will find one opportunity in aiding in the postal telegraph. We are going to have penny postage all the country over. [Cheers.] But before that time comes let us go out into the new States as the villages and hamlets build up and let us give them the mail with the freest intercourse and the fullest facility. I will now make way for the next man, for the largest Secretary of all is still to come. [Cheers and laughter.]
Secretary Rusk also received a hearty welcome. His remarks about the Weather Bureau had a peculiar zest because of the presence of Gen. A. W. Greely, chief signal officer. He said:
Ladies and Gentlemen—It is with great pleasure that I meet you here to-night. I would not have a heart if I did not say that I have been touched by this demonstration and the demonstration on your streets to-day. [Cheers.] I account for this in a different way from those who have preceded me. I saw on your streets to-day more ladies than I saw in any city which we have visited since we left Washington. And the beautiful children! While we have had more flowers in other States, we have not met more beautiful women and lovely children. I tell you, in order to raise anything sweetly and beautifully you must have rain. [Cheers.] Congress has passed a law providing that the Weather Bureau be turned over to me July 1, and if I can control the weather and another President comes here I will see that you have a flood. [Cheers and laughter.] I will endeavor, however, after July 1 to give you thirteen months' rain every year. I have been touched to the heart in many ways since I came to your beautiful city. I have met friends who were my boyhood's friends away back in Wisconsin, and comrades who served with me in battle and in camp. [Cheers.] I would fail to do my duty if I did not say that I am glad to see you all. God bless them and may the future deal kindly with you all. [Great cheering.]