Our situation is one of great favor. We are pretty widely separated from those who would hurt us, if there are any such. We are secure in our great isolation, and we are secure, too, in our great and patriotic people. [Applause.] We do not maintain armies; we do not need to extend the conscription list until it takes old age and youth. We maintain only the merest skeleton of an army, but we have already seen how speedily it may develop into gigantic proportions, and how, in a few months, it may take on the discipline that makes it the equal of any of the great armies of the world. [Applause.] We have this year a season of unusual productiveness. The orchards are laden with fruit, the gardens yield their abundant supplies to the table, and the fields have produced crops that are too great for our storehouses.
God has greatly blessed us, and it happens that this season of our abundance is not only good for us, but for the world; for again, as many times before, the nations of Europe, by reason of crop failures, must look to us to feed their people. We have a great surplus and an assorted market for it. Our riches must be greatly increased as the result of two magnificent harvests. Their good effects will be felt in every home, contentment upon the farm, and well-paid labor in all our cities and centres of manufacture. Thus it should be. Thus, I am sure, we all rejoice that it is, because these institutions of ours can have no danger except in a discontented citizenship. As long as men have a free and equal chance, as long as the labor of their hands may bring the needed supplies into the household, as long as there are open avenues of hope and advancement to the children they love, men are contented—they are good, loyal, American citizens. [Applause.] And now I thank you again for your kindness. [Cheers.]
[ALBANY, NEW YORK, AUGUST 18.]
It was 6 o'clock in the afternoon when the President arrived at Albany, during a heavy rain. In anticipation of this visit from the head of the Nation, the following telegraphic correspondence had passed between the courteous Governor of New York and President Harrison:
Albany, August 12.
Hon. Benjamin Harrison, Cape May, N. J.:
I learn for the first time to-day that you have accepted the invitation of Mayor Manning to stop at Albany on your way to Vermont. If the plan of your journey will enable you to pass a night in Albany, as I hope it may, I shall be pleased to have yourself and party become my guests at the Executive Mansion. Personally, as well as officially, I assure you it gives me great pleasure to extend this invitation, and I sincerely trust that you will so arrange your plans as to give me the opportunity of entertaining you. The Executive Mansion is ample for the accommodation of such members of your Cabinet or friends as may accompany you. On behalf of the people of the State, also, I shall be pleased to tender you a public reception at the State Capitol.
David B. Hill.