It may equal, if not excel steam power and thus become the motive force of the world.
During the time covered by this brief retrospect, Mexico has felt the conquering power of the soldiers of the model Republic, its roll call has been heard in the Halls of the Montezumas—the northern boundary of Mexico has been deliminated, with territorial concessions to our Government—Texas released from the dominion of Mexico and made an integral part of the Union by annexation and subsequent admission as a state. The War of the Rebellion which threatened the territorial integrity and rightful authority of the Union after a heroic conflict—has been suppressed—peace and harmony have been restored and slavery, the irritating cause removed, by emancipation—and the Union today stands on a firmer, broader, and more enduring basis than ever before.
Peace has her victories no less renowned than war's. The silent influence of our institutions has secured the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands—the gem of the Pacific and the outward bulwark of the Pacific States.
The war with Spain, occasioned by her treachery, and inspired by the desire to release the Cuban people from the rapacity and cruelty of her Spanish tyrant—resulted in the heroic and somewhat romantic naval battle of Manila Bay—the capture of the Philippine Archipeligo—and the expulsion of Spain from that group of Islands.
Eighty years ago the settlements with a few exceptions scarcely impinged on the eastern shore of the Mississippi River. Since that time they have crossed that mighty flow of waters—spread out over the fertile plain to the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, and in after years they have extended over the mountains and here, in the sunny clime and fruitful valleys and balmy and healthful breezes of the Pacific Coast, the hardy pioneer has found a final home.
What a territorial basis for development—progress—empire! Already several millions of hardy, enterprising and patriotic freemen are scattered over this vast domain, and westward millions more are taking and will take their way in addition to the millions to the manor born. With the constantly increasing and controlling power of the forces generated in the past, and, now successfully at work in the world and which will no doubt increase in number and in the grandeur of their results during the next eighty years—who can measure the coming power or comprehend the glory of the model Republic?
Pioneers, Washington, with all her grand resources—developed and yet to be developed—won by your privations, courage and patriotism, is your gift to the Union, to be consecrated to liberty, regulated by law, forever.
Transcriber's Notes:
Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation have been retained from the original.