I
do not mean to criticise other men who advance their honorable
ambition for public service or exert themselves to get office
for which they think themselves fit. It was the "high Roman
fashion." It has been the fashion in England always. English
gentlemen do not disdain a personal solicitation for political
support, and think no harm in it, to which no American gentleman
would for a moment stoop.
It has been the custom in other parts of the country almost
from the beginning of the Government. But what I think a
better custom has prevailed in Massachusetts. I arrogate
to myself no virtue in this respect. I only say that it has
been my supreme good fortune to be the son of a Commonwealth
among whose noble and high-minded people a better and more
fastidious habit has prevailed.
The lesson which I have learned in life, which is impressed
on me daily, and more deeply as I grow old, is the lesson
of Good Will and Good Hope. I believe that to-day is better
than yesterday, and that to-morrow will be better than to-
day. I believe that in spite of so many errors and wrongs
and even crimes, my countrymen of all classes desire what
is good, and not what is evil.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25