But under our former system we were becoming too selfish, too much attached exclusively to the acquisition of wealth, above all, too much confined in our political feelings to local and state objects.

The war has renewed and reinstated the national feeling and character which the Revolution had given, and which were daily lessening.

The people have now more general objects of attachment, with which their pride and political opinions are connected.

They are more Americans; they feel and act more as a nation; and I hope that the permanency of the Union is thereby better secured.
After a hundred years, during which this peace was unbroken, a commander of the American navy, speaking at a banquet in the ancient Guildhall of London, was bold enough to predict: "If the time ever comes when the British Empire is seriously menaced by an external enemy, it is my opinion that you may count upon every man, every dollar, and every drop of blood of your kindred across the sea." The prediction came true in 1917, and traditional enmities were extinguished in the crusade against a mutual and detestable foe.

The candid naval officer became Vice-Admiral William S.Sims, commanding all the American ships and sailors in European waters, where the Stars and Stripes and the British ensign flew side by side, and the squadrons toiled and dared together in the finest spirit of admiration and respect.