THE FATHER AND THE MOTHER STATE "I should like to point out by what principles of action we rose to power and under what institutions and through what manner of life we became great.

We are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many, not the few; but while the law secures equal justice to all, the claim of excellence is always recognized.

When a citizen is in any way distinguished he is preferred to the public service, not as a matter of privilege but as a reward of merit.

Neither is poverty a bar, but a man may benefit his country whatever be the obscurity of his position.
"We are unrestrained in private intercourse, while a spirit of reverence pervades our public acts.

We are prevented from doing wrong by respect for authority and for the laws, having an especial regard for those ordained for the protection of the injured, as well as to those unwritten laws which bring upon the transgressor the reprobation of general sentiment.
"We are lovers of the beautiful, though simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.