world on creation’s eve.  And here I stand in Columbus, which, though ten years younger than I am, is still the capital of that mighty commonwealth, which—­again in its turn,—­ten years before I was born, nursed but three thousand daring men, scattered over the vast wilderness, fighting for their lives with scalping Indians; but now numbers two millions of happy freemen, who, generous because free, are conscious of their power, and weigh mightily in the scale of mankind’s destiny.

How wonderful that an exile from a distant European nation of Asiatic origin, which, amidst the raging waves of centuries that swept away empires, stood for a thousand years like a rock, and protected Christendom and civilization against barbarism—­how wonderful that the exiled governor of that nation was destined to come to this land, where a mighty nation has grown up, as it were, over night, out of the very earth, and found this nation protecting the rights of humanity, when offended in his person,—­found that youthful nation ready to stretch its powerful arm across the Atlantic to protect all Hungary against oppression,—­found her pouring the balm of her sympathy into the bleeding wounds of Hungary, that, regenerated by the faithful spirit of America, she may rise once more independent and free, a breakwater to the flood of Russian ambition, which oppresses Europe and threatens the world.

Citizens of Columbus—­the namesake of your city, when he discovered America, little thought that by his discovery he would liberate the Old World.—­And those exiles of the Old World, who sixty-four years ago, first settled within the limits of Ohio, at Marietta, little thought that the first generation which would leap into their steps, would make despots tremble and oppressed nations rise.  And yet, thus it will be.  The mighty outburst of popular feeling which it is my wonderful lot to witness, is a revelation of that future too clear not to be understood.  The Eagle of America flaps its wings; the Stars of America illumine Europe’s night; and the Star-spangled banner, taking under its protection the Hungarian flag, fluttering loftily and proudly, tells the tyrants of the world that the right of freedom must sway, and not the whim of despots but the Law of Nations must rule.

Gentlemen, I may not speak longer. [Cries of go on!] Yes, gentlemen, but I am ill, and worn out.  Give me your lungs, and then I will go on.

Citizens, your young and thriving city is conspicuous by its character of benevolence.  There is scarcely a natural human affliction for which your young city has not an asylum of benevolence.  To-day you have risen in that benevolence from alleviating private affliction to consoling oppressed nations.  Be blessed for it.  I came to the shores of your country pleading the restoration of the law of nations to its due sway, and as I went on pleading, I met flowers of sympathy.  Since I am in Ohio I meet fruits; and as I go on thankfully gathering the fruits, new flowers arise, still promising more and more beautiful fruits.  That is the character of Ohio—­and you are the capital of Ohio.