What memories crowd upon us with the mention of these names.  Washington, the soldier, whose sword was drawn for the independence of his country; Franklin, the philosopher, the benefactor of his race, who with simple maxims pointed out the road to wealth and who disarmed the lightning and the thunderbolt; Jefferson, the accomplished and enthusiastic scholar, whose marvelous genius and masterly pen gave form to that immortal paper which proclaimed liberty to all mankind.  These are names never to be forgotten.  These men were the founders of the Republic.  Their name and fame are secure, and in the centuries which are to follow will be treasured by a grateful and loving people among their choicest possessions.  Mr. Speaker, the nation gladly accepts and will sacredly keep this invaluable relic.  The article itself may be inconsiderable, but with this simple desk we associate a grand achievement.  Upon it was written the great charter of civil liberty, the Declaration of American Independence.  We pay to the heroic hand who signed that wager of battle the honors which are paid to the heroes of the battlefield.  It was not valor alone which secured to us self-government.  The leaders in the revolt against the tyranny and the established institutions of the old world had courage of opinion and were full of mature wisdom and incorruptible patriotism.  The men who signed the paper pledging their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor in support of the Declaration, and who made their fearless appeal to God and the world in behalf of the rights of mankind, were both lion-hearted and noble-minded.

Upon this desk was written in words as pure and true as the word of inspiration that document which opened up ’a new era in the history of the civilized world.’  Its fit resting place is with the nation’s choicest treasures.  It is a precious memorial of Jefferson, more eloquent and suggestive than any statue of marble or bronze which may commemorate his deeds.  In accepting it in the name of the nation we recognize the elevated private character, the eminent virtue, the profound knowledge, the lofty statesmanship, and the sincere patriotism of Jefferson, and we honor him as the father of popular government and as the great apostle of liberty.

To the pledge of safe custody with which we accept this gift, we join the solemn promise that with still greater fidelity we will guard the inheritance of free institutions which has come to us through the valor of Washington and the wisdom of Jefferson, and that we will faithfully transmit, undimmed and unbroken, their richest legacies—­“Liberty and the Union.”

At the Republican State Convention held in Worcester, September 21, 1881, Congressman Crapo was chosen president, and made an address which was regarded as a splendid defence of the Republican Party.  In its course he said: