We are here to-night to glorify the Dutch.  Fortunately for us, to do this we have not by the addition of so much as a jot or a tittle to magnify history.  The facts are sufficient to justify our boast and fortify our pride.  We need to detract nothing from other nationalities that have contributed much to the formation of our modern national conglomerate, although it is easily seen that the superior qualities of other nations have had a large infusion of Dutch virtue.  All that we claim is that no nation under the heavens can make such an exhibit of marvellous success against adverse circumstances as does Holland.  From the days when Julius Caesar mentions their bravery under the name of Batavians, to the notable time when, voluntarily assuming the title of reproach, they became “the beggars of the sea,” and for nearly a century fought for their chartered rights against the most powerful and unscrupulous of foes, the Dutch have shown the most splendid of human virtues in most conspicuous light.  In doing this they have made a noble name for themselves, and furnished the worthiest of examples for all the nations of the earth.  This is not the time nor the place to deal with mere facts of history.  Yet I take it that even this jolly assembly will take pleasure in the mention of the deeds that have now become eternally historic.  Who that knows anything of the son of Charles V, who in 1555 made promises to Holland that he never meant to keep, and for years after sought in every way to break; who that has ever read of this fanatical, heartless, cruel, and despotic Philip II of Spain, or of that wonderful, pure, magnanimous, noblest Dutchman of all, William of Orange, or of that fickle and false Margaret of Parma, the wicked sister in Holland, who lived to execute the will of a wicked brother in Spain, or of those monsters at the head of Spanish armies, Alva, Requesens, and Don Juan; who that has been fired by the sieges of Leyden and Haarlem, by the assassinations concocted in the Council of Blood, by the patient, faithful, undying patriotism of the Netherlanders in protesting for the truth of God and the rights of man, will need any response to the toast “a lesson to oppressors”?  A little land, fighting for the right, succeeded in overcoming the power of the mightiest nation of Europe.

  “Truth crushed to earth will rise again.”

When once we consider the earnestness for civil and religious liberty, the record of no nation can stand comparison with that of Holland.  Some of the English Puritans fled across the Atlantic from persecutions very slight compared with those inflicted upon Dutchmen by Philip, here to found a New England.  Those who did not flee remained in old England, fought a few battles, and tried to establish a commonwealth, which in less than fifteen years ended disastrously, because the founders were unfit for government.  But these Puritans of Holland, to their everlasting praise be it remembered, battled for their homes, lives,