Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 9.djvu/45

 WEBSTER burn. Human agency can not extinguish it. Like the earth 's central fire, it may be smothered for a time; the ocean may overwhehn it; moun- tains may press it down; but its inherent and unconquerable force will heave both the ocean and the land, and at some time or other, in some place or other, the volcano will break out and flame up to heaven. And now, let us indulge an honest exulta- tion in the conviction of the benefit which the example of our country has produced, and is likely to produce, on human freedom and human happiness. Let us endeavor to comprehend in all its magnitude, and to feel in all its impor- tance, the part assigned to us in the great drama of human affairs. We are placed at the head of the system of representative and popu- lar governments. Thus far our example shows that such governments are compatible, not only with respectability and power, but with repose, with peace, with security of personal rights, with good laws, and a just administration. We are not propagandists. Wherever other systems are preferred, either as being thought better in themselves, or as better suited to ex- isting conditions, we leave the preference to be enjoyed. Our history hitherto proves, however, that the popular form is practicable, and that with wisdom and knowledge men may govern themselves; and the duty incumbent on us is to preserve the consistency of this cheering ex- ample, and take care that nothing may weaken 35