I hold this character up as American, for good and sufficient reasons;
first, because American institutions are those which encourage its
developement and demand its exercise; secondly, because America has
produced its model in a greater degree than any other nation that now
exists, or that ever has existed. I have said that in this model of
American character, man is presented in his excellence as a social
character, as a patriot, and as a Christian. And here I ought to say
that in its entire perfection this character may never be exhibited
in imperfect human nature. But I may speak of the character in its
perfection, and I may hold it up in its beauty before the American
youth for their imitation. Let perfection be the model, and perfection
the aim of the youthful mind, and then labor for success in the
application of your motto: “_Let him wear the palm who wins it._”
My young friends, you appear before me to-day as a representative
portion of the American youth; and as such I would hold up the model
character to your view. And I would that I could hold it up, in its
proper light, before the youth of every part of our country. I would
that I could so present it that the American boy might see it in its
beauty, and be encouraged to pursue it as the highest object of his
ambition. I present for your consideration, for your study, and for
your imitation,