Adlai Stevenson

This exposition will not have been in vain if the fact be crystallized into history yet to be written, that the first settlement by English-speaking people--just three centuries ago--upon this continent, was at Jamestown.

And when were the words, 'fellow-citizens,' of deeper significance as suggestive of a more glorious past then to-day, as we gather upon this hallowed spot to commemorate one of the grandest events of which history has any record?

Not as a stranger, an alien to your blood, but as your countryman, your fellow-citizen, I gladly lift my voice in this great assemblage.

It was the initial step in the series of stupendous events which found their culmination in the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the formulation of the Federal Constitution.

It seems to me, gentlemen, that if I were as rich as you say you are, and as badly scared as you appear to be, I would, in this hour of my country's distress, just buy that gunboat myself!

Time at last sets all things even; And if we do but watch the hour, There never yet was human power Which could evade, if unforgiven, The patient search and vigil long, Of him who treasures up a wrong.

He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.

In the discussion of these once vital issues, with the entire State for an audience, he was without a peer.

He stood in the front rank of campaign orators when slavery, rebellion, war, and reconstruction were the stirring questions of the hour.

We, the heirs of all the ages, in the plenitude of our enjoyments, and the prodigality of the favors showered upon us, hail Columbus our benefactor.

His genius and faith gave succeeding generations the opportunity for life and liberty.

We are here to erect this statue to his memory because of the unnumbered blessings to America and to the people of every race and clime which have followed his discovery.