Adlai Stevenson: “The untrodden prairies of three-quarters of a century ago, as if touched by the wand of magic, have become splendid…”

The value of the great Ordinance to millions who have since found homes within the limits of the vast area embraced within its provision cannot be overstated.

Never forget that citizenship in such a government carries with it tremendous responsibility, a responsibility that we cannot evade.

Inseparably linked with that portion of its history are names that will live with those of the Cabots and Columbus.

Illinois, in all that constitutes true grandeur in a people, knows no superior among the great sisterhood of States.