In this little assemblage of twenty-two burgesses, the Legislatures of nearly fifty commonwealths to-day and of the Congress with its representatives from all the States of 'an indestructible union' find their historical beginning.
Stevenson connects the early assembly of burgesses to the foundations of modern American governance.
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It is in very truth a government of the people, in an important sense a government standing separate and apart; its foundations the morality, the intelligence, the patriotism of the people.
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.
Our eyes behold to-day the marvellous results of the far-seeing statesmanship in which it was conceived.
Never forget that citizenship in such a government carries with it tremendous responsibility, a responsibility that we cannot evade.