Lafayette In Massachusetts In 1824 – August 31 Salem
Can we forget that we were poor and struggling alone in the doubtful contest for Independence, and you crossed the Atlantic at the hazard of fortune and fame to cheer us in our resistance? That you re-crossed it to solicit naval and military succours from the Throne of France and returned with triumphant success? That your gallantry in the southern campaigns checked the inroads of a brave and confident enemy? That your military labors closed but with the surrender at Yorktown, and thus indissolubly united your name with the proud events of that glorious day, We cannot forget these things, if we would – We would not forget them if we could. They will not be forgotten, until America ceases to be a Nation.
Lafayette In Massachusetts In 1824 – August 31 Marblehead
Lafayette! like thy friend and associate Washington, thou hast immortalized the name not o the tombs of slaughtered millions nor on the ruins of mournful principalities, kingdoms and empires – but on the brilliant pages of illustrious Philanthropists, on the durable annals of the great, the good, the divine-like benefactors of man.
Your return to this Country, at this time, we consider providential, and your life having been thus prolonged, we consider to be for some wise and good purpose, by him who overrules the destinies of men.
You are among the surviving Patriots of the Revolution, who remain to this day as monuments of the same – as such, among other traits of character we receive you – above all, as the friend of Man.
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Over and over again courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor; and all do right, for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands: taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions. To demand more in the name of morals is mere cant.