16 JOHN GEOEGE BOUEINOT ON POLITICAL SCIENCE. 



of social life aud destroy the permanency of the family, the true basis of the happiness 

 and security of every community that aims at real greatness. This is but one instance 

 out of many that I could cite to prove to you how necessary it is to study thoroughly aud 

 conscientiously the social as well as the political conditions of communities, in order to 

 accumulate those experiences which may assist us in moulding aud perfecting our own 

 institutions. There is no institution or law that we may adopt, that will not have some 

 effect upon our social and and political development. 



In conclusion. I can only say we have much to look forward to in this country if we 

 are wise and prudent in profiting by the best experience of other peoples, and in avoiding 

 the quicksands into which indiscreet politicians and dangerous theorists would ever and 

 anon push Canada. Twenty-two years have passed since we entered on the new 

 political era which Confederation has opened up to this Dominion, and we have achieved 

 an encouraging amount of success through the sagacitj^, perseverance aud hopefulness of 

 our statesmen, and the industry, energy and patriotism of the people who have faith in 

 this country and its future. We have achieved this success through the exertions of two 

 races, different in language, in religion, and in certain institutions, but equally allied by 

 the ties of a common interest. The one can gain much from the other : the energj, the 

 common sense aud the forbearance characteristic of Englishmen, can well be associated 

 with the brilliancy, the ardour, and the sanguine temperament of the French race. But 

 whatever may be their points of difference, a study of institutions will teach them both 

 to value the great principles and maxims on which rest the foundations of English 

 liberty, and which illustrate the pages of England's noblest history ; and it is from the 

 love of her people for home and social purity, from their assertion of free thought aud 

 free speech, and from their encouragement of political morality, above all other things, 

 that Canadians can best gather true insiDiration and sound examx^le, which will enable 

 them to steer the ship of state into a haven where it will rest secure from the storms that 

 ever threaten its safety. 



" Sail on, Ship of State ? 



Sail on, O Union, strong and great ! 

 Humanity, with all its fears 

 With all the hopes of future years, 

 Is hanging breathless on thy fate. 



* ',r * «- 



Fear not each sudden sound and shock, 



'Tis of the wave and not the rock ; 



'Tis but the flapping of the sail, 



And not a rent made by the gale ! 



In spite of rock and tempest's roar, 



In spite of false lights on the shore, 



Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea ! 



Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, 



Our faith triumphant o'er our fears, 



Are all with thee,— are all with thee." 



