350 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPEDIA. 



valley, a valley lighted with the undying and imshifting lamp of faithfulness, love and 

 devotion. What a privilege for us to be here to witness this beautiful sight, to see the 

 bride and bridegroom of to-day in soul, in heart, the bride and bridegroom of this day 

 half a century ago ! 



Time has sown fresh flowers in their dear old hearts ; time has garlanded their brows 

 with choicest flowers ; time has but mellowed their affections which, like good wine, 

 have but improved with age. 



We have come here to felicitate them upon the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, 

 to wish them many a long year yet before they snap the golden link that bound them 

 together ; that their bark may sail upon a golden sea, and that their sunset may be 

 golden, in our united sentiment. 



Congratulating' a Candidate. 



SIR, It it not in mortals to command success, but, what is better, they ahould 

 endeavour to deserve it. You have been successful because you have deserved it, and 

 we come to exchange congratulations, since whilst we rejoice for you, you undoubtedly 

 rejoice with us. We have won a proud victory, but much of the glory is due to our 

 standard-bearer. That you will conscientiously and worthily fill the office which has 

 been bestowed upon you is beyond the region of doubt. 



We have done honour to ourselves by proposing so clear-headed aud able a candidate, 

 and you, sir, will do honour to us by pursuing in your new position that pure and 

 unsullied line of conduct which has this day led us to nominate you for election. 



We do not attempt to exult over the defeated candidate. We can afford to be magna- 

 nimous, ai^d since we are now so worthily represented, we feel assured that the enemy 

 will regard you as the exponent of their opinions, as much as we shall. Sir, we cor- 

 dially congratulate you on a well merited success, and we congratulate you, and con- 

 gratulate the good cause. 



Reply. 

 GENTLEMEN : 



Deeds, not words, is my motto. That I thank you, and the energetic workers in the 

 good cause which has led to this triumph, a triumph in which I am personally inter- 

 ested, need scarcely be said. I am as yet an untried man, but it is my purpose to prove 

 to you that your votes of to-day have not been thrown away, and that you have 

 honoured an individual, who will at least endeavour to prove his gratitude by head, 

 heart, and unflagging work. The good cause has indeed triumphed, and I pledge my- 

 self that the trust you have this day reposed in me shall lose nothing from being 

 placed in my hands. I shall endeavour to the best of my poor ability to walk in the 

 straight path, and to discharge the duties appertaining to my office without fear or 

 favour. Once more I thank you for the high honour you have done me. 



