REMARKS OF GOV. EVERETT. 31 



eign countries, is the moral condition of those who till the soil, 

 shewing itself in the extreme of intemperance and the kindred 

 vices. No man can fully understand this, who has not witnessed 

 it. In the general moral character of our population, we are 

 warranted in saying, that it might serve as an example to the 

 world. I do not think that out of New-England, (and 1 repeat 

 only a remark, which, within a few weeks 1 have heard several 

 limes from persons coming from other parts of the country,) you 

 could assemble a concourse giving so much proof of sobriety, 

 thrift, and industry, as is brought together in this town to-day, 

 and might be assembled, on a similar occasion, in any town in 

 Massachusetts. We look to our husbandmen, by precept and 

 example to sustain, and if possible elevate, this sound state of 

 morals in the community. 



Lastly, that 1 n)ay say a single word on a subject on which 

 the orator has preceded me It is a great and just boast of the 

 pilgrims and their descendants, that they made early and ample 

 provision for education. Farmers of Essex, hold fast to that 

 boast. I had rather for the appearance, if 1 must choose be- 

 tween them, see the country dotted all over, at its cross roads, 

 with its plain little village schoolhouses, than have the high 

 places of a few large towns crowned with the most splendid 

 fabrics of Grecian and Roman art. I had rather, for the strength 

 and defence of the country, — if I must choose between them, — 

 see the roads that lead to those schoolhouses thronged with the 

 children of both sexes, saluting the traveller as he passes, in the 

 good old New-England way, with their little curtesy or nod, than 

 gaze upon regiments of mercenary troops parading upon the ram- 

 parts of impregnable fortresses. Ay, for the honor of the thing, 

 1 had rather have it said of me, that I was by choice, the hum- 

 blest citizen of the State making the best provision for the educa- 

 tion of all its children, and that I had the heart to appreciate this 

 blessing, that sit on a throne of ivory and gold, the monarch of an 

 empire on which the sun never sets. Husbandmen, sow the 

 seed of instruction, in your sons' and daughters' minds. It will 

 grow up and bear fruit, though the driving storm scatter the 

 blossoms of spring, or untimely frost overtake the hopes of au- 



