226 [Assembly 



But in those countries where labor is considered a degradation, 

 the people are the least happy and the least civilized ; and it is 

 only in those countries where, and in proportion as tlie laborer is 

 elevated in the social circle, that we witness the greatest advance- 

 ment in civilization, and the greatest progress in the arts and 

 sciences. 



It is only in our country that the right of the laborer is fully 

 acknowledged, and here has the greatest progress been made that 

 has ever been made. In seventy- six years the Repnblic has in- 

 creased tiom three millions to twenty-three millions, extended 

 her territories from the Atlantic to the Pacific, sprung in that 

 time from infancy in the mechanic arts to a full competitor with 

 all the world. 



What has produced this great and glorious result ? It is the 

 full recognition and acknowledgment by the people of this repub- 

 lic of the DIGNITY OF HUMAN LABOR. 



