Edward John Phelps

“ They are not accustomed to applaud the man that deserts his country; they applaud the man that stands by it. And, in the very great acceptance which Mr. Lowell has found in that country, I find the strongest evidence that he has done his duty as an American citizen. ”

“ I have listened with the delight with which you have listened to the eloquent and statesmanlike speech which he has given you, and it has delighted me to see that every eloquent word has touched an answering chord of every man present. ”

“ It certainly would not become me to say that the administration was not liable to make mistakes. [Laughter.] I have been told by some of the newspapers of the best class that I am one of the most conspicuous examples. [Applause.] Nevertheless, it remains to be said that there is one thing worse than a mistake, and that is a crime; and there is no greater crime that I know of than that which debauches the public service of this country. ”

“ Lowell, since I have alluded to him, and since I have heard some criticism on that point from those who do not know him, that one of the chiefest elements in the great success which he has attained is that he has been first and last and all the time, an American. ”