The mission of the United States is one of benevolent assimilation.

The army of Grant and the army of Lee are together. They are one now in faith, in hope, in fraternity, in purpose, and in an invincible patriotism. And, therefore, the country is in no danger. In justice strong, in peace secure, and in devotion to the flag all one.

The American people, intrenched in freedom at home, take their love for it with them wherever they go.

I have already transmitted to Congress the report of the naval court of inquiry on the destruction of the battleship Maine in the harbor of Havana during the night of the fifteenth of February. The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the national heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight brave sailors and marines and two officers of our Navy, reposing in the fancied security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief and want brought to their homes and sorrow to the nation.

We cannot gamble with anything so sacred as money.

The free man cannot be long an ignorant man.

We need Hawaii just as much and a good deal more than we did California. It is manifest destiny.