July 4, 1878 Wilkesbarre, PA  Celebration following day, July 4,
1878 at Wilkesbarre [Pa.];  President Hayes:  My friends, if it
were at all possible for my voice to reach any considerable
portion of this grand gathering, I would gladly gratify your
desire to hear me speak. I desire to express my gratitude to
this vast assemblage of the inhabitants of Wyoming, for the
splendid reception we have received.  I understand it however to
mean not a personal compliment to any one individual, but that
you, by your actions honor the Nation and the flag of liberty;
in your respect for the President, forgetting all distinctions
and parties, and if need be, to stand up for our flag as your
fathers did one hundred years ago.  Yours is not an obscure
portion of the great National Commonwealth. Its story is known
throughout the length and breadth of this broad land; yes, where
ever the English language is spoken, and from my earliest
boyhood I have had a desire to look upon a valley so renowned in
song and story, and so ric