Слике страница
PDF
ePub

THE VOICES OF OUR LEADERS

125

hope for from the future, not only a free and delivered France, but a regenerate Europe, founded on right at last, built on the rock of justice.

And when this great work shall have been accomplished, American brothers, faithful to the traditions of Washington and Abraham Lincoln, you may return in pious pilgrimage to Mount Vernon and to the graveyard of Springfield and there bow in silent reverence before the two pure heroes of your race. You will most surely have served their memory; and rest assured that by so doing you will have broadened yet the glorious annals of the American Republic.

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRE

SENTATIVES

The Prince of Udine,

Head of the Italian Mission to the

United States

Delivered before the House of Representatives

of the United States,

June 2nd, 1917

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE PRINCE OF UDINE

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House: No one could appreciate the honor of your invitation more than myself and my colleagues.

To address the Representatives of the greatest among new democracies at a time when the destinies of humanity are awaiting decision, at a time when our destiny and yours depend on the issue of the war, to bring you the greeting of distant brothers who are fighting for the same ideals at the foot of the snowy Alps or in the deadly trenches, to express to you our feelings and our sympathy for your feelings-all those are for me so many reasons for legitimate pride.

During our brief stay among you we have found everywhere the most joyous welcome and the most friendly cordiality. Everywhere it was not only friendly words that greeted us, but also friendly souls who welcomed us.

We have felt deeply moved by this.

We know, gentlemen, that such cordial sentiments, such hearty friendship, are meant not so much for our persons as for our beautiful and distant country; our country, of which every foot is sacred to us because of its century-old greatness and sufferings and because of the noble

« ПретходнаНастави »