LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS "LEST WE FORGET" AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 1898 PUBLISHED FOR THE UNIVERSITY BY THE COURTESY OF JOHN J. VALENTINE, ESQ. PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 10, 1898. The present address was delivered before the graduating class of Leland Stanford, Jr. University in connection with the granting of degrees, on May 25, 1898. It is published in the present form through the kindly interest of Mr. John J. Valentine, of San Francisco. It is here reprinted as delivered with a few slight verbal changes only, although the movement of events has shifted the perspective of some matters under discussion. I may add one further word. It is a fundamental tenet of democracy that "government must derive its just powers from the consent of the governed." For the time being, government may have another justification, namely, that it is good government, and being good—just, economical and dignified-it may acquire in time the consent of the governed. The good government of careless and lawless races is the foundation and the justification of British imperialism. Imperialism is a difficult art, acquired by long practice, and through the experience of many failThe secret of England's success lies in the lesson of respect for law, a lesson America in her reaction of national independence has half forgotten. To teach respect for law is Great Britain's civic mission. To teach respect for the individual man has been the mission of America. ures. 200036 |