the discovery, not of the things that irritate and divide, but of the things that conciliate and unite.
Whatever makes for friendly sympathy between nations, makes for the good of humanity. Every endeavor directed towards that end, be it ever so limited in its influence, should therefore be most heartily welcomed and fostered. And thus we have good reason for gratitude to the men who originally conceived the plan of establishing this Germanic Museum, not only because it will be the most valuable aid to the scholar and the student in their scientific pursuits, but no less because it will be apt to bring different nations nearer together in the consciousness of kinship. Its effect in international relations may be ever so small and indirect, but it will be something and even a small weight of sentiment may sometimes serve to turn the balance in favor of friendly understanding.
Most heartily do we thank His Majesty, the German Emperor, for his quick and sympathetic appreciation of our endeavors, and for the most generous munificence with which he has aided them; and to our expression of gratitude we may add the assurance that his splendid gifts to the Museum, which challenge our admiration not only because of their value as historic products of German art, but because of the wisely discriminating judgment with which they have been selected, are welcomed in the same friendly spirit in which they are offered. And as the President of the Germanic Museum Association, I express the unanimous and cordial wish of its members that the ailment which has recently befallen the generous benefactor of this institution may soon pass away.
We acknowledge with sincerest gratitude also the magnanimous sympathy with which the Federal Council of the Swiss Republic have favored us with their active and most valuable cooperation, as well as the many private citizens on both sides of the ocean who are aiding the Museum with their donations. And I cannot close without uttering the fervid hope that the many millions of our American fellow citizens of German blood, who, while ardently devoted to this republic, still remember their origin with affectionate pride, will consider it a duty of honor to
