The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-09-10
THEN AND NOW.

When Greece was invaded, anciently,
it required the stirring harangue of the
Athenian orator to arouse the patriotism
of the people, and to encourage them to
take up arms against an invader; but
American patriotism is aroused when her
flag is insulted by her own bastard citi-
zens, and everywhere the true-hearted
flock to arms in response to the brief I'M
impassioned call of their President in re-
quest of loyal subjects to its defense.
Anciently, 81 am an Athenian," was a
proud boast, indicative Of mental culture
and refinement. 81 am Roman" was
an exultant boast of ruder men, indicative
of strength, power and protection. Mod
ernly, 81 am an American" is indicative
of intelligence and refinement TO the lofti-
est degree, of patriotism unexcelled, and
has given protection and security among
prouder, moro powerful and far more ex-
allied nations than Greece or Rome.
On the first ushering in of the rebell-
ion, when the dear old flag was insulted
at Sumpter, and the people were reused
to arms to vindicate its honor and main
tain its magic power inviolate Americans
were Inundated abroad, for the time be-
ing, beause the infamous abroad were in
sympathy with the infamous at home
But the universal uprising of great peo-
pie in their majesty and strength, their
burning, quenchless patriotism, indicated
by their prompt, voluntary rally to arms,
by their bravery on the battlefield, by
their devotion to the right, and by their
achievements in defense of their affairs
and hearth-stone dcities, has excited the
establishment and admiration of the world,
and makes it moro honorable 10 be an
American citizen, to-day, true and loyal,
than it ever was before, or TO be the citi-
zen Of any other nation that now exists
or ever has existed in tho annals Of the
world. Though it is a breaking
test Of patriotism, sons, brothers, hus.
bands and fathers are freely given up for
the sake of country, TO form new regi-
meuts and I'll up the wide gaps made by
the destroyer in the old. But the sacri-
flee demanded is willing one, and oh,
how honorably appreciated
Everywhere the present more vigorous
policy of the Government, though it cost
rivers of blood and mountains of treasure,
is heartily endorsed by the people, who
anxiously cry, "Here are the men and
means, let the unholy war, so fast desolat-
ing our tiresides, be terminated at once"
Oh, the terrible lessons being received
in this rebellion! Some have been receiv-
ed at most grievous cost, and We may
still have others to learn at a still greater
sacrifice; but, cost what it may, the re-
bellion must be crushed, and the perni-
cious, blighting influence of sectonalsm,
North and South, that has caused it, be
blotted out forever.
We believe our country will come out
Of this terrible contest purified as by fire,
and already the indistinct shadows of
coming events, though dim as evening
twilight, picture TO us brighter and
happier land than we have ever beheld,
while we seem 10 hear coming on the
wings of tho breeze the loud triumphal
shout of the millions Of happy people
commingling in happy union. Let the
view stimulate us to do our duty as men
and patriots that that happy day may
speedily dawn upon us in all its blessed
efulgence.