Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1863-03-12
The Speakers Farewell Address.

At the conclusion of the session Of tbs late
Congress, the SPEAKER. (Mr GROW amid
the utmost quiet and marked respectful at
tention, spoke as follows
Before performing the duty eDjoined by
the Constitution, permit me to tender my
grateful acknowledgement for the uniform
kindness and cooperation received at your
hands In di> charging the dnties TO which
you assigned me if aught has occurred in word
or deed to wound the feelings of any, attribute
it to errors OF the head rather than intentions
of the heart. and let it be forgotten in the
assurance that shall recall our past inter
course only with pride and pleasure. We met
as Legislators of the Republic on the thresh
Old Of its most important era. Its sunshine OF
Of almost half a century was for the first time
Garkened through the land which it has since
drenched in blood. While graphing n
death struggle with this hydra-headed mons
ter of civil dscord, you have, by your IaborS,
contributed not a little to the advancement Of
the industrial interests, and promotion of the
greatness and glory OF the country. Few
Congresses, if any, will hold a prouder posi-
ton in its future. Though We separate with
darkness lowering over the horizon, behind
the clouds Is the sun stil shining. 1t seems
to be part Of toe plans Of Divine Providence
that every marked advance in civilization
must begin amid the carnage of the battle
field. Over the MaranthOn and through the
TrermopyI9i of the worlds history, liberty
has carved ont her victories, and .he race has
marched on to higher and nober destinies.-
AS the lightning'S of heaven descend aud de-
stroy on.y to purify and renvgorate, so free
dom'S cannon burrows the fields of decaying
empires and seeds them anew with human
gore from which springs more vigorous race
to guard the hopes and cherish the right Of
mankind. The boom Of cannon Oh the plains
of Lexington shook a continent, and bore all
obscure militia colonel from the shades of
Mount Vernon to the highest pinnacle of
earthly glory to stand forever on that Froud
pedestal, peerless among men, while it called
Starke from his granite hills, Putnam from
his plough, and Greene from ho UlacksmithS
forge to immortal fame.
The iron hail, beating on the water Of
Sumpter, again shakes continent, and the
Genius Of History is recording the names Of
those born not to die The countrys mar
tyrs in this hour OF its trial will live forever.
Their tombS will be the hearts of the great
and good Of all timc-their monuments the
granite hills Of nation rejoicing in freedom
Whether the night Of oar adversely is to he
long or short there can he no doubt OF the
faa dawn OF glorious day for such Is the
physical geography Of the continent, that be-
tween the gulf and the lakes there can be but
one nationality. No matter what changes
may he wrought in its social organization, its
territorial limits will ii.:ontnae the same. The
traditions Of the paSt and the hopes Of the
future have crysta!izad in the American heart
the fixel! resolve Of " one Union, ouc country,
and Que destiny" from ocean TO ocean. No
human power can change that destiny any
more than it can stay the tide of the Father
Of Waters. as it rolls from the mountains to
The sea