Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1864-02-03

ABRAHAM LlNCOlN.
THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE
UNITED STATES CHRISTIAN COM
MISSION.
A very numerous and appreciAtivc audience
composed, in great part, of the religious ele.
ment of the city, gathered at the Capitol last
night to celebrate the second anniversary Of
the Christian Commission. The meeting was
presided over by Vice President Hamlln, who
initiated the proceedings by brief and eX-
ceedingly appropriate speech, setting forth in
enthusiastic terms the grand objects of the
organizations, the second anniversary OF which
was now celebrated. He could conceive Of no
object more worthy of respect than that for
which they had met tonight. While the Gov
ernment under which we lived was struggling
for Its existence, and sending forth its armies
70 the field for the preservation and perpetua-
tion Of our liberal institutions, and while we
were passing through that crisis through which
every nation has passed ere 1t has arrived at
the magnitude and power Of our own, there
came 10 its aid In the time of its trial this
Chistian Commisson.
1t came and performed the duties of living,
practical Christianity. While 1t came carrying
bibles in the van, it also came with Its angels
ministering on the field and in the camp, and
to let the brave and gallant soldier know that
he was cared for by those at home. In every
conflict, on every field, the influence of this
Commission had been felt. More than twelve
hundred agents had been employed, and more
than q million of dollars had been expended in
its service. 1t was our duty to give TO this
association our aid and Countcnsucc, while
they were doing this valuable service. The
speaker was willing and glad to give to it any
feeble aid that he could.
The President of the Commission, George
II. Stuart, Esq, was then introduced. Nj
Stuart did not design any heightened remarks
but gave to the audience a very interesting
history of the rise and progress and aims and
operations Of the Commission. Nothing could
equal the God-bless-you OF the soldier to whom
the agent OF the Commission came, binding his
wounds, furnishing him with clean clothing
and gathering up the dying messages sent tc
loved ones at home. lie told a touching Incl
dent of an aged woman in Philadelphia who
had sent two sons and four grandsons to the wa,
and given literally of her means, yet was moi
satisfied, but made q donation OF a., 900 In
value. When told that she had done enough
she exclaimed, "Not so; If l had twenty sons
| would devote them to my country, for the
Union must and shall be restored" ItwaE
the duty of the Commission to send ministers
to the camp, the hospital, and the battlefield
armed with stores and bibles, to minister t
49, I.,.I,r a., Il
In this they were aided by scores Of brancl
societies, many organized and managed by tn
ladies, which furnished funds and clothing anl
decacies. A variety Of publications had beer
prepared for army reading and freely dstrlb
uted, and he quoted some very interesting sta
llstics.
To the inquiry whether these were read, h
answered, yes, with avidlty, and trcasurc
up" He never had been refused but once, an
that was by an inHde soldier from Phiadel
phia, who subsequently took the tract when h
learned that the President had taken ono, say
ing, "If he can read It | ran." He invoked
the blessing of Heaven on the President, tn,
leading officers Of the Government, and al
their operations, that would ere long brinl
peace and liberty to the land and all the in
habitants thereof. Applause.
The band Gen. Hcntzchnan's) which ha
opened the proceedings with highly crcdltu
BILE performance, now played the " Star Spar
gled Banner with 6ne effect.
The Rev. K. j. Parvin was next introduced
He proceeded to make a statement Of the praC
tical workings of the Commission. Wegreatl
regret that our space will not allow US 10 givt
in erte,lso, the eloquent and touching address
Mr.. Parvn. There were few dry eyes in IL
hall during Its delivery.
lie had had much experience as a delegate
the camps ald on the field, and described Il
Commission as the channel between the loyi
people of the North and the brave soldiers VII
needed their services. As all could not go
relieve suffering and spread healthful inf
ences, agents were sent who carried Chrlstin
sympathies and material comforts with then
They reminded the soldier of the Tenderness
and care of friends who never forgot then
But there were also Christian ministers an
laymen that followed the army like anothC
army of charitable spirits. They came, too, /
the hour of greatest need. lie had headed
body of sixty delegates who made their way
Gettysburg, armed with every appliance I
meet the wants of the suffering and dying
The army had lef, and surgeons were few
and they found ample employment in blndln
wounds, administering cordlals, preparIn
food, &c. He had been assured that over ], 90
lives had been saved to the country by thel
labors. They didn't come solely with books
but in the spirit of Christ sought to provide 70
the physical wants Of men first. He gave
graphic sketch OF the preparations to go Il
Antletam, when rolls Of blankets, piles of tin