The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-02-21

the proudest or EARTH f,Never before have any
people remained so closely united, 10 so long war
Never before have couniryis best citizens com
posed its armies. Our revolutionary forefathers
were not united in concord so perfect as ours
though it is true they had less pressure upon
them, the British rulers being more humane thau
those OF our present enemies, and their generals
belonging to u school that recognized the aneni-
ties OF war. History affords no parallel the Presi-
dent continued, to the struggle which our country
is Daking-to the eheerfulness with which our
people have borne sacrifices, and the courage with
which our aruies have marched to the harvest of
death. 1t was this magnanimous spirit which sus-
tanned him in the confidence that we should tri-
umph in the end. We have been chastened, and
may be again. Let US profit by the lesson reverses
are designed to teach, that We are not to serve a
friend merely because he is such strike an enc.
my when we might serve the country.
The President here said that his failing strength
admonished him to close his remarks; but he yield
ed to loud requests to Ego on" We must, be said,
lock shields together and go forward to save our
country, or sink together to honorable graves
Loud applause. He not of those who had
expected discord and no parties, but if our dis
agreements result from passion we must exercise it
aud make the good of our country our sole aim
LIZ we will all do our duty, shall reap brilliant
reward. 1t the absentees from our armies will
return and if the local assistance be rendered
which may be really afforded, the noble Army of
Northern Virginia will read General Grant yet
seyerer lesson than it taught him from the Rapidan
to the james; while the gallant Beauregard will
cause Sherman's march across Georgia to be bis
last.
We had, said the President, in the conduct of
the enemy wherever they had gained temporary
rule over our people, the signs of what they would
do in case of our subjugation. Thus warned VIC
were forewarned. Happy ia such a would be
those who had fallen in the 6ght-the miserable
would be the survivors.
In conclusion, the President said, he had graft
flying proofs of the spirit which animated the peo.
pie whom he addressed He had seen even the
old men upon duty, careless alike of the piercing
blast and the ahistling bullet; and your women
have declared that they will fight the battles if
you should recoil God bless your proud spirit
aud manly fortitude History will delight to
dwell upon your praise
The law, and the officers of law, could not ac-
complsh everything there was much that could
be effected only by sound public opinion. Pub
lie opinion must make it shame and disgrace for
a man to skulk from his duty, to inquire not
what be is able to do, but what the law will make
him do! Our women must take broomsticks and
drive absentees and straggers to their duty. Loud
cheers. We have one cause to sustain, one coun-
try to defend. He who falls on the soil of Louisi-
ana, or sheds his blood on the soil of North Caro-
lima or Virginia, is alike an honoreG martyr. The
inquiry among must be, not what service we
can escape, but instead of that a generous rivalry
among citizens and States which shall do most and
give most to the cause.
The President resumed his seat amid loud and
enthusiastic cheers.