Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1865-10-19
<. GALLIPOLIS, OHIO, OCTOBER 49, 1865

frequently follow war. He that Is
most meritorious and virtuous and
intelligent must stand highest with
out regard to color. 1t Is the very
basis upon which heaven rests itself
Each individual took his degree in
the rebellion and now exalted, reign
IN proportion TO his merit and virtue.
Then / say to you, having faithfully
discharged your duty, retiring with
the determination that you viii do
your duty In the future as you have
| in the past, abstain from all those
chickering's rnd jsalousies and re-
tFengeful feelings, which to often
spring up between different races.
There is a great problem to be
worked out; the institution of slavery
is overthrown, but another part re-
mains to be solved, and that is, can
four millions of people, raised as
they have been, with all the preju-
dices oil the whites, can they take
their places in the community and be
made to work harmoniously and con-
gruously in our system? This is a
problem to be considered. Are the
digestive powers of the American
government sufficient to receive this
element in a new shape, and digest
it and make it work healthfuliY up
on the system that has incorporated
it? This is the question to be de-
termined. Let us make the expert
ment, and make it in good faith. II
that cannot be done, there is another
problem that is before us. If we
have to become separate and dis
tinct people, although trust that
the system can be made to work
harmoniously, and that the great
problem will be solved without 60
ing any further, if it should be so
that the two races cannot agree and
live in peace and prosperity, and
the laws Of Providence require that
they should be separated, in that
event, looking to the far distant fu-
ture, and trusting that it may never
come, if it should come, Providence,
that works mysteriously but uner-
ringly, certainly will point out the
way, and the means, and the manner
in which these people are to be sepa-
rated, and by which they are to be
taken to their land of inheritance and
promise, for sucn a one is before
them. Hence we are making the
experiment. hence let me impress
upon you the Importance of con
trolling your passions and develop
ing your intellect Be patient, per-
severeing and forbearing, and you
will help to solve the problem. Make
for yourselves reputation in this
cause as you have won for your
selves a reputation in the cause in
which you have been engaged In
speaking to the members OF this
regiment, want them to understand
that so far as l am concerned / do
not assume or pretend that / am
stronger than the laws of the nation,
or that / am wiser than Providence.
God holds the destinies of nations
in the palm of his hand, and he will
solve this question and rescue these
people from the difficulties that have
so long surrounded them.
Then let US lie patient, Industrious
and persevering; let us develop our
intellectual aud moral worth.
l trust what / have said may be
understood and appreciated. GOto
your homes and lead a cheerful,
prosperous and happy life in peace
with all men. To the officers who
have led and so nobly commanded
you in the field, l also return my
thanks for the compliment you have
conferred upon me.