The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-03-07
William LLOYD Garrison.

been both the prophet and the apostle of Alb
olitionism In our country. He has been the
Clarkson and the Wilberforce combined, of
this continent. More than thirty years since !
he commenced his mission,-commenced 1t in
aslave State, -and many years since ne louno
the freest State of the North, the State OF
Massachusetts, too much under the DOMINION
Of the slave power for his life to be safeswitn-
in its borders. Even in Boston, within slght
OF Bunker Hill, and beneath the droppings OF
that sanctuary of Liberty-faneul Hall-he
was dragged through the streets with rope
around his neck, for no crime, for no violation
Of law, for no offence except that he pleaded
for the poor and oppressed, and, like his divine
Master, advocated the breaking of every yoke,
and the letting go free of all that were OPP
pressed. -.-s 81
Mr.. Garrison, still vigorous, efficient
worker, with eyes undimmed and mind unim-
paired, with heart hopeful and hand strong,
has lived to see the triumph OF the principles
which he labored in tears and at the risk of
life to establish. The sons of the men who
stoned him, stand ready to erect his monu-
ment; indeed, thousands and hundreds of
thousands of those who would have slain him
now grasp his warm hand, and thank God
that he was wiser than they; that they have
outlived their errors as he has outlived their
persecution and obloquy.
AS another has said, solder than any of his
associates, he is still the most buoyant and
hopefulin spirit. Though he has sacrificed
more than all others for the anti-slavery cause
on its original foundation, and though it would
seem thatits tenetsmust have become Ingram
cd in bis mind, he still exCels all in the broad
ness of his views and the generosity of his
fs ,lings. As to the past he does not forget
ali its sights and its revengences, while he
welcomes all that is satisfactory in the pres
ent and encouraging in the future. BE recog-
nizes the merits of Abraham Lincoln and of
our brave commanders, as we'll as the claims
of the colored people, and ne rejoices in the
glorious progress of white and black alike"
A few weeks since, at a meeting in Newbu-
ryport, called to celebrate emancipation as fix
ed by the constitutional amendment, Mr.. Gar
ison was present as the honored guest of the
occasion. Newburyport is the place of his na
tivity. Itwas fitting that he should be thus
honored, for, for many years after he began
lis moral crusade against slavery, he was de-
MED hearing there. The churches and pub
lie buildings were all closed against him, and
while his ideas prevailed elsewhere, popular
prejudice against him and his cause always
remained strong in his birth place. But the
conservatism of Newburyport has been neu-
tralized and swept away by the Shareholders
war against the Union, and now, after a life
Of persistent devotion to the idea of human
freedom and equality, Mr. Garrison found him
self invited home to celebrate with his towns
men the abolition of slavery by the war. He
had trusted ia moral means for the removal Of
the giant wrong, and was willing to labor
aud suffer for eonsummation that should
only be realized in some future age But
Providence has accomplished through the
wickedness and folly of the oppressor what
seemed almost hopeless by any moral infuen-
ces. and the declining years of the anti-slavery
pioneer are gladdened by the swift compile
tiO0 VI taC WOAh VI OOAtutAScsf Ouklho bOIue
of his disciples, Mr.. Garrison sees the divine
hand in this great revolution, and accepts and
rejoices in the great event. He is too large
hearted and earnest to cavil and murmer be-
cause the benefaction has not come according
to his plan. He sees that the colored Ameri-
can is certain to be free, to be recognized as
man, to gain the opportunity and to grow up
to the capacity and power of a citizen, and he
Is content. The aim and hope of his life is
already assured, and he is ready to throw
aside his aggressive armor and be at peace
with the world.
On the occasion referred to the following
poem was received from that whole souled
poet of humanity, JOHN G. WHITTIER, which
was read at the close of Mr.. Garrson's ad-
dress, and which will make fitting close to
this article: &e sH
Not unto us, who did but seek
The word thai burned within to speak,
Not unto us this day belong
The triumph and exuting song.
Upon us fe / in early youth
Ibe burden of UNIV leone truth.
Add left us, ak ann frai and few,
The censor's painful work 10 do.
ssqn Theme forth our life fight became.
u BY TIL air we breathed hot with b Jane;
For not with gagged and softened tone
We made the bondman's own.
We bore, as freedoms hope forlorn.
The private hate. the pubic scorn!
Yet held through all the paths trod
Our faith in man and trust in God
We sprayed and hoped but still, with awe, 5
The eomieg of the sword wesaw; p a ., -
We heard the ring steps of doom,
And saw the shade Of things to come.
We hoped for peace; our eyes survey
The blood-red dawn of freedom % day;
Weprayed for love to loose the chain:
lis shorn by battles axe in twain!
Nor skill nor strength nor zeal of ours
Has mined and heaved the hostile towers;