The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1866-08-31
Ratification Meeting at Memphis
Speeeh of Gen. Stoneman.

Speech Of Gen. Stoneman.
A mass meeting Of citizens of Memphis
and Shelby county was held at Memphis
Saturday evening. the 25th inst, to ratify
the proceedings of the National Union Con-
vention held at Philadelphia. General
Forrest was chosen President of the meet
ing, and, on taking the chair, made speech.
Speeches were also made by Gen. Stone
man, Major G. A. Henry, Colonel L. @.
Haynes, and others. Of General StOueman
the Memphis Commercial says: ''On rising
he was greeted by the vast audience with a
cheer which mads the welkin ring, and
which demonstrated how pleasing and
grateful it was to see two Of the great cav
airy heroes of the late war, who fought on
opposite sides, but who now unite in ming
ling their hopes and aspirations in the same
great cause, sitting in the same political
wigwam, and peacesbly battling for the
same great principles--foF the restoration
of tho U MON of our fathers" The follow
ing is the Commercials report Of General
Stoneman's speech:
Friends and Fellow Countrymen: You
have called before you, not partizsn or a
politician, but simple citizen of the Gov
eminent of the United States, knowing no
North, no South, no East, no West. The
war in which the people of this greatest of
all great countries has been engaged during
the past eventful years is ended, the issues
upon which that was based have been set
tied. If there is anything to forgive let it
be forgiven, if there is anything to be for
got, let it be forgotten. Let US all recollect
that we have but one country and one flag.
The object for which you are all assem-
bled here tonight is, as understand it, re-
construction and reunion. You may force
separated man and wife to live in the same
house, lodge in the same room, but they
win never be reunited as man and wife un-
til they have first become recOnoiled.
said The war was ended. AS we were
enemies in war, let US be again friends, and
in this sentiment know that no one will
join me more heartily :nan the gallant and
distinguished President of this assemblsge,
The bravery that was displayed during
the past by each one engaged in the war,
let it be the pride aud common property OF
all. We soldiers who did the fighting are
reconciIed and want peace and harmony,
and we call upon you editors and orators Of
the land to aid US with your pens and
tongues. Preachers of the gospel whose
solemn obligation it is to preach peace and
good. will, we ask your prayers and inyoca-
tons, and from you, politicians, wee demand
that you shall cease your Wrangling and
allow the good work to go on until our OBJ
| ject is attained.
And you, fair maidens and noble matrons,
who. during the fighting. cheered as with
| your smiles and frightened us With your
frOwns. lend Us the potency of your power
in the accomplishments Of work so lauda.
| BILE aud so noble,
AS am not q candidate for your suffra
/ ges, nor never expect to be, nor ever cast q
vote for President in my life, you will no
expect me to define my position; but thit
much viii say: have been member o
q club for near quarter of a century, and
which was organised three-quarters of I
century ago. By the constitution Of tina
club, its President is elected every foul
years. Its 6rst President was Geerg'
Washington; it's present President is Al
drew johnson, whom the people call 'OUE
/ ANDY 90
A truly noble soul will never hate bitter
/ y, even though deeply Injured; be may b
deeply hurt aud much displeased; be MAJ
! ia -. II -. - L,ous 70 Ia an anamv