Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-06-04
THE pREsrnEnrs SPEECH AT RALEIGH, N. !,

present, ana 70 llt peoplG VI w r'"'G VI
North Carolina, my sincere thanks 1or the
welcome rendered me on the occasion Oh my
return tt, my native town. lconess that, uoder
the circumstances and in view OF the Demon
STATIONS which have been made since reach
ed Raleigh as we'll as on the way, | am n, inspired
with emotions which language IS wholly made,
ouate to express. Here, in the language OF
another, and it is not worth while to attempt
to improve upon there, in the city OF Raleigh,
is where my infant eyes first saw the light OF
heaven: here are the scenes Of my childhood
here is everything to bind man to his fellow,
and associate him with surrounding objects;
here is where the tendrils of the heart have
taken firm hold upon everything to which 1t
is attached In making my entrance into this
city to-day, my mind wandered back to the
time when left her streets, penniless and
inexperienced boy to make my way IN the
world. Applause, When looking back forty
one years ago, and on returning here to-day
begin to inquire, where are those lett be-
hind? In the language Of poetry itself, The
friends Of my childhood, where are they
Echo answers where ?' Some have complied
with the memorable and irresistible call, and
have passed to that undiscovered country from
whose bourne no traveller returns. L again
ask, friends of my childhood, where are they ?
Where are the Haywoods, Hunters, and Lanes?
Where the Pearces, Registers, and Smiths ?
Where is the long list of men who lived at
that day, and who commanded respect for con-
stancy to principle? Applause
"Under these circumstances could tcel IN
different? | would be false to my nature it l
could forget you; and not to indulge in sell
adulation, | can say, feel proud OF the demon
STATIONS in my honor by the citizens Of my
native town.
"Breathes there man with soul so dead,
Who never TO himself has SAID,
This is my own, my native land =
This is not the time or occasion to discuss
the political issues which disturb the public
mind bnt as aIluson has been made to NY first
going out from among you, | may say that
ever since [ formed an opinion as to theiunda-
mental principles of the Government, | have
adhered 10 them, and to the Constitution, the
Union, and the flag of my country APP
plause When | went out from among you,
and from the time [ became connected with
politics. laid down as my rule conscientious
performance of duty, and adopted the Constl-
tuition of my country as my guide, applause |
and by these. whether III prosperity or adyer-
sity [ have always been guided and controlled
and, come veal Oh woe, in high places or low
Places with the Constitution as my guide
with my hand laid On the altar of my country,
[ will leave these great principles Tor those
who are to follow. Applause. One CT MY
leading tenets has been the prosperity OF the
great mass OF the people, holding that all per
sons without regard to condition or color,
should be esteemed according to intrinsic merit
or worth, leaving each to rise on his own
merit, courage, and energy Let this be the
OF, H. hntt 70 r1pNI Ia cal
hia true position / trust and hope, instead Of
discussing party issues, crl ating factions be
tween North, South East and West, that all
will exert themselves to The restoration Of the
union Of the StaIea, so that the flag may float
over a contented and prosperous people. -
lApplause. Let Us, my friends, repair the
breaches made by the war and restore the
Union. This being accomplished, we may
then make auch issues AZ the public prosperity
and safety may demand, Let rs eflace from
our minds the memory Of the past. let rs
pour oil on the troubled waters and reaIOr,
peace to the States. This has been my con
slant ohiect-but let this pass. simply came
to this place in compliance with your invita-
ton to participates in another ccremony-to
confer an honor upon the memory OF one who
was few years ago in your midst This has
not emanatcd, as understand, from any part-
GUAR VI Itllilily,
Zone word to you, young men. There is
much said rs to education, advantages,
&C., but if any Of you wish to succeed. or, In Il
common phrase, make yourselves men, you
will have to do so through your own cxertlons
I know some arc familiar with The hardsiips
and fiery trials through which have passed
during the time that has elapsed since lett
you. 1t is not for me to say whether have
succeeded or NOT. Let that be as 1t may,
nv race is nearly run. [ an no asplrant for
anything, and the way is open for all. Places
Of emolumcnt and distinction are before you.
''There are here few of those in whose
hands the administration Of the Government is
placed We are passing away and the next
wave will bring you, young men and women,
in our places, and our work will fall into other
hands, therefore, the greater should be your
efforts to prepare yourselves for the response
bilities that must in time devolve upon you.
I'm conclusion, permit me to tender you my
thanks for the cordial welcome extended
through your distinguished representative, the
Governor Of the State.
'"rhough she sent me out pennilcss and
friendlcss, and did not afford those advantages
which you how enjoy, and though on returning
| cannot do so, in the language Of the school,
to my Alma Mater | can say with pride and
she is my mother, and whatever
may have been her delinquencles, love her
still!
Ladies' and gentlemen, allow me again to
express my heartfelt thanks for this warm and
sincere welcome, on my return to this, my ma
tive city"