Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1868-05-27
SPEECHES BY GRANT AND COL
FAX,

FAX,
On Friday evening General Grant was
serenaded at his residence in Washington.
After the band had played "Hail to the
Chief" calls were made for the General,
when he appeared at the door Of his resi-
dence and was greeted with prolonged
cheers. Representative Boutwell,, who
was standing at his side, addressed him
in terms expressive Of qualification at his
unanimous nomination by the Chicago
Convention. In reply, General Grant
said:
GENrLENEN-Being entirely hnaccus-
toned to public speaking, and without
the desire to cultivate that power Taught
er7, it is impossible for me to find appro-
pirate language to thank you for this de-
monst-ation. All that [ can say is this,
that to whatever position I may be call
ed by your will, [ shall endeavor 10 dis
charge it's duties with fidelity and homes
ty Of purpose. OF my rectitude in the
performance of public duties, you viii
have to judge for yourselves by my re-
cord before you.
The procession then moved to the resi-
dence Of Speaker Colfax. Calls having
been made for him, be appeared at the
door Of his residence in company with
Representative Pike, Of Maine, who, in
few remarks, introduced Mr.. Colfax.
The latter said ::
My FRIENDs-I thank you with all
the emotions Of a grateful heart for this
fattering manifestation of your confidence
and regard. I congratulate you on the
suspicious opening of the eventful cam
paign on which we are entering. In the
Chicago Convention, representing the en-
tire continental area of the Republic,
every State, every Territory, every dis
trict and every delegate, from ocean to
ocean, declared that the first and only
choice for President was Ulysses S. Grant
Brave and yet unassuming; reticent and
yet, when necessary, firm as the eternal
hills; with every thought, and hope, and
aspiration for his country with modesty
only equaled by his merits-it is not ex-
travagant for me to say that he is to-day
the man, Of all other men in The land,
first in peace, first in war, and first in the
hearts his countrymen.
This name is the very synonym Of vic
tory, and he will lead the Union hosts to
triumph at the polls as he led the Union
armies to triumph in the field; but great
er even than the conqueror of Vick8burg
and the destroyer of the rebellion is the
glorious inspiration Of our noble princi:
pies. Animated by the sublime truths
of the Declaration of Independence, our
banner bears an inscription more magne-
| tic than the names Of It's standard bear
ers, which the whole world can see as il
floats to the breeze: "Liberty and 10y
atty, justice and public safety" Defy
ing all prejudices, we are for uplifting
the lowly and protecting the oppressed
History records to the immortal honor OF
our organization that it saved the nation
and emancipated race. We struck the
letters from the limbs of the slave and
lifted millions into the glorious sunlight
Of liberty. We placed the emancipated
slave on his feet, or a man, and put into
his right hand the ballot to protect his
manhood and his rights We staked ou1
political existence on the reconstruction
OF the revolted States on the sure and
eternal corner, stone Of loyalty, and We
shall triumph. [ know there is no holiday
contest before us, but with energy ano
zeal with principles that humanity vii
approve, and that / believe God vii
: bless, we shall go through the contest
conquering and to conquer, and on the
4th day Of March next the peoples
champion will be borne by the peoples
votes to yonder White House, that [ re
greet to say is now dishonored by its IN
worthy occupant. Then, with peace anc
confidence, We may expect our beloved
country to enter upon career Of prosper
) ity which shall eclipse the most brilliant
annals Of our past. I bid you God speed
in this work. And now, good might.
GENERAL SHERMAN'3 RECEPTION Al