Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-05-23
The CEaicaeo Norninees.

Il
Last night from one hundred aCd fifty totwo
hundred persons, headed by the Marine Band,
made acall upon Genera! Grant, the Chicago
nominee.
After the band had played Hail to the
Chief" calls were made for General Grant,
when he appeared at the door o. his residence,
and was greeted with applause. Represents
tive Boutwell,, Of Massachusetts,, who was
standag at his side, addressed him in his usual
demagogical remarks, and concluded as follows:
My Fellow Citizens | now have the pleas
ure of presenting to ycr, the next Presldentof
the United States, General Grant, the CON-
mander of your armies. Applause.
General Grant replied
Gentlemen: Being entirely unaccustomed to
public speaking, and without any desire to
cultivate that power, laughter, it is impossl-
bic Tor me to fud appropriate language to
thank you for this demonstration. All that l
can say is, that to whatever position l may be
called by your will, [ shall eudeavor to dis
charge its duties with fidelity and honesty OF
purpose. my rectitude and ability 10 the
performance Of public duties you will have to
Judge tor yourselves by my record before you.
Three cheers were then given for Grant
The procession theu moved to the residence
of Speaker Colfax. - -. lg 81 a.. -
Calls having been made for him, he appear
ed at the door of his residence, in company
with Representative Pike, o.. Maine, who, N
few remarks introduced Speaker Colfax to the
crowd. Mr.. Colfax said Z Il = Ef(.A IL
/ NV friends I thank you with all the emo
tions of grateful heart for this Aattering mani
Hesitation of your confidence and regard. con-
graduate you on the auspiclous opening OF the
evepttul campaign on which We aretenteIlng.
In the Chicago Convention, representing the
entire continental area Of the Republic, every
State, every Territory, and every delegate,
and only choice for President was Ulysses S.
Grant. Applause Brave, yet unassumng;
reticent. and yet. when necessary firm a the
eternal hills Applause. With every thought
and hope and aspiration for his country
with modesty only equalled by his merits =
lit is not extravaganza Tor me to say that he Is to
day, of all other men in the land, first in war,
first in peace, and first in the hearts OF his
countrymen' ApplauseI His name. IS the
very synonym Of victory, and be, Will head the
| Union hosts to triumph as he led the Union
armies to triumph in the field. 4-aat-Gagaa1
| But greater even than the conqueror of
Vicksburg and the destroyer of the rebellion is
| the glorious inspiration ofour noble principles
| Animated by the sublime truths of the De-
| cIaration of Independence, our banner bears an
| inscription more majestic than the names OF
its standard bearers, which the whole world
| can see as it floats to the Liberty and
| loyalty, justice and public safety" Detying
| ali prejudice, we are for uplifting the oWly
| and protecting the oppressed. ~
| History records, to the. immortal honor OF
our organization, that it saved a ration and
cmanci pated race. We struck, the letters
from the limbs OF the slave, end lifted millions
into the glorious sunlight Of liberty. We placed
the cnlancipated slave on his feet. as man,
aud put into his right hand the ballot to pro-
tect his manhood and his rights O. &
We staked our political existence on the re-
construction Of the revoted States on the sure
and eternal cornerstone of loyalty, and we
| shall triumph know there IS no holiday con-
test before US; but with energy and zeal, with
| prncip pies that humanity approves, and that
believe God will bless, we shall go through the
contest conquering and to conquer; and on the
4th of March next the peoples champion will
| be borne by the peoples votes toyonder White
House, that I regret to say is nov dshoncred
by its unworthy occupant. Then, with peace
/ and confidence, we may expect our beloved
country to enter upon career OF prosperity
| which shall eclipse the most brilliant annals OF
| our past. | bid you God speed in this work ;
| and now, good night.
.ftnssVa6SE nE