The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-01-08

luxury, au0 was not trained, TOR some part
Of his life, in the school of adversely?
What nation has achieved excellence and
greatness which was not Disciplined in the
same school? England had what is called
its rebellion q period Of some cruelty. and
much suffering, and yet from that rebellion
spfuug some ofthose acts which are the
proudest monuments Of the liberty, of the
subject, and more than all, the revolution
in which we're laid broad and deep the
foundations of British freedom and pros
Tie revolution, IF France was far more
terrible. The wisest men trembled for her
future, aud yet from that revolution sprang
that equality of all men before the law, and
the throwing open of all the pulses Of life
to the free and equal competition Of all.
which gave new impulse to the energynf
the.nation, and placed it at the head Of the
European powers. Who, shall say that the
present period may not prove . new seed
of progress and a new germ Of growth III
the cause Of Virginia (! i think already see
itsefects inatho rising generation. The
times are teaching them habits Of salf.de-
NAL and self,reliance, Rhich contributes SO
much to give strength Of character and
selfrespect. The feeling Of patriotism is
intensified by the present condition Of the
good old Commonwealth, and every true
son feels aredoubled desire toredeeml her
from her present depression, and to recon-
struct her morally and nationally Mr, Presi-
dent, they will do it ]! The young men Of
Virginia will dot. Let them, meet their
present difficulties with q manly fortitude,
q noble constancy. The States has been
dismembered,it,i true, but pshe il still .
great State, large 10 teritoryland abaund-
ing in resources. speak In no language
of compliment, when | say9ihat Il;belieVe
we have the people who, will develop these
resources. 10 speak the Language Of fat
terry in these times would 90 vain and wick
ed. But the past justi6es iny confidence
in my fellow-citisens they hate Been equaal
to oil emergencies i'll the past they will
meet the difficulties ofthe present in 4 prop
or spi,it. Wease poorvery poor, tits true,
but our hearts will, | trust, be endued with
. patient1iortitude and marty cssonstancy..
There IL wealth in the eatth-4let Us
plough, dig, and mine for IL. There Is
wealth. in our falling waters and RAINING
streams. They will turn ,ithe mill Land
build up manufactures. There is wealth
too stores of wealth--in our black ,dia.
monds they will make the steam which
drives the car, propels the boat, and turns
the Wheel Q We have streams TO bear away
the fleets Of commerce as far As the tide
may, flow, and We have forests To bald
these ,Asets. T. IS for. the people Of, Nir
ginia asay whether, we have not the men
to develop theses resources Lbelieve.that
we have. | have confidence, in my fellow.
citizens I,belieye that there Is ~ great
and glorious destiny yet in store for Vir.
Eginia. n hive given, 1 think, d reason fol
the filth that is ia me. But, Mr. Pfesi
dent ! confess that I, sstop. have my me-
metlts Of dependency. When | think. Of
what Virginia has been. Of al tbatrshe has
done fol- the Unoin, her sister States, aud
for mankind, and then reflect upon her
present condition, ! may say iin the elo.
euent words 81. another, that thoughts
feelings, and emotions crowd upon my
mind which / cannot altogether repress, and
| yet which ii humble submission to divine
Providence / dare, not express: But
thank God that this Is not my permanent
afAfa az mind. I do not desrair. The