Omaha daily bee., 1874-07-14
A STRIKING

While Credit MObilier Davis con-
verted his fourth Of July grafton at
Elkhorn bridge into a vindictive
and venomous political harrangue,
that represented Americans as total
ly unfit for self-government, anoth-
er orator, with more charity in his
composition and a higher apprecia-
ton of the soul-inspiring reminis-
cences of Independence Day, devot-
ed his time and talent to a review
of the self-sacrificing devotion and
u~nyielding patriotism that charac-
terizes Americans. We refer to the
Grafton delivered by Governor Pad
dock at Hastings.
The contrast In the sentiments
expressed by the two orators is strik-
ingly illustrated by the following
extract from Governor Paddock's
grafton, ~hich had for its text "the
Philosophy Of American Civiliza-
ton :"
"TO labor, 10 sacrifice, to die, If
required, for the preservation and
p~erpetuity Of our great republic, In
all its integrity, in all its power, in
all its glory; to strive for the high
est and purest civilization attain
able for the naion, forthe state, and
for the community OF which We are
a part ; to contribute as largely as
possible to the general welfare and
prosperity !; to foster and develop ev-
cry interest /; to adorn and beautify
that part of this glorious land en-
braced within the limits of our own
possessions, are some of the great
duties devOiving upon US. But there
are many Others, and chief among
them Is this !: to cultivate the spirit
of tolerance,
Where there are SO many and so
varied interests, involving antagO-
nisms of every character; where so
many different opinions obtain in
religion, i'm politics, in social life,
concerning the duties, the rights,
the privileges, the immunities of
sects, of parties, of social ~Organiza-
tons, and individuals, the exercise
of the utmost tolerance, by all, to-
ward each other, alone can unite us
in harmonious action for tie conser-
walton Of genuine republicanism,
and for the development of the true
interests of the whole country.
Verify, the nobility OF our task is
only equalled by the grandeur of
our country, and the glorious char
acter of our institutions. But
above all things, in whatever we
engage, let Ill not forget the i'm.
pOrtence of q strict accountability
for our acts-tO ourselves, to sOcie-
ty, to the state, to civilization.
IcannOt upon this occasion enter
the domain of politics to discuss pol
itics, and the dogmas of parties.
To-day I affirm that patriotism is
universal. 1t dwells with all par
ties as does religions with all sects.
Errors Of judgment there certainly
are with parties as with indi-
viduals, but the impulses of the peO-
pie are patriotic. The day we cele-
brate is too sacred to be prostituted
to political discussions. A congre-
gated nation to-day surrounds the
altar Of our common country, and
the voice of party and Of sect 's
hushed while, with one mind and
one heart, all do unite in worship at
the pure shrine of liberty. Beauti-
full thought! Divine custom ! The
passions of men may rage never
so violently in the conflict of
opinion which always has, and
always must exist, until mans or
~ganization itself shall be changed,
but this is the national Sabbath day
to-day party asperities are forgotten.
The idea Of engaging in partisan
discussion, and INDUCING party pas
sion upon this day, il as revolving to
the heart of the true Americans, as
is the employment In secular pur-
suits of the day set apart for the
worship of the living God, distress
ing to his chosen follow
ers. This, of all days, is the day to
exercise charity and forgive
meas towards whOmsosver in an evil
moment may have been led away
from his allegiance. To him an es.
pecial invitation should be extend
ed to partake Of the national feast.
For him the fattenAd calf should be
slain. Fhus we shall win back his
love for the Union. And my friends
let Us not forget, that ''the patriotic
love of the people is the soul Of the
Union, Its preservation, is essential