New-York tribune., 1879-11-13
p Q S T S c RIFT
GENERAL Grant AT CHICAGO.

THE LONGEST SPEECH THE GENERAL EVER DEIIv-
FRED IN HIS LIFE-HE READS 1T FROM MAN
UsCRIPT.
CHICAGO, Nov. 12.--At the reception to General
Grant given by the Army of the Tennessee tonight
addresses of welcome were made by Governor Cul-
lon. Mayor Harrison and General Sherman. Judge
Gresham delivered the annual address.
General Sherman then arose and announced the
conclusion of the session. when the audience imme-
diately set up shouts for General Grant. This was
persisted in until Grant arose, in response.
He suggested that II would be better To
follow the programme hut as he was not down for
a speech, the audience laughed and renewed their
demands for speech hhhereoRon h Rt General Grant
and as deliberately read the following, the longest
speech of his liie
After an absence OF several years from the gatherings
me heartfelt pleasure 10 be again with you, my earliest
comrades in In the great conf ct for the Nationality
Union of all the states under Oncfrec and always
to-be-mantaned Government
most favorable opportunity for comparing In my
mind our Institutions with those OF all European
countries ana os nd o h9ss oa & sbe our
energy OF people for uphoding the Government and
people of the world. Everywhere from England to
Japan. from Russia to Spain ana Portugal, We are
understood. resources highly appreciated, and the
skill energy aud intelligence Of the citizens recognized
MY ptlons have been your receptions They have
been every where kind. and acknowledgment that
fine United states is naoD-a strong independent and
free naon composed OF strong, brave and intelligent
people capable Of Judging thier rghts, and ready
maintain them at all hazards.
Tnls is "A nonpartisan association. but composed of
men who are united IN "A determination that no foe,
domestic foreign. shall Interfere between us
aud the maintenance OF our grand, free
and ghteeed institutions and the unity Of all the
States.
The area OF our country, its fertility. the energy and
area postpcnes the day Tor generations to come when
our descendants will have To consider the question OF
the soil Is 20 support them. how the most he
produced u support human life without reference
the taste desires of the people, and when but
seecting the articles OF food they will the quantity
and quality OF clothing they wear out 1t
viii remain the abundant home OF all who possess
energy ana strength and make good OF them IL we
remain TO ourselves. such country Is be
proud OF. am proud of II proud that am Ameri-
enjoys a common heritage. and should feel equal
pride.
am glad these society meetings keep up so long after
tie events which I'm a tlcy commemorate have
passcd awav. They do not 10 keep up sectional
foeug bitterness toward our late foe, but they do
must be prtservcd-onc and lndivisiDle. We feel
that tho-c who fought, ana fought
brayev, on the opposite side from us have
equal with ourselves alt the Dressings of
right to travel all over This broad land, and 10 se
i.ct where they please to settle 10 become ct
z,ne an enjoy their 20 oitical and religious con
NotiOns free from aO.CstaOn or OStiacism other
account of them thC4 connection with the past W.
ask Iothing more for ourselves. and would re-
ioice TO see them become powerful rivals In
the development ~ great resources In the acnusi
of all that should be dcrrablc IN TINS NE. aud In
patriotism aud III love OF country. lAppiaure.l
nor ne preliminary proceedings see hrf Pagsl