Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-11-19
General Grant at Chicago.


We give below the admirable speech Of
ex-President Grant at the reception given
him by the society of the Army Of the Ten
nessee on Wednesday evening Of last week.
1t is said to have been the longest speech Of
his life, and was doubtless the most deliber-
ate, as IL was read from manuscript. The
opening sentence may seem a little awkward
to the critics, but It has a world of meaning,
and will be easily understood, South as well
as North. Had it have been specially
framed in reply TO the " Death to the Union "
dispatch of Bob Toombs, received at the
same banquet, it could not have more ex-
actly hit the mark. The illusions that fol-
low to his grand tour of the world are in the
best taste. my receptions have been your
receptions" he tells his comrades in arms
The concluding portion of the speech
breathes the most exalted, intelligent and
comprehensive patriotism. The society Of
the Army of the Tennessee is a non-parti-
san association. "Yes," answers the gen.
eral, but it is composed of men who are
nestle or foreign, shall interfere between us
and the maintenance Of our grand, free aud
enlightened institutions and the unity of all
the states" These are the words of truth
and soberness. Couched in the same re-
strained but significant vein, are the utter
ances with which the address is brought TO
an end The general does not make broad
the claim of the North to all the rights and
privileges guaranteed by the constitution
and our Republican system. lie chooses,
rather in spirit of charity and generosity,
to insist that the South shall have all such
rights, and then merely adds that eve ask
nothing more for ourselves" The golden
rule was ne,er more effectively commended
GENERAL GRANTS SPEECH.
| After absence of several years from the
| gatherings Of the society Of the Army OF Tennes-
see, it affords me heartfelt pleasure to be again
| with you, my earliest comrades In arms in the
great conflict for the nationality aud union Of all
the states under our free and always to-be-main-
| tanned government. In my long absence from
the country | had favorable opportunity for
seeing and comparing in my own mind our institu-
tons with those OF all the European countries
and most of those of Asia Everywhere from
| England TO Japan fiom Russia to Spain and Por-
| tugal, we are understood our resources are highly
appreciated, and the skill, energy and intelligence
| OF our citizens are recognized My receptions
have been your receptions. They have been
everywhere kind, and acknowledge that the
United States is nation, strong, independent
free nation, composed of strong, brave and intel
ligent people, capable Of Judging their rights and
ready TO maintain them at all hazards. This is a
| non-partsan association but composed of mer
who are united in the determination that no foe
tip hall l,at,.
and the maintenance Of our grand, free and en-
lghtened institutions, and the unity Of all the
states.
The area Of our country, its fertility, aud the
| energy and resources of our population compared
10 the area, postpone the day for generations t,
come when eur descendants will have to consider
the question of how the soil is to support them
how the most can be produced to support human
life without reference to the tastes or desires o.
the people, and when but few can exercise til,
privilege Of plain luxury, of selecting the arti
Giles OF food they will eat, the quantity anC
quality OF clothing they will wear, but it will re
main the bundant home Of all who possess energy
and strength and make good use Of them. If ",
remain true to ourselves, such u country is one
to be proud Of am proud OF it, proud that
am an American citizen.
Every citizen North, South, East and West
enjoys the common heritage, and should feel al
equal pride. am glad that these society meet
ings keep up so long alter the events which the,
commemorate have passed away. They do no
| SERVE " Keep up sectiohal ieeling OF bitterness
toward our late foe; but they do keep up tn,
feeling that we are natl N, and that it must b.
preserved, one and indivisible We feel, an,
maintain, that those who fought, and Tough
bravely, ON the opposite side from us have u qui
claim with ourselves in all the blessings of GU
great and common country. We claim for then
the right To travel all over this broad land AN,
select where they please the place to settle, be
come citizens, aud enjoy their political and re
ligious convictions free from molestition or ostril
cisin, either On account OF them or in connection
with the past We ask nothing more for our
selves, and would rejoice to see them becom,
powerful rivals in the development of our grea
resources in the acquisition OF all that should b
desirable in this lie, IN patriotism and in love o
country.