The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-01-01
Zen. Grant.
len. Grant.
1.-THE rec Gen. Grant by the
Grand ARM bubble at Philadelphia

Grand Arm public at Philadelphia
on the 18th lde the following remarks:
Gov. Hoyt and co inrades of Grand Army of
the Republic: 1t is a matterof very deep regret
with me that had not thought of some
thing to say, ia response to my welcome
which am receiving here at your hands this
evening; but really since my arrival here
have hot had the time, and before that
scarcely thought OF it; but | can say TO you
all, that In the two years and seven months
since left this city to make the eircnit of the
globe, have visited every capital in Europe
and most Of the Eastern nations. and there
has not been country that have visited in
that circuit where I have not found some of
our numbers. [Applause.] In crossing our
own land from tue Pacific to the Atlantic
sloe, there is scarcely new settlement a
cattle range or collection of pioneers.
that they are not composed almost entirely
OF veterans Of the late war Loud cheers I
1t calls to my mind the fact that while wars
are to be deplored, and unjust wars always
to be avoided, yet they are not attended
with unmixed evil. The boy brought up in
his country village or city home without any
exciting cause is apt to remain there follow
Ing the pursuit of his parents, not develop
ing beyond them, and 10 the majority of
cases not coming up to them; but being car
where there is such great principle involv.
ed as in our great conflict, it brings to view
wider field than any contemplated in his
home. And although in the service he long.
ed for the home he left behind him; yet,
when he got there, he found 1t a disappoint-
ment; and he has struck out for new fields
and has developed the vast domain which
has been kept for occupation Cor thousands
ofliberty-loving people. The ex-soldier has
become the pioneer, not only OF our own
land, but he has extended our~trade. our
commerce and the knowledge of our institu.
tio0s to all other lands, and when brighter
day &c VS. unoa the citizens OF Europe
and other nations, particularly the nations
of the East, America will step in for her
SHIRE OF the trade and commerce that will
be opened up by the ex soldier and veteran,
and, might say, the members of the Grand
Army OF the Republic. Tremendous ap-
plause.]
Comrades, having been compelled, as of.
ten as have been since nay arrival in San
Francisco, to utter few words, not only t.
the ex-soldiers, but to all other classes OF
scitizens of our great country, and always
speaking without any preparation. l have
necessarily been obliged to repeat, possibly
not the same words, but the same ideas
One thing want to impress uEon you i!
that we have a country to be proud of and
fight for and to die for if necessary
sIGreat applause.] While many of tie coun
tries of Europe give practical protection an,
freedom to the citizen, yet there is no Euro
pean country that will compare in its re-
sources, particularly in its undevelopet
resources with our own. There is no couD
try where the young and energetic man can
by his own industry, ingenuity and frugal
ty acquire competency as we'll as he can il
study of the inst itutions and of the Difficult
files of the poor man making his way in the
world Is all that is necessary to make u
better and happier citizens and more con-
tented with our lot here.
Comrades thank you for the very cord
ial welcome you have given me, and regre
that have not been prepared better to sa!
what | would like 20 say to you. lGrea
cheering, during which the General resumed
his seat.
The speach was frequently interrupted
with applause. and when he made the re-
mark, "We have a country to fight for ant
to die for, if necessary" it seemed to g
through the house with electric effect, anG
there was again an outburst of applause ant
cheers which shook the building from found
alton to roof, and at its conclusion, as HI
took his seat, the cheers broke out again.
On the same occasion ex.Gov. Hartrauft
spoke briefly as follows
COMRADES The formal welcome to oul
distinguished guest has been committed Il
other hands, but cannot withhold an eX
preston OF my qualification at meeting hin
and you on so pleasant an occasion as thf
present.
We greet to-night soldier who is, If pos
sible greater in peace than in war--Who a
private citizen fills larger place in thu
of hic