The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-08-10

one hand the causes that were TO end in
the complete overthrow of that which
had always been bone of contention in
this government-human slavery. With
the other he was preparing a leader to
carry to successful completion his ON
nipotent designs.
General Grant is not mere creature OF
circumstance His promotions in the army
followed each other in rapid succession
they came to him not as unmerited politi-
cal favors, but because they were earned.
1t was because the government saw in
him the qualities and characteristics
adapted to successfully carry out her de-
signs. He manifested his military genius
and sagacity in capturing Paducah with
out firing gun. and thus saving the
great state of Kentucky to the union.
At Belmont, Missouri, he achieved
notable victory, and only the tirmness of
this resolute man saved his army from re-
capture, as his men under the intoxication
of signal victory, became uncomfortable
and were surrounded by the sagacious
enemy. 1t was in this predicament that
Grant aroused his soldiers to renewed orr
der and action by exclaiming to them
I'VE must cut our way out as we cut our
way in; we've whipped 'em once and |
think we can whip 'em again" On the
10th of February he announced to Hall
leck Fort Henry is ours" At Fort Don
elson the sagacity of Grant perceived
the despair of the enemy and to the aston
constituent of all his soldiers utterly res
fused anything but unconditional sur
render, as he responded to the overtures of
the enemy Il propose to move imme-
diately upon your works
At Shiloh, after hard fighting, when the
union forces were driven back on all
sides, he exclaimed Il haven't dispaired
of whipping them yet" At the battle of
the Wilderness he exclaimed II propose to
fight it out on this line if it takes all sum
mer."
1t is plain to be seen that man of such
temper was not going to be overcome in
day. and that by his very constitution
and make up he was the man for the
place. and that his determination and
vigor would eventually compel success to
the union arms.
Those days of war and bloodshed are
over. The enemy had to surrender to that
man of iron at Appomatox, and once more
the cloud of war lifted and peace brooded
over this favored land In time of wal
that man was -invincible. and when the
war was over his language to his coun>
trymen was Let us have peace" Today
the world does honor to this distinguished
man, as with military honOrs his body
will DE followed to its last resting place
by thousands of his comrades in arms,
W hist a nation mourns the loss of one OF
its most distinguished citizens. Yea,
other nations will this day do him honor
and titiingly declare to the world their
| appreciation of his greatness.
One of Frances greatest sons (Gam-
betta) has said of him: 1T was Grant
rather than any Frenchman that French
republic was made possible" England
has hon0red the dead hero by memorial
services in Westminster Abbey, a distinc-
ton, | believe, accorded to but one other
American citizen And those names will
go well together in that Sepulchere OF
kings, Longfellow, as the great American
poet, and Grant as her most illustrioIs
general.
Still other nations will doubtless honor
his memory until nation after nation in
one continuous belt around the globe
shall put on the habiliments of mourning
and weep with America today.
Other men have been cut down in the
midst of their arduous duties, but General
Grant was permitted to end his work, even
to the completion of record of his OWL
distinguished public services, though its
last pages were written whilst he was
battling with that last enemy-death.
In bis military record upon earth he
was eminently successful, and let US trust
that in his spiritual warfare he could say
with one of the worlds greatest spiritual
heroes Il have fought good fight.
have finished my course, henceforth there
is laid up for me a crown of rejoicing
and not for me only, but all those also
who love his appearing.
Today as | review the History of thi;
eminent life | say to you God reigns, anC
the government at Washington lives