The National tribune., 1910-09-22


predecessors. nor can it have any sue
Icessors When you die it dies with
you. but the object for which it was
called into existence has been accom-
plished. Its work has been done and
we'll done. Had it faltered or failed,
how different the result. Had it been
unsuccessful in destroying secession
/ how different the result; instead of this
mighty Republic, a cluster of independ-
ent States constantly at war with each
other-the prey of foreign Nations.
Comrades, you not only saved the
| Union, you not only freed the slave,
but you placed high in the heavens
| beacon light to guide the dOwntrodden
and oppressed of all lands to our
shores, where they may enjoy all the
rights and privileges of American citi-
zenskip.
1 shall not call to mind your deeds
of valor nor mention the fields where
on you fought. Your deeds of heroism
are known of all men and are rich
| legacy left the Nation you saved. No
weak words of mine can add to your
fame Your undying fame is the Ma
tons glory.
| You were not only invincible in war,
but you have been most valuable as
| set to the Government since you stack
ed your arms Your work completed.
| you Immediately returned to the pur-
suits of peace, and your victories have
| been no less pronounced since then
than those won during the storm and
stress of our great civil war.
When the war was about to end the
question was often asked what would
| become of our country when our army
| dishanded? Certain Nations and many
/ individuals predicted dire disaster;
some even declared that our Generals
would take our victorious army, sub
vert the liberties of the people and
| erect upon the ruins of the Republic
an Imperial Government. Was there
any danger? Not bit. You have am
swered that question, and it will re-
main answered forever ITO the victor
! belongs the spoils" was not your battle
| Cry. You did not demand the Sunny
South your valor had conquered. No;
| all you wanted was an opportunity to
| return to your homes and to take up
| your work where four years before you
laid it down. One day you were q sol
| dier; the next day q citizen. The trans
formation was made without damage
or disaster as predicted. You have done
! your full share in securing our wonder
! full growth and development You were
not only brave soldiers in time of war,
but exemplary citizens in time of peace.
/ American Soldiery.
! A country with such a soIdiery and
such Il citizenship viii never know de-
| feat The volunteer soldier is now, ever
has been and ever will be the hope and
safety Of the Nation. l entertain the
sentiments of distinguished Union
| General. who declared that the Amer
! Jean volunteer was the most heroic SOL
dier the world has ever known"
In our army the man behind the gun
| had his country's cause at heart as
| much as the General who led or the
President of the United States. who was
| his Commander-in-Chief It was the
Union soldier that made the Union Gen
eral, and Jointly they won our great
victories. Our country has ever been
| most fortunate. We have never had
TO depend upon hired help to defend
the Flag. There has always been, and
always will be. a supporting column for
the Stars and Stripes.
1 behold our united country facing
/ the future with unclouded brow. All
| Nations turn their eyes toward her with
hope, not envy-witfl joy not anger
fer she is to be 4 pillar of fire by
night and cloud by day" to all the
peoples of the earth. With liberty and
justice as her watchwords. majesticaIly
she stands as Gods greatest Nation in
shaping his dominions to perfection.
Yes, our Nation Is secure; her chill
dren of the East and the West, the
North and the South have grown to
maturity and are attendant upon her.
The oldest the East, conservative and
calm, the promise of stability; the
youthful West, fecund and fertile, the
earnest of wealth and plenty; the
! rugged North. harbinger of strength
and struggle: and the Sunny South, the
acme of love and gentleness. So dow
cred with a brood of giants. united in
a common cause, Columbia's progress
will be a victorious march.
With love in our hearts let us as
greatness. that the harvest may be rich
and bounteous. Let our work be well
done, in love, not discord. in strength.
| not weakness, with malice toward
none. with charity toward ALL" Thus
will we earn immortality because we
overcame our differences and worked
| like brothers that our Republic might
have life and have it abundantly.