The Colorado statesman., 1922-07-22

freedom to develop its latent powers
for itself and for the nation. A race
that has produced a Frederick Doug
lass in the midst of slavery. and
Booker Washington in the aftermath
of reconstruction. has gone far to
justify its emancipation. And the
nation where such achievement is pos
sibe is full worthy of such heroic
sacrifice
But Lincoln did not die for the Negro
alone. He freed nation as well as
race. Those conflicting forces planted
two hundred and fifty years before had
slowly divided the nation in spirit. in
ideals. and in policy. Passing sud-
denly beyond the bitterness of contro-
versy. his death served more than war
itself to emphasize the enormity of the
breach that had developed between the
sections. Not until then was there a
full realization of the deep significance
of his prophetic words: This nation
cannot endure half slave and half
free"
That tragic event shocked the con-
science of the nation and stirred a
great resolve to esta blish forever the
priceless heritage so dearly bought.
From that day the noblest minds and
hearts both North and South. were
bent on healing the breach and restor-
ing the Union. with devotion that
counted neither personal loss nor gain,
Abraham Lincoln held steadfastly to
| an ideal for the Republic that measured
at full value the worth of each race
and section, cherishinG at the same
time the hope that under God all
should share alike in the blessings of
freedom. Now we rejoice in the far
seeing vision and the unswerving
faith that held firmly to its single
purpose. even in the midst of reproach.
and preserved for all posterity the in
territy of the nation.
Lincoln has not died in vain. Slowly
through the years that noble spirit has
been permeating every section of our
land and country. Sixty years ago he
stood in lonely grandeur above a torn
and bleeding nation. a towering figure
of patient righteousness. Today his
spirit animates the breasts of millions
of his countrymen who unite with us
to pay tribute to his lofty character
and his immortal deeds.
An Experiment In Human Relation
ships.
And now the whole world turns with
anxious hearts and eager eyes toward
America In the providence of God
there has been started on these shores
the great experiment of the ages-an
experiment in human relationships
when men and women Of every nation.
of every race and creed, are thrown
together in daily contact. Here we are
engaged consciously or unconsciously.
in the great problem of determining
together in peace. but cooperate in
working out a higher and better civi-
lization than has vet been achieved.
At the extremes the white and black
races face each other Here in Ameri-
ca these two races are charged under
God with the responsibility of showing
the world how individuals as well as
races. may differ most widely in color
and Inheritance and at the same time
make themselves helpful and even in
dispensable to each others progress
and prosperity. This is especially true
in the South where the black man is
found in greatest numbers and where
the two races are thrown into closest
contact. And there today are found
black men and white men who are
working together in the spirit of
what his death established in prin-
ciple: that a nation conceived in lib
erty and dedicated to the proposition
that all men are created equal. can
endure.
AS we gather on this consecrated
spot his spirit must rejoice that sec
tional rancours and racial antagonisms
are softening more and more into
mutual understanding and effective CO.
operation. And I like to think that
here today while we dedicate this
symbol of our gratitude. the nation is
dedicated anew by it's own determined
will to fulfill to the last letter the
task imposed upon it by the martyred
dead: that here 1T highly resolves that
the humblest citizen, of whatever color
or creed, shall enjoy that equal oppor-
tunity and unhampered freedom for
which the immortal Lincoln gave the |
last full measure of devotion.
And the progress of events confirms
this view. Step by step has the nation
been making it's way forward in the
spirit of the great Emancipator. And
nowhere Is this more true than in that |
section which sixty years ago seemed