8 turbulent world. Every patriot should be grateful for this desirable change. But this point will ap- pear more plainly, as we consider another. II. This war is making us strong as a nation. It has developed, and put into the nation’s possession a large amount of force of various kinds. The genius of Ericsson alone has been fostered, until it has placed the nation on a par with the greatest naval powers. It has immeasurably increased our means of coast defences, our most assailable point. It has taught us much of the art of war. It has augmented many fold our regular army. In view of those other great powers of the Old World, which are accustomed to estimate the strength of nations, notwithstanding the present rebellion, the strength of this nation must appear vastly augmented. But besides all this material increase of strength, in all the loyal States, and among all the loyal in the seceded States, the value of nationality above particular and local state interest has so grown and been confirmed as to add a tower of strength to the na- tion. Who can doubt as the liability to insult and interference by other nations, has appeared ? Who can doubt the value of being a strong nation, to the people of it? It is a great good for which we have cause for sincere thankfulness.
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