16 so says the merciless conscription with which Jefferson Davis has filled up his wasted ranks, robbing alike the cradle and the grave. The hopes of the Rebels from foreign intervention are at an end. ' Their finances are ruined, and their country almost ruined. They are weak, and we are strong. The cause of the Government and the Country was never more hopeful, and that of the rebellion never more desperate, so far as the military question is concerned. These facts tell their own story. Contrast the rebellion in its present status with the outset ; and where is it, and what is it ? A 'milito/ry failure. It has not succeeded ; and if the people remain faithful to the Government, it cannot succeed. The end is near, unless the American peo])le shall now perpetrate upon themselves the enormous folly of deserting their own cause. We can now sooner conquer a peace than we can possibly procure it by any other means. The last hope of the Rebels is in a divided opinion at the North, that shall in some way palsy the military arm of the Government. They want a change of policy ; and hence they feel a deep interest in the coming Presidential election. This interest, alike in the fact, the character, and the motive, conveys its own lesson to a truly loyal mind. I exceedingly doubt the wisdom of doing that which would most gratify our enemies and best serve their purposes. And now, my friends, and fellow-countrymen, I ask in all soberness and candor, Avhether in view of these facts you call this war a failure on the part of the Government? Is it a failure ? Is this the proper title ? Is it wise, is it true, is it just, is it patriotic, thus to misrepresent and belittle our successes ? Is it generous to charge an Administration through whose agency these results have been gained, with imbecility, stupidity, ignorance, want of energy and skill in the method of conducting the war? Is this the way to speak of the achievements of those noble men who have fallen on the field, and moistened the soil of their country with their blood ? Is this a suitable homage to those gallant commanders whose deeds of valor will give them a place in history as long as history has a being ? Is this indeed the tribute which the American people have it in their heart
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=