17 to pay to the Army and the Navy ? Shall we march back our soldiers, and taunt them with the bitter scorn of military failure ? Shall we look up into Heaven with no gratitude for that overruling providence which has so wonderfully fostered our cause 'i Have we no candor '( Can we not admit facts to be facts 'i Must we distort them for sinister purposes ? Shall we sit down with craven souls, and do nothing but mutter complaints, when the military skies bid us to be cheerful i What shall be thought of those whose highest hopes lie in the failure of their country's cause, who are sad when our armies win, and jubilant when they are defeated^ Such men may be very zealous partisans, but surely they are not patriots* When I look at the facts, I feel proud of my country, proud of its Government, proud of those who have administered that Government, proud of the Navy and the Army. . In the name of our glorious nationality, I accept the record, and bless God for it ^vith all my soul. Never since sin and sorrow entered this fallen world, has so much been done in an equal period of time, and amid equal difficulties. Failure ! That, let me tell you, is not the right word. It is a sin against the facts—a burning shame—a vile slander upon the truth. My hearers, you know better ; the country knows better ; the world knows better ; and even the Ee].)eis Icnow better. Our excellent President, with his plain but comprehensive common sense, with his tried integrity, with his e:!reful but firm judgment, with his true devotion to the tiag of his country, v/ith his io\-e of liberty and equal rights, boi-u of the peoj^le, and trusting the people, thoughtfully watching and following the providence of God, is no failure, whatever the politicians may say. His name Avill be honorably mentioned when they are forgotten. The country has had but few^ such men. Grant, with his tenacity of purpose and versatility of senius, content to do the militarv work committed to his hands, —Sherman flanking the Rebels at a dozen points, and drivino- them our of Atlanta,—Sheridai! " whirling" them through Wincliester at more than double quick, parsuing them to Fisher's Hill, and there giving them a second defeat,—Farragut fastened to the mast of his ship, and sailing by the forts in the Bay of Mobile,—Butler bringing order out of confusion in New
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