19 Mr. JONATHAN STURGES called the meeting to order, read the call of the meeting, and conducted to the chair Hon. GEORGE OPDYKE, Mayor of the city, amid the cheers of the people. In the absence of Mr. DENNING DUER, JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr., read the list of Yice-Presidents and Secretaries, which was adopted. SPEECH OF THE HOX. GEORGE OPDYKE. FELLOW-CITIZENS We have assembled for a high and holy purpose. We come to renew our vows at the altar of patriotism ; and at what place so fitting as in the presence of a monument erected to the memory of Washington ? [Cheers.] We come to reaffirm our earnest devotion to our country ; to pledge our lives and all that we possess in defence of the Constitution and Union which our fathers bequeathed to us, and to declare our unalterable determination to defend them to the last, not merely against the assaults of traitors, but if need be against a world in arms. [Cheers.] Come what may, whether disaster or success, we are determined to " fight on, and fight ever," until a glorious and enduring triumph shall crown our efforts. [Cheers.] We are here, too, to denounce treason and to disown political fellowship with all who sympathize with it. We have no toleration for those who, without provocation, have drenched our country in blood, in a fiendish attempt to overthrow a Government at once the mildest and most beneficent that human wisdom ever devised. History records no blacker crime against society. In a contest with such a foe there can be no middle or neutral ground. All who are not earnestly opposed to these enemies of their country and of the human race, must be regarded as participators in their guilt ; all who apologize for their crime must share in the infamy that awaits 1hem. ISor are there any grounds of compromise with such an enemy. Unconditional submission to the Constitution and laws they have contemned, is the only basis of reconciliation that honor or safety will permit us to offer them. [Cheers.] We are here to stimulate and encourage the President, and all others charged with the duty of suppressing this infamous rebellion ; to declare to the Administration our confidence in its honesty, ability and singleness of purpose ; to bid it be of good cheer, for the people, regardless of all party affinities, have resolved that the Union must and shall be preserved, [loud cheers ;] and that to this end, and the speedy suppression of the rebellion, they are prepared to stand as one man in support of the Administration in every advancing step it may take in earnestness of effort, and in the employment of every means justified by the usages of war. [Cheers.] But, above all, we are here to rekindle the half-slumbering patriotism of our countrymen, and to urge them to respond with alacrity to the call of the Government for additional volunteers. A bitter and relentless foe is striking at its vitals, and appealing to the enemies of free government everywhere to aid in the unholy work. Their efforts will fail utterly and hopelessly. But to make that failure quick, sure, and overwhelming, let
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