laughter.] I have no doubt but that the taxes at the South will promote knavery, but they will not prevent the resurrection of that flag around which we rally today, and to the maintenance of which we renewedly consecrate our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. [Cheers.] But, fellow-citizens, the hour is solemn. We meet at a momentous crisis in our national history. The republic is in danger. This colossal and iniquitous rebellion must be met ; it must be grappled with and crushed now. I am not here to appeal to your passions. I do not stand before this mighty gathering of American citizens simply to make a speech. I am here to kindle anew the fire of your patriotism ; to awaken, if possible, an increased energy and devotion to the cause so dear to our hearts ; the cause that embraces the interests of civilization, human liberty, and the progress of society in the arts, education, and religion. 1 am here to urge you to rally to the call of our noble President, and to joiu the hoFts already in the field, who are doing their utmost to roll back the tide of rebellion, and preserve the precious institutions bequeathed to us by our fathers. [Applause.] In this struggle, we aim, first, at the security of our national existence. We desire to live among the nations of the earth, and God helping us, we will maintain the Republic against all the opposition, domestic or foreign, that may be brought to bear against us. [Immense applause.] Not a few persons in Europe, especially in England, have blamed us for this. We have been censured for desiring to exist, and for not quietly acquiescing in the dismemberment of our nation. The people of England have declared that our republican institutions were a failure. [Avoice in the crowd, " They lie."] Yes, those who say it do lie ; and they will have to lie quietly until we can attend to their sneers and threats. I had supposed, until recently, that England was distinguished for her civilization, her intense humanity, and devotion to the doctrine of human rights. I had supposed that her statesmen and leaders of public opinion were in favor of cultivating peaceful relations with the other powers of the earth ; and, surely, we have done nothing to provoke her enmity. Rather, we have done all in our power to maintain a cordial and generous friendship. We have bestowed upon her authors and eminent men, who have visited our shores, every mark of attention. Some years ago, when her Irish citizens were starving, we ladened our ships of war with provisions for their relief, and gladly gave of our abundance to the needy. When a lost British ship, in the Arctic regions, was found by an American captain, she was brought to one of our ports, carefully and thoroughly refitted, and returned to the Queen as an expression of our good-will and respect for her administration. And how recently these streets were thronged by our enthusiastic citizens, to do honor to the young Prince of Wales, the representative of the British throne. No demonstration could have been more marked or sincere ; none could have sprung from purer feelings, a loftier sentiment than that which greeted the son of the Queen. And now, in the hour of our embarrassment and peril, what return do we receive from that people ? Where are their sympathies, as expressed through thair public press ? Should the child of royalty again visit us and pass through our streets, I apprehend that we should allow him to go on his way in silence, and no more waste our attentions upon a government incapable of appreciating an act of pure and generous national friendship. And we shall ask neither of England or of any other nation on the globe, the privilege of existing ; and when the pernicious traitors at home are annihilated, I believe that we shall have leisure and ability to see that we are not interfered with by the nations of Europe. [Immense cheers.] Fellow-citizens, we are here also to maintain our Government. What is Government ? It is the sentiments of the whole community embodied in laws, which certain officers are selected to execute. The Government is created to protect property, regulate the intercourse and relations of citizens, and defend human life. Without a Government, there can be no such thing as property that is, the right of possession. In a savage state, no man can hold land, houses or merchandise, for there is no centralized authority to enforce his claims; or protect
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