12 THE SACRIFICE OF CONTINUAL PRAISE. tion the overthrow of the most accursed treason the world has ever seen. We still live, and our flag floats over a vaster expanse of territory than it did a year ago, floats honored and respected in spite of all the disaster that has come upon us, floats consecrated by the blood of brave men, dearer to-day than ever because it has cost so much. Yes we live, to-day a standing refutation of the kingly lie, so long held and so industriously circulated by the sycophants of the throne, that there could be no strength in a democracy ; in a government of the Peojjle. We live as strong as ever; our sinews hardened: our endurance tested. We live, and grow, and thrive; as grows and thrives some great oak on the rugged hill-side, exposed to storm and whirlwind and tempest; yet striking its roots deeper and deeper into the soil, until, lifting up its head to Heaven, it bids defiance to every gale. Another year of national life. And is this nothing? It is a terrible thing foranation to die. For them there is no future; for them no resurrection ; death is annihilation. Not one of ns but that has a fearful stake in the existence and welfare of this Republic. Here all our hopes centre; here our expectations for the future cluster; it is our all. If we thus die, then f reedom seems to die, then the problem of man's capacity for self-government is answered in the interest, not of the people and liberty, but of the throne and despotism. “ The citizens of a republic have a special and peculiar interest in its stability and prosperity. Its flags and camps
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