12 sadly afraid that the present attitude of the North exhibited that pride which goes before destruction, and that haughty step which precedes a fall, for the world had seldom seen such a degree of prodigality and extravagance as that which was now spreading its influence over our land. The question for con- sideration was what could they, what should they do to save their country from the dangers which threatened its life. The love of pride and fashion can only be overcome by a solid union, and there is no union that can be firmer and more powerful than a union of ladies; and if they were determined, they might easily in a short time save the country from what was now wasted—an amount equal to the whole expense of the war. The President then called upon Professor Hitchcock. SPEECH OF PROFESSOR HITCHCOCK. Professor Hitchcock having taken the stand, proceeded to address the meeting. He said the address they had just listened to with so much respect and pleasure, one or two years ago, might have furnished a theme for debate. But this good cause of our country, like every other good cause in its history and unfolding, has passed beyond—triumphantly passed beyond —the period of apology. First principles are no longer in controversy; certain great matters are settled. The providence of God has inflamed the mind and heart of this nation with the conviction and purpose that this Republic, founded by the wisdom, defended by the valor, and baptized by the blood of our fathers shall, God helping us, be transmitted to our children as they transmitted it to theirs. We are here to-day, not to entertain for an instant the question whether anything we can do, or anything we can suffer, shall be contributed to that holy cause. Here before us, as in every public place, is the altar of our God. We are on it—every American man, every American woman, body and soul—a living offering to the shades of our fathers; to our children in the coming generation, to the army of the blessed above us, and to the
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