"Joyfully dear is the homeward track,
If we are but sure of a welcome back."
Such a generous reception has been extended to me to-night as few are
permitted to enjoy, and I should be wanting in gratitude did I not
appreciate the sentiment expressed in this cordial greeting. I should be
vain indeed to ascribe it to myself, or for a moment to accept it solely
as a personal tribute. As an expression of appreciation of the gallant
troops which I have the honor to command, it is accepted in behalf of
the living and for them I thank you, as well as for those whose lips are
forever silent and whose heroism and sacrifice I know are here
remembered and revered.
This reception is to me doubly gratifying, for I am delighted to return
once more to the shores of the Great Republic and also to be welcomed by
the men of the great Empire State and by those associated with them in
this entertainment. For many years New York has seemed like home to me.
I passed down Broadway in 1861, at the age of twenty-one, a lieutenant
in a regiment from my native State; eight months later I was honored by
that great patriot and statesman, Governor Morgan, with a commission as
lieutenant-colonel in one of the New York regiments. From that time
during the great Civil War I was largely identified with the New York
troops, commanding a regiment, a brigade, and, at one time, thirty-two
regiments from the State of New York. Many of my comrades in the field
were from New York, many of my strongest friends are New Yorkers, and I
am honored to-night by such a greeting as would make the heart of any
soldier proud.
The wars of the past have had their objects, their achievements, and
glorious results. The last war was one in the interest of humanity and
in behalf of a heroic people, who for many years had been struggling
against cruel atrocities, oppression, and the despotism of a decaying
monarchy. It has been most remarkable in many respects. It has presented
one series of victories, without a single disaster or a single defeat.
The flag of the United States has not been lowered in a single instance.
Not a foot of ground has been surrendered, not a soldier, gun or rifle
has been captured by the enemy. The American soldiers and sailors have
been true to the principles and traditions of their fathers, and
maintained the honor and glory of the American arms. One of the great
blessings to the country in this brief but decisive war has been to
unite firmly in bonds of imperishable union all sections of the United
States: North, South, East, and West. Still more, it has given us reason
and opportunity to appreciate our obligations to the mother country for
the dignified and powerful influence of the British Empire in the
maintenance of our principles and rights.
There are other fields to conquer. The past has gone, and the future
opens the door to greater responsibilities, and I trust to greater
progress and prosperity. We are ascending to a clearer atmosphere, up to
a higher level, where we should take a stronger position than ever
before occupied by our government and people. We can no longer confine
ourselves to the narrow limits that governed us as a people in the past.
Much has been said of what has been the ruling policy of the past. This
much, I think, is apparent to all, that the grave responsibilities of
the nation are too great to be contaminated by personal, partisan, or
sectional interests. Our interests are national in the highest degree.
They embrace two hemispheres. They involve the welfare of a hundred
millions of the human race. We are getting to that time when we shall
require not only the ablest men but many of them, in every department,
to protect and administer the affairs of the Nation. In those impressive
lines of Holland we might exclaim:--
"God give us men; a time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands,
Men whom the lust of office does not kill,
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy,
Men who possess opinions and a will,
Men who have honor; men who will not lie."
The important and great questions that had to be met and that have been
decided during the last few months have had a broadening influence upon
the great mass of our people. It has been uplifting to every community
and every phase of society. It has turned the attention of our people to
the great power and responsibility of our Republic, and institutions,
and true interests as a people and a nation, not only at home, but
through every part of the globe. We have been enabled to give freedom to
millions of the oppressed, and I believe that we shall be able to extend
to them the hand of support and secure for them a full measure of
justice and enlightened government. In behalf of the army and for
myself, I wish to return my most heartfelt thanks for this most cordial
greeting. [Applause.]