* * * * *
I say we must necessarily undo these violent, oppressive acts. They must
he repealed. You will repeal them. I pledge myself for it that you will
in the end repeal them. I stake my reputation on it. I will consent to
be taken for an idiot if they are not finally repealed. Avoid, then,
this humiliating, disgraceful necessity. With a dignity becoming your
exalted situation make the first advances to concord, to peace, and
happiness; for that is your true dignity, to act with prudence and
justice. That you should first concede is obvious, from sound and
rational policy. Concession comes with better grace and more salutary
effect from superior power. It reconciles superiority of power with the
feelings of men, and establishes solid confidence on the foundations of
affection and gratitude. LORD CHATHAM.
From "On Removing Troops from Boston." For aught I know the next flash
of electric fire that simmers along the ocean cable may tell us that
Paris, with every fiber quivering with the agony of impotent despair,
writhes beneath the conquering heel of her loathed invader. Ere another
moon shall wax and wane the brightest star in the galaxy of nations may
fall from the zenith of her glory never to rise again. Ere the modest
violets of early spring shall ope their beauteous eyes the genius of
civilization may chant the wailing requiem of the proudest nationality
the world has ever seen, as she shatters her withered and tear-moistened
lilies o'er the bloody tomb of butchered France. JAMES PROCTOR KNOTT.