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SPEECH IN THE ASSEMBLY HALL AT AL

BANY, N. Y.

I Do not propose to enter into an explanation of any particular line of policy as to our present difficulties, to be adopted by the incoming Administration. I deem it just to you, to myself, and to all, that I should see everything, that I should hear everything, that I should have every light that can be brought within my reach, in order that when I do so speak, I shall have enjoyed every opportunity to take correct and true grounds; and for this reason I don't propose to speak, at this time, of the policy of the Government. But when the time comes, I shall speak, as well as I am able, for the good of the present and future of this country-for the good both of the North and the South of this country-for the good of the one and the other; and of all sections of the country. In the meantime, if we have patience, if we restrain ourselves, if we allow ourselves not to run off in a passion, I still have confidence that the Almighty, the Maker of the Universe, will, through the instrumentality of this great and intelligent people, bring us through this, as he has through all the other difficulties of our country.

G. DE LA MATYR.

181

ORE fully than any other man, not excepting

M Washington, Abraham Lincoln embodied and exhibited our distinctive civilization. "From the people, of the people, and for the people," he inspired and directed them through the most trying ordeal that this government has passed, or ever can pass.

Geologists tell us, the lower stratum of the earth's crust is granite, and that the highest mountains are the upheaval of this granite, so granite is both base and crown. Mr. Lincoln was lifted by the force of his unrivaled genius from the mass of the people, the immutable basis, the granite of our civilization, to an ele vation of solitary grandeur. Embracing all phases, from the humblest to the highest, his life bears all to a higher altitude where its influence falls in perpetual bene

diction.

INDIANAPOLIS, 1882.

A. De La Matyr

SPEECH AT POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y.

I CANNOT refrain from saying that I am highly grati fied, as much here indeed, under the circumstances, as I have been anywhere on my route, to witness this noble demonstration-made, not in honor of an individual, but of the man who at this time humbly, but earnestly, represents the majesty of the Nation. This reception, like all others that have been tendered to me, doubtless emanates from all the political parties, and not from one alone. As such, I accept it the more gratefully, since it indicates an earnest desire on the part of the whole people, without regard to political differences, to save -not the country, because the country will save itselfbut to save the institutions of the country-those institutions under which, in the last three quarters of a century, we have grown to be a great, an intelligent, and a happy people---the greatest, the most intelligent, and the happiest people in the world. These noble manifestations indicate, with unerring certainty, that the whole people are willing to make common cause for this object; that if, as it ever must be, some have been successful in the recent election, and some have been beaten-if some are satisfied, and some are dissatisfied-the defeated party are not in favor of sinking the ship, but are desirous of running it through the tempest in safety, and willing, if they think the people have committed an error in their verdict now, to wait in the hope of reversing it, and set

SPEECH AT POUGHKEEPSIE.

183

ting it right next time. I do not say that in the recent election the people did the wisest thing that could have been done; indeed, I do not think they did; but I do say, that in accepting the great trust committed to me, which I do with a determination to endeavor to prove worthy of it, I must rely upon you, upon the people of the whole country, for support; and with their sustaining aid, even I, humble as I am, cannot fail to carry the ship of state safely through the storm.

SPEECH AT PEEKSKILL, N. Y.

I WILL say in a single sentence, in regard to the difficulties that lie before me and our beloved country, that if I can only be as generously and unanimously sustained, as the demonstrations I have witnessed indicate I shall be, I shall not fail; but without your sustaining hands I am sure that neither I, nor any other man, can hope to surmount these difficulties. I trust that in the course I shall pursue, I shall be sustained not only by the party that elected me, but by the patriotic people of the whole country.

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