In days of
doubt and worry and despair we may meet the fathers on the written page.
But, oh, how grand a blessing for the human race could we sit at their
feet beholding them in the flesh and receive their teachings! If only
they, the fathers, might take us by the hand and lead us through the
devious tangles of public policy! To-day we meet here in perplexed
division as to the standard-bearer for our next campaign. If up from
that past of sage counsel and unfaltering faith there might come one
who could stand forth and expound the lessons that we need, we might
take heart and travel boldly on. But, gentlemen, I bring you a message
of greater hope--more profound a blessing. Up from that past comes the
standard-bearer _himself_! His wise kindliness meets every test of
honest gentleman; scholarship crowns his brow, Law holds her torch aloft
that his feet may tread the safe way; war from him has taken tribute,
but to him has given a hero's deathless laurels. Once in her history
this State welcomed him to her councils as her gracious overlord, and
now--"
There was no doubt in their minds now.
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