Even amid the perils and the vast
expenditures of civil war have they embarked in the grand enterprise of
uniting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by a continental highway, equal
in its cost and its importance to the power and resources of a mighty
empire. Vast internal streams and lakes call for union by canals, which
shall typify the union of hearts and of interests destined to bind
together millions of freemen, whose connection of brotherhood and
national unity shall be as lasting as the perpetual flow of our mighty
rivers, and as full of blessings as our great lakes are of their pure
and crystal waters. The agitation of these momentous schemes, under
existing circumstances, is a phenomenon indicating a consciousness of
security and of vast power in the community, which, at the same time
that it is engaged in the perilous and bloody work of preserving the
Union, is preparing to perform the most important duties appertaining to
the nation in the hour of its most perfectly established and permanent
authority. It is the instinct of the national destiny working out its
ends in spite of the difficulties and dangers of the hour. It is the
prophetic vision of the popular mind, unconsciously preparing for a
great future not yet visible to the natural eye, but which the
providence of God, in its own good time, will verify to the firm and
courageous hearts of our people.
The loyal people of our country, those who are determined to restore the
Union, are well aware that it cannot be maintained by force.
Pages:
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194