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202 prise was flowing from one end of the land to the other.

"In the interest of humanity, the Government of the United States determined to free Cuba. War was declared, and in response to the President's call the men of the South and North, the East and the West, volunteered. Sectionalism and party were obliterated. Our army was organized, and Gen. Miles of Massachusetts, Gen. Lee of Virginia, Gens. Shafter and Joe Wheeler were given important commands. Every section of the country was brought together in the interest of the Union — no North, no South, no East, no West.

"Success greeted our arms at every point. The navy under Dewey at Manila and under Schley at Santiago added new laurels to American valor.

"The army in Cuba under Shafter, with Col. Roosevelt holding an important command, and the army in Porto Rico under Miles, won new glory for the Nation.

"With returning peace, commerce and trade flourished as never before in the history of any people.

"A little more than two years have elapsed since that deplorable tragedy at Buffalo, which deprived the Nation of a great President. Mr. Roosevelt succeeded to the Presidency.

"In his anxiety to be constantly doing something, he has made mistakes.

"I believe of him, as I have believed of all Presidents, that he is sincere and patriotic. But every man in public position is liable to mistakes. None could be more serious than the one made by him in his attempt to force again to the front the question of equality, social and political, of the negro race.

"Thoughtful citizens, both North and South, regret such an issue. They dread, and will avoid it, if possible. But if the President and his party drive the issue, it must be met, and the responsibility must rest upon them.

"The President is the leader of his party now, and