Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 10.djvu/180

 THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS

pendence for the South than that which our fathers sought to win in the forum by their elo- quence or compel in the field by their swords.

It is a rare privilege, sir, to have had part, however humble, in this work. Never was nobler duty confided to human hands than the uplift- ing and upbuilding of the prostrate and bleed- ing South — misguided, perhaps, but beautiful in her suffering, and honest, brave, and generous always. In the record of her social, industrial, and political illustration we await with confi- dence the verdict of the world.

But what of the negro? Have we solved the problem he presents or progressed in honor and equity toward solution? Let the record speak to the point. No section shows a more prosper- ous laboring population than the negroes of the South ; none in fuller sympathy with the employ- ing and land-owning class. He shares our school fund, has the fullest protection of our laws and the friendship of our people. Self-interest as well as honor demand that he should have this. Our future, our very existence, depend upon working out this problem in full and exact jus- tice.

We understand that when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, your victory was assured, for be then committed you to the cause of human liberty, against which the arms of men can not prevail — while those of our states- men who trusted to m;ike slavery the corner- stone of the Confederacy iloomed us to defeat 148

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