Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 10.djvu/185

 GRADY

invests it is hallowed to you by the blood of your brothers who died for your victory, and doubly hallowed to us by the blood of those who died hopeless, but undaunted in defeat — sacred soil to all of us — rich with memories that make us purer and stronger and better — silent but stanch witnesses, in its red desolation, of the matchless valor of American hearts and the deathless glory of American arms — speaking an eloquent witness in its M'hite peace and pros- perity to the indissoluble union of American States and the imperishable brotherhood of the American people.

Now, what answer has New England to this message? Will she permit the prejudice of war to remain in the hearts of the conquerors when it has died in the hearts of the conquered ? Will she transmit this prejudice to the next genera- tion, that in their hearts which never felt the generous ardor of conflict it may perpetuate itself 1 Will she withhold, save in strained cour- tesy, the hand which, straight from his soldier's heart. Grant offered to Lee at Appomattox? Will she make the vision of a restored and happy people, which gathered above the couch of your dying captain, filling his heart with grace, touching his lips with praise, and glorifying his pa.th to the grave — will she make this vision on which the last sigh of his expiring soul breathed a benediction, a cheat and delusion? If she does, the South, never abject in asking for com- radeship, must accept with dignity its refusal;

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