Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 10.djvu/270

 THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS

Abraham Lincoln was an event not only of high moral significance, but of far-reaching import- ance; the drilling of a militia company by Ells- worth attracted national attention ; the fluttering of the flag in the clear sky drew tears from the eyes of young men. Patriotism, which had been a rhetorical expression, became a passionate emotion, in which instinct, logic and feeling were fused. The country was worth saving; it could be saved only by fire ; no sacrifice was too great ; the young men of the country were ready for the sacrifice ; come weal, come woe, they were ready. At seventeen years of age William McKinley heard this summons of his country. He was the sort of youth to whom a military life in ordinary times would possess no attractions. His nature was far different from that of the ordinary sol- dier. He had other dreams of life, its prizes and pleasures, than that of marches and battles. But to his mind there was no choice or question. The banner floating in the morning breeze was the beckoning gesture of his country. The thrill- ing notes of the trumpet called him — him and none other — into the ranks. His portrait in his first uniform is familiar to you all — the short, stocky figure; the quiet, thoughtful face; the deep, dark eyes. It is the face of a lad who could not stay at home when he thought he was needed in the field. He was of the stuff of which good soldiers are made. Had he been ten years older he would have entered at the head of a com- pany and come out at the head of a division.

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