Speech at the Banquet in Atlanta, Georgia

Mr. Toastmaster, Gentlemen: 

I am not a stranger to your hospitality. You have always given me a courteous and cordial reception. My first visit was under the auspices of your fellow-citizen, Captain Howell, and another distinguished Georgian, the brilliant Grady, since called from the field of activity where he was at the height of his usefulness, and where the whole nation could illy spare him, and sorrowed at his untimely death. Then we were engaged in an economic discussion, in which honest differences of opinion prevailed and heated discussion ruled the hour. I do not forget that then, although advocating the theory of taxation seemingly opposed to the majority sentiment of your State and city, you accorded me an impartial hearing. Stranger that I was to all of you, you made me feel at home, and from that hour Atlanta won my heart. [Applause.] My subsequent visits have only served to increase my admiration for your enterprising city.

Four years have gone since I last met the people of Georgia in public assembly. Much has happened in the intervening time. The nation has been at war, not within its own shores, but with a foreign power—a war waged, not for revenge or aggrandizement, but for our oppressed neighbors, for their freedom and amelioration. [Applause.]

It was short but decisive. It recorded a succession of significant victories on land and sea. It gave new honors to American arms. It has brought new problems to the republic, whose solution will tax the genius of our people. United we will meet and solve them with honor to ourselves and to the lasting benefit of all concerned. [Great applause.] The war brought us together; its settlement will keep us together. [Continued applause.]

Reunited! Glorious realization! It expresses the thought of my mind and the long-deferred consummation of my heart’s desire as I stand in this presence. It interprets the hearty demonstration here witnessed, and is the patriotic refrain of all sections and of all lovers of the republic. [Applause.]

Reunited—one country again and one country forever! Proclaim it from the press and pulpit; teach it in the schools; write it across the skies! The world sees and feels it; it cheers every heart North and South, and brightens the life of every American home. Let nothing ever strain it again! At peace with all the world and with one another, what can stand in the pathway of our progress and prosperity! [Long-continued applause.]