have associated with us in the nursery,
at school, in college, in trade, in the tenderer and confidential
relations of life, in health, in sickness, and in death, as
trusted guides, as brave soldiers, as magnanimous enemies, as
educated and respected men and women, give up all senseless
antipathies, and feel ashamed to Confess they ever cherished any
prejudice against a race whose record is as unsullied as that of
any in the land."

The following passages from a most brilliant speech at the Dinner of
the Harvard Club of New York, exhibit a pure, perspicuous, and
charming style:

"What Sir John Coleridge in his 'Life of Keble' says of the
traditions and influences of Oxford, each son of Harvard must
feel is true also of Cambridge. The traditions, the patriotic
record, and the scholarly attainments of her alumni are the pride
of the College. Her contribution to letters, to statesmanship,
and to active business life, will keep her memory perennially
green. Not one of the humblest of her children, who has felt the
touch of her pure spirit, or enjoyed the benefits of her culture,
can fail to remember what she expects of her sons wherever they
may be: to stand fast for good government, to maintain the
right, to uphold honesty and character, to be, if nothing else,
good citizens, and to perform, to the extent of their ability,
every duty assumed or imposed upon them,--democratic in their
aristocracy, catholic in their liberality, impartial in judgment,
and uncompromising in their convictions of duty. [Cheers and
applause.]

"Harvard's impartiality was not demonstrated solely by my
admission to the College. In 1770, when Crispus Attucks died a
patriot martyr on State Street, she answered the rising spirit of
independence and liberty by abolishing all distinctions founded
upon color, blood, and rank. Since that day, there has been but
one test for all. Ability, character, and merit,--these are the
sole passports to her favor. [Applause.]

"When, in my adopted State, I stood on the battered ramparts of
Wagner, and recalled the fair-haired son of Harvard who died
there with his brave black troops of Massachusetts,--

"'him who, deadly hurt, agen
Flashed on afore the charge's thunder,
Tippin' with fire the bolt of men,