forced. As to
our boasted history, they will point to pages darkened with grave
crimes against the weaker races; and as to our future, they will
tell us of the colossal fortunes which, under the sanction of law,
are already consolidating in the hands of a few men--not always the
best men--powers which threaten alike good government and our
liberties.

"In reply to these views, it can not be denied that in a wide
domain like ours, inhabited by people not always harmonious,
something more than written constitutions are required. A mere
paper government is not enough. The law, if not voluntarily obeyed,
must be firmly enforced. To accomplish this there must be wisdom,
moderation, firmness, not only in those who administer the
government, but in the people, who, at last, are the government.

"The great task is to educate a whole people in these high virtues,
to the end that they may be equal to their opportunities and to the
dangers that surround them. The chief instrumentalities in this
education are the home, the school, the platform, the pulpit, and
the press, and all good men and women are the educators.

"Doubt and difficulty and danger lend to every human enterprise its
chief interest and charm. Every man who fought in the Army of the
Tennessee at Shiloh knows that the gloom and despondency in which
the first day's battle closed, gave an added glory to the victory
of the second day; that the victory is always most highly prized
which, after a long and desperate struggle, is snatched at last
from the very jaws of disaster and defeat.

"If, in the future of our country, trials and conflicts and
calamities await her, it is but the common allotment of Providence
to men. The brave and the good will (here always) find noble work
and a worthy career, and will rejoice that they are permitted to
live and to act in such a country as the American republic."

In July, 1872, Ex-Governor Hayes received a petition, signed by the most
influential men in the second Congressional district in Cincinnati,
asking him to accept a nomination for Congress. Scores of letters and
telegrams were sent to him at Fremont, where he was detained by illness
in his family, urging upon him the duty of sacrificing personal to
public interests and consent to become a candidate. He refused
absolutely. T