the government and of the nation. Lincoln was slain; America was meant. The man

was cast down; the government was smitten at. It was the President who was

killed. It was national life, breathing freedom and meaning beneficence, that

was sought. He, the man of Illinois, the private man, divested of robes and the

insignia of authority, representing nothing but his personal self, might have

been hated; but that would not have called forth the murderer's blow. It was

because he stood in the place of government, representing government and a

government that represented right and liberty, that he was singled out.

 

This, then, is a crime against universal government. It is not a blow at the

foundations of our government, more than at the foundations of the English

government, of the French government, of every compact and well-organized

government. It was a crime against mankind. The whole world will repudiate and

stigmatize it as a deed without a shade of redeeming light....

 

The blow, however, has signally failed. The cause is not stricken; it is

strengthened. This nation has dissolved,--but in tears only. It stands,

four-square, more solid, to-day, than any pyramid in Egypt. This people are

neither wasted, nor daunted, nor disordered. Men hate slavery and love liberty

with stronger hate and love to-day than ever before. The Government is not

weakened, it is made stronger....

 

And now the martyr is moving in triumphal march, mightier than when alive. The

nation rises up at every stage of his coming. Cities and states are his

pall-bearers, and the cannon beats the hours with solemn progression.