We have no parties here to-day, but is there one breast that does not throb with joy as the banners of the conquering Republic follow her retreating foes to the banks of the angry Potomac?  Is there one heart that does not thrill in answer to the drum-beat that rings all over the world as the army of the west, on the morning of the nation’s birth, swarms over the silent, sullen earthworks of captured Vicksburg,—­to the reveille that calls up our Northern regiments this morning inside the fatal abatis of Port Hudson?  We are scholars, we are graduates, we are alumni, we are a band of brothers, but beside all, above all, we are American citizens.  And now that hope dawns upon our land—­nay, bursts upon it in a flood of glory,—­shall we not feel its splendors reflected upon our peaceful gathering, peaceful in spite of those disturbances which the strong hand of our citizen-soldiery has already strangled?

Welcome then, thrice welcome, scholarly soldiers who have fought for your and our rights and honor!  Welcome, soldierly scholars who are ready to fight whenever your country calls for your services!  Welcome, ye who preach courage as well as meekness, remembering that the Prince of Peace came also bringing a sword!  Welcome, ye who make and who interpret the statutes which are meant to guard our liberties in peace, but not to aid our foes in war!  Welcome, ye whose healing ministry soothes the anguish of the suffering and the dying with every aid of art and the tender accents of compassion!  Welcome, ye who are training the generous youths to whom our country looks as its future guardians!  Welcome, ye quiet scholars who in your lonely studies are unconsciously shaping the thought which law shall forge into its shield and war shall wield as its thunder-bolt!

And to you, Mr. President, called from one place of trust and honor to rule over the concerns of this our ancient and venerated institution, to you we offer our most cordial welcome with all our hopes and prayers for your long and happy administration.

I give you, brothers, “The association of the Alumni”; the children of our common mother recognize the man of her choice as their new father, and would like to hear him address a few words to his numerous family.

FOOTNOTE: 

[1] Delivered at an Alumni Dinner, Cambridge, July 16, 1863.

GOOD WILL TO AMERICA[2]

BY SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

Gentlemen:—­Small as are the pretensions which, on any account, I can have to present myself to the attention of this remarkable assemblage, I have had no hesitation in answering the call which is just been made upon me by discharging a duty which is no less gratifying to me than I know it will be agreeable to you—­that of proposing that the thanks of this meeting be offered to the chairman for his presidence over us to-day.  Every one who admires Mr. Garrison for the qualities on account