Governor Fifer and Fellow-citizens—During this extended journey, in the course of which we have swept from the Atlantic coast to the Golden Gate, and northward to the limits of our territory, we have stood in many spots of interest and looked upon scenes that were full of historical associations and of national interest and inspiration. The interest of this journey culminates to-day as we stand here for a few moments about the tomb of Lincoln. As I passed through the Southern States and noticed those great centres of busy industry which had been builded since the war, as I saw how the fires of furnaces had been kindled where there was once a solitude, I could not then but think and say that it was the hand that now lies beneath these stones that kindled and inspired all that we beheld; all these fires of industry were lighted at the funeral pyre of slavery. The proclamation of Abraham Lincoln can be read on all those mountain sides where free men are now bending their energies to the development of States that had long been under the paralysis of human slavery.
I come to-day to this consecrated and sacred spot with a heart filled with emotions of gratitude that that God who wisely turned toward our Eastern shores a body of God-fearing and liberty-loving men to found this republic did not fail to find for us in the hour of our extremity one who was competent to lead the hearts and sympathies and hold up the courage of our people in the time of our greatest national peril.
The life of Abraham Lincoln teaches more useful lessons than any other character in American history. Washington stands remote from us. We think of him as dignified and reserved, but we think of Lincoln as one whose tender touch the children, the poor—all classes of our people—felt at their firesides and loved. The love of our people is drawn to him because he had such a great heart—such a human heart. The asperities and hardships of his early life did not dull, but broadened and enlivened, his sympathies. That sense of justice, that love of human liberty which dominated all his life, is another characteristic that our people will always love. You have here in keeping a most precious trust. Toward this spot the feet of the reverent patriots of the years to come will bend their way. As the story of Lincoln's life is read his virtues will mould and inspire many lives.
I have studied it and have been filled with wonder and admiration. His life was an American product; no other soil could have produced it. The greatness of it has not yet been fully discovered or measured. As the inner history of the times in which he lived is written we find how his great mind turned and moved, in time of peril and delicacy, the affairs of our country in their home and foreign relations with that marvellous tact, with that never-failing common-sense which characterized this man of the people. And that impressive lesson we have here this morning. I see in the military uniform of our country, standing as guards about this tomb, the sons of a race that had been condemned to slavery and was emancipated by his immortal proclamation. And what an appropriate thing it is that these whose civil rights were curtailed even in this State are now the trusted, affectionate guards of the tomb in which he sleeps!
We will all again and again read the story of Lincoln's life, and will find our hearts and minds enlarged, our loves and our charities broadened, and our devotion to the Constitution, the flag, and the free Government which he preserved to us, intensified. And now, my friends, most cordially do I thank you for these kind words of welcome. I shall go from this tomb impressed with new thoughts as to the responsibilities of those who bear the responsibilities, though in less troublous times, of that great man to whose memory my soul bows this morning. [Applause.]
At the State House.
When the President closed he was presented by Governor Fifer, on behalf of the citizens of Petersburg, Ill., with a gold-headed cane made from the Lincoln store building at New Salem. Speeches were made by Postmaster-General Wanamaker and Secretary Rusk, during which the President and Governor Fifer proceeded to the State House, where a large crowd collected and the President made the following address:
My Fellow-citizens—I feel that we make a very poor return to you here for your cordial welcome, and for these extensive preparations which you have made to do us honor, but this journey has been so long, the time consumed already so great, the demand for my presence in Washington is such that I cannot protract the stay here with you this morning. I beg all to believe that most heartily and sincerely I thank you for this cordial welcome from Illinois, for the interesting moments that we have spent about the tomb of that man who would have made the fame of Illinois imperishable and Springfield the Mecca for patriotic feet if no other man in the history of the State had ever come to eminence—Abraham Lincoln. [Cheers.] In his life you have a treasury of instruction for your children, a spring of inspiration for your people that will be lasting. [Cheers.]