their part in the great conflict may now
with grateful hearts rejoice that it is forever ended.

The newly-made citizens who seem to carry off the lion's share of
the fruits of the victory--it is especially fitting and proper that
they should assemble to congratulate each other, and to be
congratulated by all of us that they now enjoy for the first time
in full measure the blessings of freedom and manhood.

Those, also, who have opposed many of the late steps in the great
progress--it is a satisfaction to know that so large a number of
them gracefully acquiesce in the decision of the Nation.

The war of races, which it was so confidently predicted would
follow the enfranchisement of the colored people--where was it in
the elections in Ohio last week? In a few localities the old
prejudice and fanaticism made, we hope, their last appearance.
There was barely enough angry dissent to remind us of the barbarism
of slavery which has passed away forever. Generally throughout the
State, and especially in the cities of Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, where the new element is large, those
who strove to avert the result over which we rejoice, leaders as
well as followers, were conspicuous in setting an example of
obedience to the law.

Not the least among the causes for congratulation to-night is the
confidence we have that the enfranchised people will prove worthy
of American citizenship. No true patriot wishes to see them exhibit
a blind and unthinking attachment to mere party; but all good men
wish to see them cultivate habits of industry and thrift, and to
exhibit intelligence and virtue, and at every election to be
earnestly solicitous to array themselves on the side of law and
order, liberty and progress, education and religion.

The following letters, written during 1870, have come under our
observation. We reproduce them because they exhibit to some extent
opinions and character.

In one dated March 1, 1870, these passages occur:

"I also agree with you perfectly on the spoils doctrine. This you
would know if you had read my last inaugural. I am glad you do not
bore yourself with such reading generally, but you are in for it
now, as I shall send you a copy. I, too, mean to be out of
politics. The ratification of the Fifteenth Amendm