arose in the Senate to speak, it is said, looking pale from the effect
of the censure he was then receiving day by day. Addressing the Senate
he said: "I suppose what I shall say in this address will cost me many
dear friends." A reporter said: "He hesitated as if choked with
emotion at the thought of losing his friends." Then with the majesty
of greatness and magnetism of manner he proceeded, saying: "I am
charged with being ambitious. If I had listened to the soft
whisperings of ambition I would have stood still, gazed upon the
raging storm and let the ship of state drift on with the winds. I seek
no office at the cost of courage or conviction. Pass this bill.
Restore affection to the states of this Union and I will go back to my
Ashland home; there in its groves, on its lawns, 'mid my flocks and
herds, and in the bosom of my family, I will find a sincerity I have
not found in the public walks of life. Yes, I am ambitious, but my
ambition is that I may become the humble instrument in the hands of
God, in restoring harmony to a distracted nation, and behold the
glorious spectacle of a true, united happy and prosperous people."

There is a grandeur in the mountain that lifts itself above the
hamlets at its base, and bearing its brow to the threatening storm
clouds says to the forked lightning, "Strike me!" but grander is the
man who can stand 'mid the allurements of the world's honors and say:
"I would rather be right than President." Dare to do right and what
you do will have its reward.

"Shamgar, what's that in thy hand?"

"Only an ox-goad."

"Come dedicate it to God, and go slay those Philistines."

"David, what's that in thy hand?"

"Only a sling and a little stone from the brook."

"Come dedicate them to God, and go kill the giant."

"My little lad, what's that you have?"

"Only five loaves and two little fishes."

"Come, dedicate them to God; they'll feed thousands and you will have
baskets full left."

My brother, what's that in thy hand? Only a little American ballot.
Come dedicate it to God and home and native land, go cast it against
the licensed liquor traffic and your life will bear fruit which the
angels will gather when you have "finished your course" and "kept the
faith."

You are soon to have the local option test in your county. If I could
do one thing I could make the victory for the home overwhelming. You
know if the saloons continue they will have their victims in the
future as they