prehended the grandeur and magnitude of the issues involved. It was not, as was alleged by certain European statesmen, a contest for power on the one hand, and independence on the other; the war was not waged merely to crush a gigantic insurrection, or merely to destroy the curse of human slavery—but the Union armies were also fighting for those great principles which lie at the foundation of all free governments. The result of that contest, encouraged and strengthened republican governments, and the grandest problem that was ever submitted to human society, was solved—whether mankind could be trusted with a purely popular government. The victorious sword of Grant, and the earnest patriotism of the immortal Lincoln, aided by the wise statesmanship of Seward, settled these questions finally, and forever. The problem is solved. Republican governments can successfully resist the most powerful combinations, and do possess more energy, strength, and recuperative power, than any other system.
Another question was settled—a question which was the inevitable corollary of that war—I mean that of European intervention in American affairs; and it was decided, that European powers, cannot with impunity approach, too nearly, the ark of American liberties. The moral aid of our Government, conducted and directed by Mr. Seward, combined with the patriotism of your soldiers and statesmen, relieved this beautiful country from foreign domination. Many a time and oft, as Mr. Romero can testify, did General Grant manifest his warm sympathy for the struggling patriots of Mexico, during the intervention; and since his elevation to the Presidency, on the occasion of the official presentation of the distinguished Minister from this Republic, he used these memorable words: and what President Grant says I need hardly add he means:
"Your previous residence in the United States has made you familiar with its institutions and its people, and must have satisfied you that its Government shares the views of the Mexican statesmen who deem a Republic the form of government best suited to develop the resources of that country and to make its people happy. 'For myself, I may say, it is not neces-
