has gathered round us darker than before. At last--glory be to God in
the highest!--at last we ask no more tidings of the watchmen, for over
both horizons east and west bursts forth in one overflowing tide of
radiance the ruddy light of victory!

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