Editorial from The Journal Indianapolis, Ind., November 17,1879.
The Inter-Ocean remarked yesterday that the gathering and exercises at the Palmer House banquet on Thursday evening constituted one of the most remarkable occasions known in the history of this country. This was not alone because of the distinguished men who lent their presence to the scone; they were indeed illustrious; but they only formed a part of the grand picture that must endure while the memory of our great conflict survives. To the eminent men assembled may be traced the signal success of the affair, for they gave inspiration to the minds and the tongues of others; but it was the fruit of that inspiration that rolled like a glad surprise across the banqueting sky, and made the 13th of November renowned in the calendar of days... When Robert G. Ingersoll rose after the speech of General Pope, to respond to the toast, "The Volunteer Soldiers," a large part of the audience rose with him, and the cheering was long and loud. Colonel Ingersoll may fairly be regarded as the foremost orator of America, and there was the keenest interest to hear him after all the brilliant speeches that had preceded; and this interest was not unnmixed with a fear that he would not be able to successfully strive against both his own great reputation and the fresh competitors who had leaped suddenly into the oratorical arena like mighty gladiators and astonished the audience by their unexpected eloquence. But Ingersoll had not proceeded far when the old fire broke out, and flashing metaphor, bold denunciation, and all the rich imagery and poetical beauty which mark his great efforts stood revealed before the delighted listeners: Long before the last word was uttered, all doubt as to the ability of the great orator to sustain himself had departed, and rising to their feet, the audience cheered till the hall rang with shouts. Like Henry, "The forest-born Demosthenes, whose thunder shook the Philip of the seas," Ingersoll still held the crown within his grasp.
Editorial from The Inter-Ocean, Chicago, November 15, 1879.
The Volunteer Soldiers of the Union Army, whose Valor and Patriotism saved to the world "a Government of the People, by the People, and for the People."