1 86 Grant 



But in considering the life of Grant it is peculiarly 

 appropriate to remember that, besides the regenera 

 tion in political and social life within our own 

 borders, we must also face what has come upon us 

 from without. No friendliness with other nations, 

 no good will for them or by them, can take the place 

 of national self-reliance. No alliance, no inoffensive 

 conduct on our part, would supply, in time of need, 

 the failure in ability to hold our own with the strong 

 hand. We must work out our own destiny by our 

 own strength. A vigorous young nation like ours 

 does not always stand still. Now and then there 

 comes a time when it is sure either to shrink or to 

 expand. Grant saw to it that we did not shrink, and 

 therefore we had to expand when the inevitable mo 

 ment came. 



Great duties face us in the islands where the Stars 

 and Stripes now float in place of the arrogant flag of 

 Spain. As we perform those duties well or ill, so 

 will we, in large part, determine our right to a place 

 among the great nations of the earth'. We have got 

 to meet them in the very spirit of Grant. If we are 

 frightened at the task, above all, if we are cowed 

 or disheartened by any check, or by the clamor of 

 the sensation-monger, we shall show ourselves weak 

 lings unfit to invoke the memories of the stalwart 

 men who fought to a finish the great Civil War. If 

 we do not rule wisely, and if our rule is not in the 



