I would withdraw from
the contest which I have hitherto waged with those who would perpetuate
our thraldom. I would not for one moment dare to venture for that which
in costing one human life would cost infinitely too dear. But it will
cost no such price. Have we not had within my memory two great political
revolutions? And had we them not without bloodshed or violence to the
social compact? Have we not arrived at a period when physical force and
military power yield to moral and intellectual energy. Has not the time
of 'Cedant arma togae' come for us and the other nations of the earth?"
Let us trust that the prediction of O'Connell will be verified; that
reason and intellect are destined, under God, to do that for the nations
of the earth which the physical force of centuries and the red sacrifice
of a thousand battle-fields have failed to accomplish. Glorious beyond
all others will be the day when "nation shall no more rise up against
nation;" when, as a necessary consequence of the universal acknowledgment
of the rights of man, it shall no longer be in the power of an individual
to drag millions into strife, for the unholy gratification of personal
prejudice and passion.
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