If those men who have been so heartily loyal of late--respectable,
business-like, manful persons, of a race in nowise given to sentimental
excitement--had been asked the cause of the intense feeling which they
have shown during the last few days, they would probably, most of them,
find some difficulty in giving it. Many would talk frankly of their
dread lest business should be interfered with; and no shame to them, if
they live by business. Others would speak of possible political
complications; and certainly no blame to them for dreading such. But
they would most of them speak, as frankly, of a deeper and less selfish
emotion. They would speak, not eloquently it may be, but earnestly, of
sympathy with a mother and a wife; of sympathy with youth and health
fighting untimely with disease and death--they would plead their common
humanity, and not be ashamed to have yielded to that touch of nature,
which makes the whole world kin. And that would be altogether to their
honour. Honourably and gracefully has that sympathy showed itself in
these realms of late.
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