The lessons of war—­that which has been through it accomplished for the country—­the new lands over which our sovereignty is established—­the gain in the national character—­the increased immensity of the outlook of destiny, found impressive expression in the peace jubilee, the President of the United States participating, and interpreting history with dignity, in great Chicago, the giant of the West and North, and Philadelphia, the holy city of Independence Hall and the liberty bell.

Of the celebrations of Peace with honor and victory, the first was that at Chicago, and it will be memorable for remarkable speeches in which many orators rose to the height of the occasion, their speeches worthy of celebrity and certain to give imperishable passages to the school books of the future.  We have to pass over much of meritorious distinction, and confine ourselves in the selections for these pages, to the utterances of the President—­Archbishop Ireland, whose golden periods of Americanism ring through the land, and the Southern orator, Judge Emory Speer, of Georgia, whose patriotism springs forth and elevates the nobility of his thought, and touches with sacred fire the ruddy glow of his eloquence.

“Lead, my country, in peace!” was Archbishop Ireland’s passionate exclamation, the key-note of his oration.  He said: 

“War has passed; peace reigns.  Stilled over land and sea is the clang of arms; from San Juan to Manila, fearless and triumphant, floats the star spangled banner.  America, ’Be glad and rejoice, for the Lord hath done great things.’  America, with whole heart and soul, celebrate thy jubilee of peace.

“Welcome to America, sweet, beloved peace; welcome to America, honored, glorious victory.  Oh, peace, thou art heaven’s gift to men.  When the Savior of humanity was born in Bethlehem the sky sang forth, ’Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men.’  Peace was offered to the world through Christ, and when the spirit of Christ is supreme, there is universal peace—­peace among men, peace among nations.

“Oh, peace, so precious art thou to humanity that our highest ideal of social felicity must ever be thy sovereignty upon earth.  Pagan statesmanship, speaking through pagan poetry, exclaims:  ’The best of things which it is given to know is peace; better than a thousand triumphs is the simple gift of peace.’  The regenerated world shall not lift up sword against sword; neither shall they he exercised any more in war.

“Peace is the normal flow of humanity’s life, the healthy pulsation of humanity’s social organism, the vital condition of humanity’s growth and happiness.

“’O first of human blessings and supreme,
Fair Peace! how lovely, how delightful thou.

Oh peace! thou soul and source of social life,
Beneath whose calm inspiring influence
Science his views enlarges, art refines,
And swelling commerce opens all her ports. 
Blessed be the man divine who gave us thee.’