title: American Speeches: Political Oratory from the Revolution to the Civil War (Library of America)
author: Ted Widmer
description: These speeches are part of our national heritage, just as much as our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They should be studied and celebrated! <b> President Bill Clinton</b>
zlib_text: # The South and  
  the National Government
  
    
  
  ### By  
  The Honorable William Howard Taft
  
  ##### President-elect of the United States
  
    
  
  #### An Address  
  Delivered at the Dinner of the North Carolina Society  
  of New York, at the Hotel Astor, December 7, 1908
  
    
  
  ## Introduction
  
    
    
  
  The speech of the President-Elect at the recent annual banquet of the North
  Carolina Society, New York, found a warm response in the hearts of the
  Northern people, who have not failed to sympathize deeply with their Southern
  fellow citizens during their long years of affliction.
  
  The orator expresses our feelings with rare felicity, and so keenly did his
  sentiments touch our hearts, it was resolved to publish his address and send
  it to our fellow citizens of the South as the messenger of peace and perfect
  reunion from their Northern countrymen.
  
  Our Southern friends will note that no phase of the present unfortunate
  situation is neglected by Mr. Taft; all are dealt with in a clear and masterly
  manne