patriots in this and other lands, that it [the United States] is the best and freest government, the most equal in its rights, the most just in its decisions, the most lenient in its measures, and the most aspiring in its principles to elevate the race of man, that the sun ever shone upon."—Alexander H. Stephens, in Georgia Convention, Jan. 1, 1661.

Original

V Stands for Victory. Villainy long,

"The sum of all villainies," prospered in wrong;

But when it uplifted the bloody red hand,

The verdict was sealed of its doom in the land.

Poor whites, in the South by aristocrats bowed,

And millions of bondmen are crying aloud;

And Freedom's renown, and Humanity's need,

Alike for a Liberty-Victory plead;

And triumph and peace shall thro' righteousness come,

When Slavery dies and its pleaders are dumb.

Even when Fort Sumter was environed by threatening Rebel batteries, there was a spirit of compromise in all the land; but the first gun aimed at the Flag of Liberty was "the beginning of the end" of Slavery, The Star Spangled Banner of our fathers, that had long floated in honor and triumph, was trodden down and trailed in the dust by miscreant-traitors; and it must yet be vindicated and exalted in righteousness, though it be through blood and fire.