The Hawk-eye and Iowa patriot. (Burlington, Iowa) 1839-1843, 1840-08-20

''Let them sleep on, sleep on,
In the grave towhch kindred have borne them
And blest be the Braves who are gone,
And the friends who survive hut to mourn
them"
The Old Soldiers, one by one, are dwin.
ding away-gliding as it were down the
river of time. into the haven of long
sought rest. But few of them even now
are remaining TO sorrow in sadness for
the ingratitude Of their country.
Why is it, fellow-citizens, that these
old Soldiers Of Gen. Wayne's Army have
never been repaid for their services or
been allowed pensions by our Govern.
ment? The Nation is much indebted Ia
them, and justice requires that the deb,
should be paid; and l could never die in
peace, and feel no sting of remorse, if
were to permit their claims to pass unno.
ticed, and without making an effort, when
opportunity offered, to have them salts.
fled.
Fellow citizens, one word more, and
am done. Although my character has
been most grossly and wantonly assaulted
by the demagogues of the Administration
party; notwithstanding they have falsely
charged me with the commission of almost
every crime which is denominaled such,
that man could possibly be guilty of; yet,
| ask not, l wish not your sympalhies.
come not here to beg your favor. Justice
is all ask, and all want. 1t is true that
my character, which had fondly hoped
to preserve unsulied as boon and all ex.
ample for my family, has been much ira
duced and belied within few months
past; and for this reason, have sometimes
regretted that your prediction had made
me candidate for office: but neverthe-
less, claim no sympathy of the public
on this score. l only desire you to exam
inc my past conduct and the history of
your country, and ascertain my political
course heretofore, the principles on which
| have ever acted; and if you find that my
doctrines are unsound and unworthy of
your support, it is your sacred duty to
reject them. l ask not your sympathy
or favor-I want but common Justice.
Let me have fair trial, and whatever
may be your verdict, shall be satisfied.
Investigate matters fairly and honestly;
compare the doctrines and practices of my
adversares with mine; and then decide as
YOU shall think right and proper. Gas,
aside your prejudices and predictions,
and vote only from principle; it is your
duty to do so. Heed not the censure of
knavlsh politicians, who reproach you
with the name of 'turncoat,' etc, it is not
opprobrious to turn from party to your
Country. We should desPise the odium
sought to be heaped upon us by design
ing men, from their selfish motives, as
they despise truth and honesty. Hoping
that the right may prevail and make our
country prosperous, I will only add the
wish, that you may long enjoy its bles-
sings, maintain its free institutions, and
rejoice in the independence of happy
freemeD.
When the General pronounced the last
sentence of his speech, three cheers from
the vast audience rent the air simultane-
ously for the "Farmer of North Bend."-
Many subjects were adver,ed to by him
not embraced in the above, for want of
room. The number present exceeded
$4,000.
There was one particular sentiment ex-
pressed by Gen. Harrison which we have
actually omitted in his speech, but which
appears SO just and proper that we will
give it here, as sort of addend,tm. In
speaking of the interference of Govern
ment officers at elections, he observed,
hat "if he should be so fortunate as 10 be
elected President, he would deem it his (
1uty to prevent as far as possible, the
practice of Government officers using
heir official influence and patronage for
electioneering purposes; but at the same
ime. those officers should be allowed che
reest exercise of the elective lranchise-;
1t perfect liberty 10 vote for and against
vhomsoever they pleased, without the
ear of being prescribed or removed from
'tfice on account of their political pre-
erences." Such spirit Of liberality is
worthy of all commentator.