Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-09-17
WHAT HIS ENEM1Es sA1n


No sooner did Col. Fremont become the can |
didatc of the Republican party for the Presi- |
dency, than the very men who have for years !
been loudest in his praise, began TO assai him |
with false charges against his character His |
deeds of heroism in the service of his country
cannot be disputed. His laurels, achieved in !
the cause of science and in the service of his |
country, cannot be snatched from his brow
and the enemies of Freedom, despairing of
counteracting his rising popularity by any or
dinary means, have resorted to the foulest as
persions upon his private character. Now,
hear what their best friends thought of him
before any one dreamed that he was to lead
the hosts of Freedom to victory:
son the Sd of March, 1913, Mr. Cass, from
the Committee on Military Claims, reported
bill for ascertaining and paying the California
claims, which was passed to a second reading.
''Mr. Cass briefly touched on the part which
Col. Fremont had taken in the occupation of
California, and the consummate skill and cour-
age which he had evnced in an expedition
teeming with extraordinary and romantic in
tcrest."
Mr.. Dix Gong. Globe, rol. Is, p. 559) made
an able speech in support of the bill, and in
which he paid the highest compliment to Col
Fremont. We have room only for the follow
ing extract;
81 do not know that any explanation, fur
ther than that which had already been given
| by the honorable Senator from Michigan, is
necessary to vindicatc the propriety of passing
the bill. The pecuniary obligations for the
Il Of, taI
in good faith, for the purpose of subduing the
country, and expelling from it the military
| force of Mexico. In the execution of these
| objects, the young and accomplished officer,
| Col. Fremont, exhibited a combination OF en-
ergy, promptitude, sagacity and prudence,
which indicates the highest capacity for civil
and military command; and, in addition to
| what he has done for the cause of science, it
has given him reputation at home and abroad
of which men much older and more experien-
ced than himself might be proud. That the
country will do justice to his valuable and
distinguished services, 1 entertain not the
| slightest doubt.
There is no doubt that his Fremont'sl rap
id and decisive movements kept California
out of the hands of the British subjects, and
perhaps out of the British Government.
ssIt is in this point of view that these trans
actions possess the greatest interest and i'm
portance, and that the sagacity. promptitude,
and decision, of our youthful commander in
California, at the time disturbances broke out,
have given him the strongest claim on his
countrymen. Any faltoring on his part, any
hesitancy in acting promptly, might have cost
us millions of dollars and thousands of lives,
and it might also have cost us a contest OF
which the end is not readily SEEM
Mr.. Atchson, on the same day, (see page
sci, Congressional Globe, remarked as follows :
ssHe gave it as his opinion, not only that
the conquest of California effected by Col.
Fremont, but that the United States had de-
rived the advantage of his conquest at compar-
atively little cost. He justified Col. Fremont
in all he had done. If he had done less, he
would have deserved and would have received
the execration Of the whole country. lie
made some reference to the course which Col.
Fremont pursued-a course in some instances
rendered indispensable for his own preserva-
ton, and always characterized by skill and
promptitude."
In the Senate, on the 25th of April, 1913.
Mr.. Crittendcn said
ssThe conduct of Col. Fremont entitled him
to our confidence, and on him we could more
naturally rely than any other persons who
have not had the same connection with the
, claims.''
On the same day, Mr.. Allen said:
ssCol. Fremont, in his opinion, was the mos
neritorious American of his age now in exis
tence, and had he [Mr. Al the power of ap
pontment, he would ere this have given hin
a military appointment in Mexico, for whicf
nature had so clearly formed him
ssMr. Bagby. who opposed the passage of th'
bill, spoke of Col. Fremont as man of extra
ordinary merits and Abilities
Mr.. Calhoun, who opposed the bill, said;-
81 do not oppose this measure on the groun'
of opposition to Col. Fremont.
have slight acquaintance with the Col
onel, and l am so favorably impressed as t
him, that l would as readily trust him as an.
: other individual. His integrity is beyon'
suspicion -
q regard Col. Fremont as one of the mos
= heroic and successful officers in our army-a
i army of which any nation might be proud
Senator Rusls. Of 1'eras.
: Hon. EMPHRAIM MARSH, of New Jersey
u who was President of the National America