Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-06-27
RI'CuANAN AND THE WAR OF 1872.

Daniel Webster's opposition ia the war OF lsl2' Is
a matter of historical record. Not only did he "P'
pose the war, bat s opposed it with asplrt and III II
manner which leave an ndellibe stain on his illus
trious meinory. Yet, although Daniel Webster de'
pouuced the war of 1912, criminal in its origin and
inoecile in its couduct-sthough he held up its au-
hors and promoters to the hatred and eyecration OF
the country, and protested that hs would vote not
cent to it's support though the enemy were thunder
ing at the gates Of the CapiO-notwithstanding all
these enormities Of perverted patriotism, he did not
forfeit the confidence and esteem of the Wing party,
bu, was to the day of his death among the most hon.
or-d aud trusted OF ts members. AS it was with
Webster, so it is with the majority OF the Northern
Wings, no opposed the war OF 1872 without incur
ring the depleasure forfe,ug the support Of their
party.
buchanan too opposed the war of lSl9. but with
very different spirit and in very diif:rent manner.
Unlike W-b.ter AMI the Wings Of the North he was
r,ut~ut simply to dissent from the policy .! the war
SrctioAi Jealousy or party rancor never drove him
10 te vyrge OF reasonable sympathy with the enc.
ny. 0n the contrary, he promptly responded to the
cal. OF IN: country by enrolling himself in the ranks
it's gallant defenders. And afterwards with con-
.istent Gcvoton To the public welfare he earnestly
,nd zeAlousiy supported every measure for the ma
toua deiencp lie repaired in person to the theatre
Of action, AMI he freely voted supplies for the conduct
Of the war. Yot the Very same persons who cuns
to Webster. despite his ini.anuatory hhinnoues aud
the blue ightsof New England, now arraign Mr.. Ru-
chanan for his opposition to measure which lie sup
ported with ali bis energy when it became tho cause
Of his country and his countrys honor. Unless Nir'
glnlaus arc prpared to lmpeach tue PATRIOTISM OF
Randolph, they caunot convict Mr.. buchanan on an
accussi'ou wl,'ch would taruish the memory Of some
ot their own most renowned statesmen.
The following letter needs no other commentary
than that with which tn. Washington Us.ion prefaces
Ito show how ready Mr.. Buchanan has ever been
10 re'ract all erroneous opinion, tsays the UnoU)
we'll as hs hrmness aud fearlessness in maintaining
his position when he believes 1t to be right, we have
obtained permission Of Hon. G orge w. Jones of
rennessee To publish letter written TO him in 1917
by Mr.. Buchanan, which will place this anti war
crarge in it's true light. Mr.. Buchanan ~as, at the
date of the letter, nenher of Mr.. Polk's Cabinet
and in the canvass in Fsnnea",e, Mr. Rolk was U.s.
sailed fur appointing to SO eluvatsl position nan
who had opposed the war "f 1872. Nj Jones I'D
dressed letter to Mr.. Buchanan, asking him ior the
facts in connrxion with tho charge. To this letter
Mr.. Buchanan gave the following frank and putriotic
reply, which Mr.. Jones has allowed US to publish:
WAsHIsGToS, April2 1877.
My DEAR SIR: I have this moment received your
letter OF the lSh instant quG hs=tsl to return IN an'
aver. h,;
Iu ous respect have been fortunate as public
man. My political enemies are obliged 10 gE oaoA
for more than thirty years to find plausible charges
against me. ,,;, ,,,
S6 wears of age mads my first public speech before
a ,nsotng OF my fsllow-citizsns Of Lancaster. The
object Of this speech to urge upou them tS auy
OF volunteering tisjr seryices in defence OF their III
vaded country. A volunteer company was raised
upon the spot, in which wos The first, believe, 10
enter my name as private: We forthwith proceed
I'd to Baltimore and served until We were honoraby
discharged
In October, 1914, was elected member OF the
Pennsylvania Legislature; and in that body gave my
support to every measure calculated, i'll my opinion
to aid the country sgsinst the common enemy.