Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1856-07-17
4}oIitltul AruAinq.
Mr. Buchanan and the War Of 1912.

The Know Nothing and Black Republican
papers are busily engaged in msrepreseniing
Mr.. Buchanans course during the war o.
1912. And 10 create an impression in the
public mind that he was not true 10 his
county during the stormy period Of our his
tory, they have re. pro@uced n speech made by
him on the 4lh o July 1915, six months after
the war had term mated, in which he differed
with Mr.. Madison in reference 10 the war
policy OF his tdm niStraion. This was forty
one years ago But Mr.. Buchanan's position
and course in that war have one Iedeeming
feature which cannot be found in the present
position and course Of his assailantS. He was
opposed 10 the manner Of conducting the war;
but, OF the same time, manifested his patriotic
devotion 10 his country by shouderlng his
muSket and marching 10 its defence. Like
thousands of true patriots Of that day, Mr.
Buchanan differed with the administration as
TO its war policy, but his heart and soul were
with his country, and he was ready 10 risk
his life in its defence. He never belonged to
that other class Of opponents OF The war who
kept up their opposition, and gave AID and
comfort 10 the enemy after the war was de-
clared. Can many Of his present viilifers and
assailants say as much?
But it is not our purpose says the Washing-
ton Union, TO dignity this stale charge against
Mr.. Buchanan by an elaborate defense. lie
had the m0gnanimity, soon after the speech
was made, 10 acknowledge the error Of the
sentiments il contained, and 10 retract them;
and now, Ior more ,han thirty years, he has
devoted his talents and energies 10 those great
Democratic principles on whith rest the con-
tinual increasing pro- perity ard glory OF the
country. To show how ready Mr.. Bucanan
has ever been TO reiract an erroneous opinion,
as well as his frmnts IS and fearleSSness in
maintaining his position when he believes il
TO be right, we have obtained permission OF
George W. Jones, Of Tennessee, 10 publish a
Ie;ter written 10 him in lS47 by Mr.. Buchanan
which will place this ant-war charge in lis
title light. Mr. Buchanan was, at the dale OF
the letter member OF Mr.. Folks cabinet, end
in the canvass ofTennessee Mr.. Polk was as
50 lied for appointing 10 so elevated position
a man who had opposed the war Of 1912. Mr..
Jones addressed a letter to Mr.. Buchanan,
asking him for The facts in connection with
The charge. To This letter Mr.. Buchanan
gave The following frank and patriotic reply,
which Mr. Jones has allowed US 10 pnbsh:
WASHINGTON, April %, lSl7.
MY DEAR SIR: have this moment received
your letter oil the 18th instant; and hasten tC
return an answer.
In one respect have been fortunate as a
public man. Ny political enemies are obliged
to 90 back for more than thirty years 10 fine
plausible charges against me.
In 1914, when q yety young man, [beinl
this day sc years OF agel | made my FIRST pub
lie speech before meeting ofmy fellow citi
zenS Of Lancaster. The object OF this Speecl
was to urge upon them the duty OF volunteer
ing their services in defence Of their invaded
county. A volunteer company was raiset
on the spot, in which i was The first be
eve 10 enter my name as private. W.
forthwith proceeded 10 Baltimore, and seIveC
until we were honorably discharged.
| In October, l6 was elected q membe