Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-10-11
Voting Against Army supplies
lSA--llG2.

The Republican press aud Republican speakers
charge "disioyalty" upon all who question tho
wisdom and justice of all the measures Of the
party in power. II the tax and 'ariff acts IRE
pronounced unequal and unfair in the;r operation
upon different sections of the country, those who
take that view of the question are at once de-
nounced as TRAITORS" Circumstances often alter
cases. Never before has any party exhibited the
patriotism-the unselfish devotion to the
try that has distinguished the Democracy since the
Inauguration of Mr.. LINCOLN NObly generously
and cheerfully have they sustained the Admins
trston in its effoI overthrow the rebellion. All
the men and all the money it has asked for have
with Republicans. How different would be the
condition Of the country now if the Democracy
had refused TO sustain the party in power-if
they had kept aloof from the terrible struggle
which even yet threatens the destruction of the
Union. II the circumstances were reversed
if Democrats instead OF Republicans were in
power. judging from the experience of the past.
there is no probability that the Republicans
would give that generous and hearty support to
the Government which the Democrats have.
In 1912 the Democrats we're In power, and
the nation engaged in with Great
Britain. Did the Republicans OF that day sustain
the Administration in that fierce struggle with
our ancient enemyY No. They fercely opposed
the war. bitterly denounced those who represent
ed the Government and thus gave laid and CON-
fort" to the enemy.
The same role was re enacted in the with
Mexico We then had Democratic Admins
tration. For that reason the war was denounced
by the Republicans of that day. Ii was by them
pronounced an dNboly war. and every obstacle
thrown in the way of its success. In Congress
the opposition to the Democracy voted against
the appropriations for our army in Mexico-for
our own citizens who had volunteered to yindi-
the honor of the Government upon a for
eign soil. They voted against the pay of volun-
teers: they voted against pro~iding for the COM
fort Of discharged and disabled soldiers. and
forwarding destitute soldiers their homes
they voted against the subsistence of volunteers,
and they voted against appropriations for the
medical and hospital departments.
No such factious conduct has characterized the
Democracy under the present Republican Admin
istration. Believing that the troubles now upon
the country could have been avoided. and that
they should have been, yet when the Government
was assailed regardless OF who stood the helm
to direct the ship Of State. the Democracy man.
fully came to the rescue. and without their aid
ere now she would have stranded.
We call the attention of on distinguished
friend. Mr.. Secretary SMITH. to these facts Stu
ated as he is he can appreciate the value of cor
dial support OF the Government by men of all
parties when engaged in foreign war or in civil
strife. But in is47 he thought and acted differ
emily lie was then a member Of Congress.
He did not then think it wrong to op-
pose the Administration. He denounced the
war. With GrpDISGs he voted against supplies
for the army then vigorously prosecuting the war.
He had then sympathy for our brave volun-
teers engaged in struggle. which added an
empire to our dominious These facts Mr.
Smith and the Republican party generally should
not only remember but IL should teach them the
propriety of liberation toward political opponents.
IN lsi7 they did not think it inconsistent with
loyalty 20 the Government TO criticise tbe acts
and oppose the policy eff the Administration in
power. Notwithstanding the country engaged
in war. and the same rights and privileges they
claimed for themselves then they should be vii
ling 20 eonceie to their political opponents now.