Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-05-13
From the PHILADELPHIA Ledger
Discharged Soldiers Demanding
work. and Claim the Right 10
riIl the Public Offices.

Fiji the Public OtIICess
Already there are large number cf discharged
soldiers in the city. most OF whom are competent
10 FIJI situations in all departments OF trade. Col
onel Crossman has set good example IN regard
10 the arsenal, by ordering that preferences be
riyen to those who have served their country. A
movement started by the soldiers themselves, is
gaining strength, and the second meeting, held
last evening was large one. 1t was called at
the County Court House, where the room was
crowded. James Morrison President The fol-
lowing address, prepared by the committee ap-
pointed at the former meeting, was read and
adopted. After referring to the cheers which fol-
lowed them upon entering the field, the address
closes:
"Nany have broken constitutions that totally
incapaciate us from following the business that
we left when we started from our homes 10 protect
vours Is it fair is it honorable, is it consistent
with the dictates of generosity or patriotism or
LOYALTY to the Government. that we should be left
as wanderers in the world? Many of US have
children looking naturally to US for protection
and sustenance; they to take our places after
we shall have passed away. Shall it be said in
the impartial history of the great American re-
belion, that we were left rlaimed and crippled
without one kind word, or an effort to give our
willing hands honest work to dol Shall it be
said to the present generation, therei Is no reward
for the men who periled their all, and we're Grip
pied for life in their efforts to maintain the power
and integrity of the American nationI Shall it
be said that our Government and our people are
not equal in honor and sympathy to the older
powers of Europe that make it first and solemn
duty to provide for the honorable discharge Of
their own armiesI
"We desire work and pay worthy of our bite.
Without egotism. we lay claim to it. This is all
we ask. In the matter of public offices, we have
I IL 70 thonn far nnr lnuo hon
and capabity warrant it. In private positions
we honestly think we have a clear and unques-
tionable right to expect, at least, the sympathy of
ALIVE feel assured that we will receive it from
the truly loyal people If the smiles and loud
huzzas that cheered US on at first, when the bloom
was on our cheek, and our arms nerved for action,
are to be counterbalanced by coldness CT unkind-
ness at last, when we return with impaired health
and pale faces, then we hive lived and fought
and been crippled in vain. 1t would have been
better far better indeed, to have fallen in the bat
lie to rise no more. than to meet, in the hour of
of our direst need, such contumely. But still we
beiexe there is virtue in the hearts of the people;
believe that if they will assist in respectful
appeals to the Government, we shall vet be cared
for, and thus the patriotism of those filling
public positions will be put to the proper test. In
consideration of the plain objects set forth in the
foregoing address, we most respectfully submit
to the public the following resolutions for ap-
proval:
"ResOlced, That we have endured all the hard
ships and privations incident to warfare. and that
our former business has been entirely lost ard
we appeal to the Government and the people to
provide for such positions Or work
capable of filling.
ReSOIued, That the country is worth fighting
for and those who periled their lives in its de-
fense have a right, above all others. who remain
ed in security at home, in filling various Offices
under the Government.
ResoIoed, That committee be appointed to
register the names and residences of all honorably
discharged soldiers and sailors who desire such
employment as they are capable of performing
and the register be used for reference whenever
occasion may require.
ResOLUed. That we appeal to the National
State, county and city departments, the trustees
of the gas works, and all other public and private
corporations, to follow the example set by Col
G. H. Crossman, Assistant Quartermaster Gen.
eral of the United States Army.
ResOiued. That all honOrably discharged SOL
diers and sailors who desire honest employment
apply to the committee that may be appointed to
take charge of the registration book. and have
their names properly registered, so to prevent
any imposition that NAV be ATTEMPTED