Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-03-14
From the New York Journal Of Commerce.
sound Sentimcuts.

eDhho
Among the autographs winch we're contained
in the book of autographs, disposed of at the
Sanitary Commission Fair. in Brooklyn. was one
of Attorney General Bates. which ought TO be
written in letters OF gold Such sound principle
and noble sentiments, coming from the very
Cabinet of Mr. Lincoln, NAV we'll astonish the
reader. The doctrine j. pure Journal OF Com
merce doctrine. and that is the doctrine OF the
fathers. and OF all the great and good men the
country has produced. Would that the President
himself had been possessed of some of the sound
sense which characterizes these remarks of Mr
Bates. The country would have exhibited a
different TO day il Mr.. Lincoln had not been
one of the men who "think themselves 40 much
wiser than the fathers we're"
Mr. Bates letter Is eloquent 1t will reach "A
great many hearts We venture To believe that
il will hereafter be remembered bv the historian
who writes Of our times, a a pathetic and eio-
quent exclamation. in the midst OF impending
ruin, from one who remembers and aments the
old glory. while he himself Immediately
surrounded by the instruments of the national
destruction
He is right. beyond question There were
good old times, and there were good old princi
plies. The greatness of the American Union WIS
dependent on hose principles. IL good
enough Union for us. But we zee now great
political party devoted to abusing that Union.
founders, aud y0cierating for something better
IL was a ''loathsome Union" says one. "a hide
Union, says another. In the book of
autographs, from which we have copied the letter
of Mr.. Bates. we found expressions. from politi
clans. of sentiments indicating that they thought
themselves wiser than their fathers
But cannot expect reform and return to
sound principles until good men like Mr. Bates
open their eyes to the character of the party
Vltfsrta
come out boldly and nobly for the old Union and
the old Constitution When Mr. Bates leads the
way, who will refuse To iollowI
WAsnIxGroS Cry, Feb 9 1864.
To -,
MADAM: Being conflei to my sick room,
have an opportunity. which neither my public
offc the court room affords. To acknowl e
your note of Jan. 80. written i'm behalf of the
Brooklyn aud Long Island Fair aud in aid of the
Sanitary Commission.
You ask for an autograph. Internationally
and for n sentiment, "if agreeable" Now my
dear lady. an autograph is cheap thing and
can be easily furnished whether sick we'll: but
sentiment j. qnite another af,ir. and does not
sort very well with the nauseus physic which |
am required To take to day
Nevertheless. the being good. and
wiihal il advocate lady Ito which high author
ity habtually bow | must strain "A point and
try 10 give You something sentimental, but not oi
the sickly kind
am beginning To grow old. and very old
fashioned man; for in spite of the rushing current
OF new opinions; still believe that We once had
good old times. good old principles. and good old
men 70 profess them aud act them out. and good
Constitution worthy to he preserved to the latest
p0sterity
la fact begin to suspect myself TO ne little or
nothing better than an old iogy: for | can't help
believing. with Jackson that the constitutional
Union of the States must be preserved; and |
still have unaoubled faith in Washington when
he warned that cannot preserve free
institutions without frequent recurrence to the
first principles OF our government.
That j. my sentiment. Madam. | fear il is
growing very unpopular. but can't help that.
God knows that would help it if | could, Tor
have little hope of improy ement from the efforts
of men who fancy themselves so much wiser
than their fathers were. and much better than
the laws which they make for our good
With love for your cause, and respect for
Yourself. remain.
Your obedient servant
EDwD. BBTEs.