The Montana post., 1866-09-22
SOLDIERS POLITICAL CONVEN.
TIONS Z. az.


more than three years service, during
which we participated in score of en-
gagements with the armed enemies of our
country, and received badges of honor
upon our persons which can never be ef.
faced, every movement made by old
comrades in arms, is scanned by us with
an earnest interest. Thoughts of famil-
liar scenes at once arise, and the memory
dwells upon the painful and weary
marches, the long hours of anxiety
that always preceded the decisive COM
bat, the excitement of gallant charges
and deadly repulses, and, in word, all
the incidents of war, which are described
every night in thousand family circles.
We witness with pleasure every effort to
unite together the members of those or
CARNATIONS, that overthrow the batta-
lions of treason, for the noble purposes of
mutual assistance and friendship Moth
ing is more gratifying to the veteran
than the sight of brother, who has
shared in common with him the labors
the camp and the dangers of the field,
and no hands are clasped more firmly in
the spirit of love. We can never, neuer,
forget the brave men, who, imbued with
the highest degree of patriotism, forsook
the comforts of cherished homes, and
faced grim death upon fields of carnage
Nothing is more despicable in the eyes
of grateful millions, than the language
of Northern Democratic newspapers,
that, during the rebellion, denounced the
soldiers of the national corps, as Lin
coins hirelings," the "scum of cities"
" thieves and "dogs." This language
is not used at the present time, because
it would be impolitic; but those that
repeated it in the darkest hours of our
history ars remembered at the polls.
While we entertain these views re-
garding the social relations of the Union
soldiers, there is another subject present
ed to their notice, which demands con-
sideration. 1t is estimated that over one
million voters in the country have taken
an active part in maintaining its unity
upon the battlefield. If this class could
act in harmony, it could ally itself with
the Republicans or Democrats, conquer
at every election, and rule the ma
tion. Demagogues are making desperate
efforts to secure from this element the
largest number of ballots in order that
they may be placed in the public offices.
Those who resolved at Chicago that our
struggle had been -four years of failure y
are fattering the yictors of Fort Donel-
son, Vicksburg, Gettysburg and the
Shenandoah Valley in the most fulsome
terms. Persons, who have held high
rank in the army, are eagerly sought for
and placed upon the tickets of political
factions, because they can obtain votes
outside of the regular party. The re-
suit of this action is evident, and cannot
be too much deplored While we rejoice
whenever brave officer is rewarded by
an election to responsible position, and
regret that President Johnson has re
moved MANNED soldiers and the widows
of heroes from various post Offices, we
denounce every attempt that is made te
use the veterans as party organization
Therefore, we disapprove the con
duct of the managers, who have re
Gently issued calls for two military con
ventions, one of which will comprise The
endorsers of the Presidents policy, while
the other will include the supporters o
Congress. 1t is our earnest hope tina
both will be failures. As an old soldier
we appeal to all that were enrolled t.
fight for the stars and stripes, to act a
Independent citizens and uphold tn,
principles of government which they ad
vocate. In other words, they will no
join any associations or attend any meet
ing Of comrades in arms as politicians
They should take the deepest interest il
the choice of our Legislators, and alway
debate any measure that affects the Con
stitution. But viewed abstractly, ther
is no greater necessity for caucus Q
soldiers than for one of farmers, or Law
yers, or any pursuit in life. 1t is prat
tice that is opposed to the spirit OF rt
publican institutions and should be dit
countenanced by all.
Having enjoyed rare opportunities i
the service for testing officers of hig
rank, we desire to state, that, with fey
exceptions, those who are so anxious t
convert the troops into battalions of po
iticians and elevate themselves into tn
seats Of governors and members Of Coz
gress, were the most worthless shirks i
times of danger. And we boldly assei
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