Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1867-03-21
G. A. II.
from the Columbus journal,

lfr0m the columbus journal
There is much of conscious guilt in the
terror with which the Democratic party
has looked upon the rapid increase of
the membership of the Grand Army of
the Republic. 1t would be difficult to
convince any of these frightened person.
ages, who fear in every bush an officer,
that the urbane and pleasant spoken
General Young is not being of demoniac
aspect who goes about like q roaring lion,
seeking Democratic babes to devour. 1t
is currently reported among them that
the Commanding General wears an ar
senal of small arms i'm his pockets, and
that the various posts and encampments
are filed with armed men, who spend
the hours of night in deadly drill with
the Spencer rifle and other implements
of fearful aspect to the Democratic mind.
1t is vain to assure them that the veter-
ans who have associated themselves to-
getheri in these organizations are moved
by desire of assisting each other in
procuring employment, taking care of
the widows and fatherless children of
comrades who have fallen in battle, and
having for themselves pleasant social
intercourse. 1t is beyond the compre-
hension of the Democratic mind that
men who have fought together in the
field should be bound together by an
esprit du corps which is stronger than
any tradesman's guild in drawing them
near to each other, and leading them to
form mutual benefit associations.
1t is true that these men are voters of
| the Republican ticket, almost to man.
1t is true that the same loyal and patri-
otic spirit which led them to shoulder
their arms and march forth to the de-
fense of their country, also leads them to
vote for the party which sustained the
| t,,,, In; tc hnI, ,f trial If npaIG N
association into Grand Army to induce
| them to do this. How could they do
otherwise than vote with the men, and
| for the principles, of the party which
grappled with the rebellion? How could
they do otherwise than vote against the
party which sent greeting to the armed
foes of the Countrywide same foes met
by them in deadly conflict?
The objects of the association as such
are fully stated in a series of resolutions
offered by Col Schneider at the late State
Convention here. These resolutions have
been published by us in full. They are
definite and clear. They declare that
the benevolent objects of the G.. A. II.
are to care particularly for the interests
of the widows and orphans of fallen
comrades; to aid in securing employ
ment to the disabled heroes of the war
and to secure by every means in its
power the interests of those who during
the past contest for the supremacy of the
Government, united in pledging theil
lives and their means for its defense. II
! is not organized to make nominations
for office, nor as mere secret combina
ton to further the ambition of politica
aspirants. But its purpose is to promote
the cause of active loyalty and to adj
vance by all legitimate and proper infiu
cnces the general welfare and interests
of the soldiers lately in the u. s. Army
and to secure the attainment of these
, ends invites the cooperation and sup
port of all patriotic and liberal minded
citizens.
) The patriotic men who have aided il
, shaping the organization guarantee by
their very presence that there is nothing
improper or contrary to good and dutifu
citizenship in the organization.
Long may it prosper; and may every
brave boy who has seen service be enroll
ed in its membership. None but they
who are able to exhibit an honorable dis
charge from the army are entitled t.
membership. This may make "parti
san organization of it. So much thu
f worse for the Democratic party.