Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1867-03-23
From the Columbus JournalBy request.
s.g-r- q a IT iff

There is much conscious guilt in the
terror with which the Democratic party
has looked upon the rapid insrease of the
membership of the Grand Army of the
Republic 1t would be difficult to con-
vince any Of these frightened personages,
who fear In every bush an officer, that
the urbane and pleasant spoken Gen
Young is not a being Of demoniac aspect,
who goes about like roaring lion, seek
Democratic babes to devour 1t is cur
rently reported among them that the
Commanding General wears an arsenal
of small arms in 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 vet
Grams who have associated themselves to-
gether in these organizations are moved
by desire of assisting each other in pro-
curing employment, taking care of the
widows and tatherless children of com
RAIDS who. have fallen in battle, and hav-
ing for themselves pleasant social inter-
course. 1t is beyond the comprehension
Of the Democratic mind that men who
have fought together in the field should
be bound together by an esprit DIT corps
which is stronger than any tradesman's 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 patriot
ic spirit which led them to shoulder their
arms and march forth to the defence of
their country, also leads them to vote
for the party which sustained the coun-
try in its hour of trial 1t needs no asso-
citation 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 country--the same
foes that met them in deadly conflict !?
The objects of the association as such
are fully stated in series of resolutions
offered by Col. Schneider at the late
State Convention here. These resolu-
tions have been published by us in full
They declare that the benevolent objects
of the G. A. X. are to care particularly
for the interests of the widows and or
phans of fallen comrads; to aid in secur-
ing employment 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 suprema-
cy of the Government, united in pledging
their lives and their names for it's de-
Tense. 1t is not organized to make nom
nations for office, nor as mere secret
combination to further the ambition of
political aspirants.
But It's purpose is to promote the
cause of active loyalty and to advance
by all legitimate and proper influences
the general welfare and interests of the
soldiers lately ip the U. S. Army, and to
secure the attainment of these ends, it
invites the cooperation and support of all
patriotic and liberal minded citizens.
The patriotic men who have aided in
shaping the organization guarantee by
their very presence that there is nothing
improper or contrary to good and dutiful
in the organization ~
Long may 1t prosper; and may every
brave boy who has seen service be en-
rolled on its membership. None but
they who are able to exhibit an honorable
discharge from the army are entitled to
membership. This may make ''partisan
organization" of it. So much the worse
for the Democratic party.