The Petroleum Centre daily record. [volume] (Petroleum Center, Pa.) 1868-1873, 1869-08-09
Grand Army of tho Republic.
OIL CRY, Aug. oh, 1869.

present time are enquiring-what is the
Grand Army of the Republics They are
answered by the uninitiated that it is SC.
cret political organization. Now, as men,
Der and A. D. c. to the Commander OF this
State, who by the way, is Democrat,
write this to correct the erroneous impress
sion now formed in the minds of many, that
| the G. A. X. is secret political organiza-
tion. This is far from the truth, as do not
know or have ever known where il has
hecn used for political purposes and in my
opinion any attempt 10 so control it, would
seal its death-warrant within 90 days. The
organization is benevolent mutual aid as.
sociation Of soldiers and sailors of the late
war, engaged in works Of love and philan-
throphy for their suffering comrades, or the
survivors of deceased comrades. The labors
| of the organization have been productive of
much good, and with more mature growth
and prosperity will be of Invaluable service
in the cause of humanity and patriotism,
and were it not for this organization, iu
| great measure, those kind aud fraternal
feelings which have in the past bound to-
gether soldiers, would soon become dormant,
and their services be soon forgotten.
Shall II be that they are to be so soon for
COTTON, and those who endured tho hard.
ships OF four years war and fought many
hard fight side by side, pass the remainder
Of their days without a sign Of recognition,
and when in need of aid be passed by by
former comrades unrecognized? Surely,
} not so long as the G. A. R. exists. II there
is one matter of philanthropic concern that
is the cause of painful reflection more than
another, 1t is the sad condition of some of
our former comrades, Scared, manned and
disabled for life, and in many instances
compelled to solicit their daily bread from
door to door, or to turn the organs crank in
the public streets for the means of prolong-
ing life; it is shocking to sense of Justice
or humanity. 1t is no ordinary condescen.
sion for soldier to turn common medi.
cant, and that in the country be has disa'
bled himself to uphold, aud wander thro'
districts where bis early march for the
scorching field was vociferously applauded.
He is forced 10 enroll himself among &C.
knowled palpers, and beg from door to door
for that which is already accorded to him.
TIL. .e~-~- -.s = ...s~va people, soldier,
although poor in purse, and unblesaed with
: scholarships, is not as destitute CT honorable
, qualities as some persons would have us be.
} lieve. His spirit is lowered and justly so.
He seeks the attention his arduous services
demand of his country, and the generosity
bis useless stumps and frightful scars should
enlist from people whom he has helped to
save from the atrocious crimes of internal
conflict. He waves an armless sleeve, or
bangles the envelope of former limb Of
hardy muscle and prompt action, yet bis
supplications bring not to bim the particu.
lar aid his condition requires.
There are those that denouuce the Grand
Army of the Republic; who say let the SOL
{ dier seek some honorable employment; some
steady labor where his services will control
his future capital and if be would vindicate
himself from disgrace, let him devote him.
self to mercantile or mechanical labor
These suggestions are good, but Look at the
facts. On inquiry we find that many of
, those soldiers now suffering from want of
!, steady labor have never learned trade, or
ifso, are by reason Of wounds or disease
contracted while in the government service,
unable to ply their vOcations. Many bred
up on the broad fields of o fathers farm,
threw down the scythe and turned the hor-
: ses lose at the tidings ofSumpter's fall, and
declared themselves for their county
Many were yet prosecuting their education,
and surrendered the prospects Of future pro.
fessional life and an honorable competence,
for tho dangers of the battle field. Circum-
stances beyond the control OF human ener-
gy steps boldly between the suggestions of
u business mind, and the stubborn facts Of
the parties in question. And we hold that
The soldier should not be allowed further
suffering because of his inability to drive
plano or rig a schooner. War, with all its
attending evils has developed the more sor.
did and base qualities Of man and in many
instances the keen and capaciOus perception
, OF our youth have been wantoniy blunted BY
pernicious practices, yet the soldier is still a
5 man, and as portion of the nations