Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1869-10-08
THE MAUCH CHUNK WAR MEET.
ING.

For some time past the Democratic pa
pers in this State have been trying to make
capital for Asa Packer by publishing and
commenting on the proceedings of a war
meeting held at Mauch Chunk during Lee
invasion, and in which Mr.. p. participated.
Such tactics on the part Of papers that
never said a word in favor of the war while
1t was in progress, but, on the contrary.
frequently denounced it as unnecessary. un-
constitutional, and cruel, is somewhat re-
markable, and noteworthy as showing a
great change of sentiment, or, otherwise,
contemplate hypocrisy. But be this asa it
may, they will fail utterly in their purpose,
which is to create a soldier sentiment 10
favor of their candidate. The brave men
who served in the ranks of the army during
tho war have had too wide field of expe-
rience to be easily imposed upon. They
know who sustained and who opposed the
war, and no death bed repentance, or hypo-
critical pretense Of patriotism on the part
Of the latter can mislead or deceive them.
In regard to the Maueh Chunk meeting,
the simple facts win show how little credit
attaches to Asa Packer for the part he
played The meeting was held during Lee s
invasion, when every property holder in
the State trembled for the safety Of his pos
sessions; and Asa Packer, who had opposed
the war while it only 'thundered in the dis
tance, shook like Belshazzer in all his
members when it approached his own door
He was moved, in what he did, by self in
terest, not by patriotism and loyalty.
10 order to show clearly the part he act
ed and the credit he deserves, we repub-
hsh the following from the Mauch Chunk
Gazette.
Judge Packers presence at the war
meeting, was caused entirely by the preva-
lent fear that the rebel raiders were coming
over into the coal region to tear up the rail
roads, destroy property generally and, es-
pecially, put an end to the coal supplies,
which were vital to our government His
whole conduct on that occasion, in nervous
ly urging men to volunteer, was totally at
val llllII Will his LNulcE Qu4-DB dAl lBE pre-
cediug years Of the war, and so soon as this
imminent danger had passed away, he sub
sided at once into his former lethargic in
difference to the country fate. This proves
conclusiyeIy enough, that his momentary
zeal was caused entirely by selfish eonsidera-
tons. In short, bis conduct in that mat
ter, was on a par with his course concern
/ ing his taxes. He cared nothing for the
country, but everything for his own prop
erty..
'AIl this has been fully shown before.
But, the Packer organ here, being reduced
I to the most desperate straits. has hunted up
the resolutions passed at that meeting, and
published them as representing the senti
ments of Mr. Packer. This may be called
\ decidedly rich The committee which
/ drafted the resolutions numbered fifteen
comprising many of our most undoUbted anC
enthusiastic loyalist, both Republicans ant
/ War Democrats, including DR.. D. Shoe
maker, Joshua Bullock, and others of equa
prominence. Asa Packers name was tn
/ second from the last in the list He hat
no hand in drawing up the resolutions, bu
when they were read to the whole commit
/ tee, he objected to all the more emphatic
and positive statements Of Union sentiments
and succeeded in getting several sentences
modified, which reflected severely upor
Northern sympathizers with the rebellion
! One clause IN particular, 5chicb denounced
traitors, both North and South, - wa:
erased entirely N consequence Of his violea
opposition to Il.
1--WE desire it to be distinctly understood
in the remotest corners Of the State, as it i
known here, in his home, that the Demo
cratic candidate for Governor of Pennsylva
MIA, was in the closest sympathy with the
Peace or Secession wing Of the Northern De
mocracy, that he was one of those who re
joiced in our defeats and mourned over oul
victories.