The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-07-13
BLAIR.
His Speech and Conduct Mt Long. Branch-A
sharp and Righteous Criticism.

To the Editor Of The NeW York Times: I'm the Worh
OF this morning is yet another explanatory Iete1 e
from Mr.. y. L. Blair in relation to his well-lald
attempt TO be again brought into notice. III re-
member Alright, Mr.. Blair has already become some
what famous as writer OF explanatory letters IN
this case, however, he makes sad mistake In not
allowing the most charitable view to be taken OF mis-
cynduct on the sth inst.
Among his other infrmities. Mr.. Blair is some
what forgetful. The record of his speech Is in my
possession, secretary OF the society, and beg TO
call his attention to it. lie ~ will speak for
a people who were once our enemies, against whom
we cOntended, and whom we aspersed as Rebels
Now Mr.. Blair is not ignorant OF the use or the
meaning of the words Of the English language CAS-
perse Rebels" Is it an aspersion TO call person
by his right name? They were Rebels, bitter, cruel,
and vndictive, and the soldiers OF this country are
not to be insulted by being told that they are as-
peTsing' them If they say so.
THIS delicacy is The deicacy OF sensitive politl-
clan, who hopes for their suffrage and fears their
enmity
Men who have made our homes desolate, who have
strewn the land with the graves OF our best and no
blest and who have burdened the country with mil
lions of debt, were Rebels nothing less, and Mr..
Blair must look elsewhere for sympathy and co-ope-
ration in apologizng for them
The euogy on Lee and "Ssonewal" Jackson fol-
lowing in such close connection and in such an un-
happy comparison could not be msConstrued by the
most stupid person.
Mr.. Blair, in his heart, no doubt regrets his
bunder, which in this case was worse than a crime.
''The apprehension that these army reunions were
being used as radical stalking-hOrses" be easily
alayed, If his Lethean forgetfuness will not prevent
his remembering that the constitution of the society
expressly precludes the discussion Of politics, and
its rigid enforcement in his particular case by
Admiral Farragut should have quieted him forever
on this point
There is no man connected with the society who
ever held political Office, who wants a political
otce, or who through fear that he can't get one, is
afraid OF calling Rebel by his right name: neither
viii they allow politicians, Democrats or Republi-
cans, to call them to account for "aspersng Rebels" 4"
especially If the remark is illustrated by comparing
Lee and "Stonewall' Jackson with Farragut and
Sheridan, who were also our guests, and were then
sitting with us at our own table.
AS to Benz. +. Butler, to whom he refers iu his
note, hoping to still further increase his political
stock in trade have nothing to say Benz f. But
Ter is OF age and can speak for himself Mr.. Blair
has learned in times past.
Mr.. Blair should recall his classical reading and
remember Philip, the King o! Macedon, who, in his
| most desperate condition, was sagacious enough to
be aware of his two-fold character, mad allowed an
appeal from one to the other
The charity OF the Society of the Army and Navy
OF the Gulf is with Mr.. Blair but the society cannot
be held accountable if its hospitality was too gener-
ously appreciated by its guest
II is, moreover, well for the society that its posi-
ton should be at once and forever defined. It can
never be made use OF by any politician, whatever his
character or antecedents.
GRANVILLE p. HAwES
No. 20 Nassau street, New York; July 12 1862