The New York herald., 1872-09-18
TIE VETERAES' CONVENTION.
Generals Grant and Hartranft Eulogised by
Sweetzsr and Burnside.

PITrsBURG Pa, Sept. II, 1872.
The Soldiers and Sailors National Convention
met In the Opera House at ten o c.ocl. this morn
Ing, and were formally called to order at about
fifteen minutes past eleven O'Clock. tbs WEIGH
Gee Club was then introduced AMI sung "My
Country, 'Tis of Thee" In Which the entire
audience joined. Browns Boston Brigade
Band and che band OF the Forty seventh regiment
New York State National Guard played apprb-
pirate music, after which cIab OF nearly two.
hundred ladies' and gentlemen, seated on the stage,
commeaced to sIng "The star Spangled Banner"
but the audience took up the strain and entirely
drowned che efforts OF the clab. Maor Samuel
Harper then introduced General Sweetzer, who
was TO tender che delegation welcome to- the city
and State. The General was received witt, much
applause, and after quiet had been restored
welcomsdthe delegates in neat speech He was
thankful. hesaid, chat they haa met together, atf
thanked the Providence ttIt had carried theR
comparatively unhaYmea through years OF fiery
trial that they might drop q tear over those whom
the same Providence had appoin:ed to die In order
that great nsston might live. After giving . de-
scrpsOn of the Antlet;Tm fight he concluded by
urging them to, work for che re-elett OF their
former ehefain in the field.
Governor Geary followed General Swet5sr. and on
behalf OF the state extended welcome to the
national soldiers ana 'snilOrs to- Hennsylvan<a
giving brief account Of the ortytn Of the COnven
ton the GsRcra said they had ~ duty to perform
whan they bet their BONES to battle for the
preservation, and integrity OF the country.
composed OF few disappointed, discnn-
tented and dHnpidated rten who had been
rrepnoncan rt heavy weights Weights eTer since me termna
cessful'as President as he w5y as COIntnander-in-
Chief. and he heartily endorsed his nOmnatiOn for
reelection. HartTanft was als@ highly spoken OF,
and every effort solicited to secure his election AZ
Governor OF the state. lie regretted his inability
to stay with nem but said that General HSwley, Of
Connecticut, would be their chairman.
General Burnside, tlren introducsd General Haw-
the idea that thing like hate stA exists between
the States that were arrayed IN arms against each
Ser 1e % ne pey re-
statesman, and deals with Horace Greeley with
considerable severity.
marks the temporary organization was completed.
Major BENJAMIN Leayy then procecded to the
OF which their present convention had been con-
vened.
Grams organization, at this point presented to the
Convention roll Geo feet long, containing list OF
names OF $4,000 old soldiers and sailors who had
approved the call
While the secretaries were preparing the roll OF
States and Territories General Hawley read num-
Der of letters and kilograms from different sources
TO the Convention. despatch was read from the
seveMy-ninth lighlanders, OF New York, who.
with thousand oil their friends, celebrating
the anniversary OF the battle OF Antietam. They
sent their greetings to their Old comrades, and
promised TO meet them in November for Grant.
letter from General Grant, under date OF Long
Branch, Septimber9 o, also read. The letter has
been previously published; but the reasons which
the General assigned Tor declining the invitation tn
participate ii the proceedings of the Convention
were enthusiastically received.
The Convention then adjourned to three O'Clock.
The Convention was again called to order at
three O'Clock by the Temporary Chairman, after
which the entire audience arose and united In
sim ging "The Battle Cry OF Freedom" letter
was then read from General SIckes, also the fol-
lowing, from the Hon. Schuyler C0lfax received BY
the Charman:-
SOUTH BEND, Ind Sept Is, 1871
MY DEAR Mr.. DUDLEY II appreciate highly the honor
OF your invitation to the Soldiers and Sailors
ton ut P tsurg the l7th hut regret that cannot be
present, having promised to be in Northern Michigan
with my family al that time; In the dark days in which
the and nationality ot the Republic iperilled
they the perous 'front.' In these brighter days
peace ii l. but fitting that they should have front seats
and realize also the justice and gratitude OF the coun-
trynen. Yours truly SCHUYLER COLFAG