New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-07-25
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION IN 7e.


COMPLETE AMNESTY FITTING SIGN OF THE CEN
TENNIAI.-AN APPEAL FOR NATIONAL FRATERNITY.
TO rhe EditOr or The Tribune
SIR: Since the question of how properly TO
celebrate the hundredth anniversary of American
Independence occupies the minds OF patriotic citizens.
many suggestions have been made that subject
through the newspapers, most Of which are quite
worthy OF the approval Of the people Such celebra
ton as has been proposed by many would show to the
world what America has become in 100 years Of indie
pendent fe-her marvellous intellectual and material
prosperity the astounding rapdty Of the development
OF her physical resources through the unparalleled
activity and intrepdity OF the spirit Of her people
ton that has marched onward more swiftly than any
other on the broad highway of modern progress This
is a way OF celebrating grand an event to which
patriotic citizens may give their assent.
or all the suggestions, however that have been made
on this topic none is worthy Of public approval as
that OF bringing the Union and the Confederate veter
ans together at Philadelphia for the occasion of this
celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the
birth OF the American nation" They who have at heart
the welfare of this country, well as the prosperity
and happiness OF mankind, viii heartily approve of the
suggestion and will strive carry and truly
patriotic project
Since the close Of the warof that unparalleled srug
gle the advantage OF which to-day enjoy but the sad
consequences whereof likewise should deplOre-the
true friends of American liberty the loyal friends Of the
cause OF universal freedom, have eagerly watched
whether the spirit OF unity II returning 70 enaDlt inns
nation become the ideal nation, 70 realize the cher
shed dream OF fOreathers, and % see what
efforts made that end. They rejoice when
and wherever Is visible sign or the restoration
the spirit OF union in TINS country. IheY re-
Oice. too, seeing that since the has ended the
animOsy between the factions becomes less strong
every day; hut is also TO De depOred that today nine
years after the ended. the spirit OF dlscord sun
exists on b0tn sides IL II SURPRISING as Wen rs pnIui
with people that express frankly ana Freely Tue
scOrn with which thew look upOn any policy which TENDS
70 destroy mitigate the feeling Of haze winch,
it is but true, st prevails between the Ndrth ana
South and with equal fraukness ana freedom give
their approval 70 the cruel lnluman, uuWlse pOHcy OF
keeping under loot OF the victor "a conquered enemies
a vast number OF Americans. such people are the worst
enemies of the nation TO which they belong ana OF inc
institutions OF which they believe themselves 20 be the
best protectors. They, by giving assent 10 measures
that make slaves OF cUZcns ana lay waste vast ana
valuable portion OF the country, contribute immensely
70 give strength feeling OF aversion and hatrcd
toward republican institutions, the sound OASIS OF
which ia uniOn love, ana Justice. To destroy our enc
mics let us make friends Of them. In order not 10 OO
struct the path which America IS 70 tread TO reach
glorious future let make endeayOrs 10 ODerate
all traces of tie American conflict and lay 10 III uter
OBLIVION. Let us not feel like NOrherners or southern
ers, but only ike Americans; let general amnesty be
given before 1876 that may, on the 4tl OF July OF
that celebrate the hundredth anniversary OF
tue birth Of nation of truly united ana great people
Let us worthy feOw-ctiZens OF our great ana I'M
mortal Horace Greeley and Charles Sumner who sought
10 attain 10 that perfect national unity, harmony iei
loWship upon which rise and stand unshaKcned the
true grandeur and The rrue glory OF a nation.
Brooklyn, y. l.. July H. 1874. E. g.