New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-20
THE Blue And THE GRAY ~ 70.
BROOKLYN. ". y, June IL. 1874.

SUGGESTION FOR TIE CENTENNIAL - BRINGING
TIE UNION AND CONFEDERATE VETERANS TO-
GETHER AT PHILADELPHIA.
TO the razor OF The TriJUne.
SIR As one who, to the extent of his ability,
served his country in late unhappy civil warI wish to
express my full approval Of communication signed w.
from Brooklyn, which appeared III The TRIBUNE re-
Gently and by the veteran soldiers OF the Union Army
be read with interest firmly believe that the great
conservative power which TO perpetuate the existence
OF our great country. and make the United states
ton OF united people is that power emanatng from the
heart aud brain of the soldiers Of the Federal and
Rebel armies. who did their duty during the war-tbose
men who are Scared with bullets and sabrecuts. VINO
know what the carnage of battlefield
is and who were brave and honest. They
do not include the political hacks who
were the instigatOrs OF the war; but those who
made the dupes of these politicians As general rule
the politicians were III safe places during the war; aud
served their country "a contractors or III some place
where she'll aud shot were only curlo>ltes or
harmless Ny uniform Xperleuce has been since the war
ended that the most steady consistent, ani uniformly
alive citizens have been those VINO were IN the
ranks the battleields of the war. Especially Is
this among the ex.Rebel soldiers. Such men as
Bob" Toombs, Ben" HILL. and their kind were always
in the rear. making terrible noise at respectable
distance the line of battle and have now but
few partlsans TO support THEM. As a Union
sodier-One who served " from Manassas TO Apo
matox"- heartily approve the proposed union OF the
soldiers Of the South and OF the North at oar great Cen
tennia celebration In 1916, az philadelphia. and beg
leave make this suggestion 10 the Executive Commit
tee, which the Hon. Joseph X HaNiey Is chalrnaD
viz. that the President or the United States
Centennial Commission issue under proper sanction
special invitations by circular address TO the veteran
soldiers OF both armies 10 be present az the celebration
fixed time; that Gems. Johnston, Beaure gard
Bragg, Longstreet and the surviving Generals OF the
Southern army and officers OF the southern navy be
specially invited aud that from the North, the South
and West orators be chosen who Will properly reflect
the spirit OF the occasion.
From my experience and observations | believe, IL
this matter properly handled. IL Will be eminent y
successful aud result IN great good To the country In
arousing a national spirit and provoking union OF
national sentiment From such men as Gen Banks OF
Massachusetts, Gen. Blair Gen. Logan, Gen. Hancock
many Others OF broad aud liberal sentiments. the
North could select an exponent or patriotic devotion
Col. Waggerman Of Louisiana Lamar and Barksdale OF
Mississippi, Gen. Law or Gen Copton OF Alabama.
Gems Gordon, Capers, or Wofford OF Georgia. Graham
Ransom, or Rutherford OF North Carolina Walker
MosDy or Bradley Johnston OF virginia, the south
would be to respond harmony with the spirit OF
this grand occasion.
have not written this for the sake OF employ
ing my time. l write solely from sense OF duty aud
Of observation ia the West and South. and long rest
dence at the North U good fortune 10 be In this
city the 4th or July last and 10 my surprise the
day was celebrated i'll real honest, odfashoned style
| had the pleasure Of hearing an Grafton delivered IN
the State House by Gen. H. i. CaDers which stirred my
soul 10 Its depths The honest, earnest, manly senti
ments OF this eloquent gentleman were just such as
might be expected from one who on more tDan one
Col Aston, the Adjutant General OF Gen. Morgan sup
ported the speaker and earnest manner approved
the sentiments day But this only one OF many
instances which confirms my opinion ana that OF your
W." Let the Centennial Commissioner
bring the blue aud the gray together ana unite
them In celebrating the huntredth anniversary Of
American Independence Id H.,
HFanfat a., Jspe ~ Y1t Late 20, y, 2a QaiV,