National Republican., 1875-07-22
ERA OF GOOD FEELING.
An Old Soldiers Opinion Of "aulA" and the
Duty Of Republicans.


wAsHINeToN, d. c.. July u, 1875.
To the Editor Of the National Republican,
SIR: As an ex. Union soldier, and Repu blican
feel that I may submit few impressions and
honest convictions in regard to the condition oil
political affairs and the sincerity Of the South in
their sudden conversion to an apparent love lor
the old flag and devotion TO the Union Of our
fathers. As IN humble soldier sincerely hope
this wonderful display Of loyalty and
"ERA OF GOOD FKKLINa"
may continue; but fear that 1t 10 simply another
dodge OF the managers OF the Democratic party
to catch "weak. .kneedn Republicans at the next
Presidential election; and should, unfortunately,
the Democrats succeed In electing their candi.
dates then we shall soon see what ell this 'gushh
and false sentimentalIty means. Everything
won't he lovely then, as these Democratic gents
would have rs believe They are playing strong
game, but II the Republican party is true to Its
friends and the cause they will be again beaten
and scattered to the four winds Of heaven. See
what spectacle Is exhibited In the South, aud
even In the North. In the Sonth We have For
rest and Pillow "putting up job" tor colored
votes, actually
CALLING coLoRRp AssEMBLAGB
'lsdies and gentlemen" all Of which Is the lowest
sort Of demagogism, and every sensible man
knows It to be so. Then lock at the citizens Of
Boston inviting Mosby to address them in old
Faneuil Hall, which has 30 often resounded to the
voice Of the most gifted sons Of the North urging
the young men to 90 forth and do battle for their
country; This to war;worn and Scared veteran
Il were about ~ honorable to have fought against
the Union as for It.
believe in the "eternal fitness Of all things"
but know from bitter experience that when
we nurse these same rebels, with their Demo
cratic allies, into power we shall hnd that they
our Government will insist on pursuing the suicl.
dal policy Of foisting
UNwAsHED AND uNREPRNTANT
repels into oficial position to the exclusion of
ceived IN regard to this question Of "reconcilIa-
tion," of which we now hear so much through the
columns Of the "Independent press.n
Look at the speech Of Preston at the commence
ment exercises Of the University Of Virginia. i
believe he uttered the true sentiments of the
Southern people to-day, and that he was eheered
as was JEFF. Davis q few years ago at White Sal
pbur Springs, when he spewed treason to his en-
thusiasIic rebel hearers, and yet the Southern
pendent press of the country, all set up a whine
about its not being the sentiments Of the chival-
rous" South. Bosh! It is their sentiments, and
every Northern man who has "wiItered and sum-
mered" in the South knows 1t too " I'll.
Now do not wish 10 be understood as throw
ing any obstacles in the way Of the success Of this
NEW ERA" BUSINESS,
but as bluff old soldier l must be excused IL 1
say that II all this business means that the coun-
try must be handed over 20 the Democratic party
in order to accomplish this grand scheme, then i
nave 10 say IlhL nave not got suIuCleuL COlu-
dence in the thing to warrant me in taking much
stock in 1t. Why, look at this business. 1t is, 1
take IT, conceded that we are to enter the fight
next year under the same old party banners, viz:
Republican and Democratic. What, then, do we
expect to do? Are we fools enough to suppose the
masses of the late Southern rebels have any idea
Of voting ticket? Or is II 10 be supposed that
the Republicans are gong to let everything 90
by default? No; this sort Of reasoning don't do.
We have got hard battle before US, and as the
campaign advances we shall
urGprres o- Turs IGarSu,,
that seems to be so nice to talk about now -a-days
expect that the canvass will get so warm that
It Will be hard matter TO get our Southern
brethren to attend the Centennial; but perhaps
they will be too sharp for that, and will put In
because they will come is no reason, in my mind,
why they should for some time yet have o control
ling power in shaping the destinies of this great
Republic. appeal to all my brother ex-soldiers
to stand by the old Republican ship; though she
may have had at times bad crew, yet she is o
good ship still.
LET Us STICK TO HER,
If necessary, 20 down with our colors set rest
assured she will stem the storm If we are true TO
ourselves and to our country in the future as In
the past But when contemplate the bare pos
sibIlity Of Democratic victory, Judging from the
past history OF that party, shudder for the well
fsre Of the country. No, the Republican party
must not be defeated, and, in my humble ludg-
ment, will not II the people are not deceived by
the willy leaders Of the rebel Democracy.
Believing that peace can only be secured
through the continuance Of the Republican party
in IoWer, shall, as ever, continue true to It's
HIN Ex.US1oS SOLDIER