National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-12-10
MR. BARNUn's SPEECH.
Did He Maks It!-The ChsplaincY Of the
House, -

T0ths Editor of the National Republican:
SIR: In reply to "Veritas' Communication In
your issue Of the sth instant entitled "Bsrnum on
the Chaplsincy," would say that have 1t from
the very best OF authority that Mr.. Barnum never
uttered the statement In the caucus that Rev. /.
L. Townsend was driven out Of Connecticut dur
ing the war by the Republicans on account Of his
politics. The statement had its origin, presume,
from the fact that Mr.. Townsend, while in Con-
necticut, during the war refused to preach or
countenance in any shape or form political or war
sermons from the pulpit, as being repugnant to
the spirit OF the Church. and for this his motives
and opinions were impugned, until 1t was no
longer agreeable for him TO remain there. This
statement may have been used privately for effect
by Mr.. Barnum and others, which, SO far as the
bounds Of proprtety CO. It was perfectly proper for
election but Mr.. T. did not owe his election to
any eap-trap thing Of the sort, but simply to the
fact that the Episcopal Church had not had rep
twenty years, and that therefore 1t was claimed
che was entitled to the cbaplaiucy after 80 long
period, ana upon this ground Mr. T. g election was
justice TO Mr.. Townsend and the Church at large,
you will oblige me by publishing this explana-
lion. q.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 0, 1875.
ANOTHER DEFENDER.
TO the Editor Of the National Republican:
SIR: Your correspondent, Veritas," whose
communication on the above subject appeared in
your issue of to-day, has 10 my opinion made two
grave mistakes, {. e.: /. In opening any news
paper discussion Of this subject whatever; and 2.
In attempting TO write upon subject in regard
to which he is to say the least, not we'll informed
either as to the facts in the the character
of the gentleman elected as chaplain. Now, sir,
profess to be conyersant with the facts In the
case. and desire to present few Of them In reply
to "Veritas." He refers to "the impropriety Of
clergymen mixing In politics" and adds, 'yet on
the very first opportunity presented to reform
Congress 10 correct this abuse, they elect q man
as chaplain whose sole Recommendation Is his
partisan political record" Nothing could be
further from the truth than this statement, tho
following facts will demonstrate:
The name OF the Rev. l. l.. Townsend was pre-
of the country, for be is widely and favorsbly
known, to the members OF the present House as
q candidate for the chaplaincy solely on the
q true Christian gentleman, who would do honor
TO the position and be q worthy representative OF
the Episcopal Church OF this country, which
this capacity; and no man can sustain, nor Will
any one who knows the character of this gentle
man make, the charge that he is, or ever was, In
any sense politician; or, as "Veritasn suggests,
that he ever ''meddled with party politics more
tbanwas consistent with the sanctity Of his office"
If Mr.. Barnum deemed It necessary, 10 the
midst Of the hot strife, II am credibly Informed
that he did not mako the statement0 10 resort to
piece Of political strategy, 1t seems to rae that
he, and not Mr.. Townsend, is responsible for the
same; but where ask, is the proof thatthe latter
was ever driven from Connecticut or any other
State, for political or other causeH He has IN.
doubtedly ever been loyal to the Church whose
ordination VOW he took upon himself, and her
policy and practice have been 70 exclude politics
have incurred the dspleasure OF few politicians,
but loyal people, his friends-wfo arc legion
and all right. minded men Will urdoubtedly COM
mend him for II. VlNDRX.
DECEMBER Q, 1875.