The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-09-13
SOLDIERS
REU ION-ITS RTISA
CHARACTER.

Soldiers reunion as a general thing,
are commemorate, and should be encour-
aged by all good and patriotic citizsns. The
soldiers who shared the trials OF the
march, the privations of the siege, the
risks of battle and the fun aud irolic of the
regular camp, experience rare pleasure
in meeting together to renew the friend
ships formed in those tsr-off days, to re-
cali the incidents and adventures
of camp and field, and to re enact 10
fancy the Thousand and one events
whose aggregate makes up the history OF
the wsr. At such times their hearts are
stirred again with that patriotic ardor
which transformed the ploug hboy, the
mechanic, the clerk and the student into
an army OF heroes; and it is gratifying to
them to notice that the great mass of the
people sympathize with them and appreci-
ate their patriotism and the willing sscri-
fees they made for their country. But
when soldiers reunions are transformed
into simple partisan meetings, and politi-
cal managers manipulate them solely for
the advancement of partisan ends, the
case is materially altered. Party
is substituted for country, and mar
row partisan feeling for the
broader and deeper spirit of patriotism.
And the distinction should be borne in
mind; for the attempt TO control the polit-
zeal action of a citizen through his preju-
dices, TO rekindle feeling of sectional
hate, and use 1t as a means of controlling
his vote, is neither patriotic nor statesman
like: IL is demagogu,sm unsdulteratsd.
A reunion of soldiers of the Union army
has been appointed to take place in this
city in the latter part OF the
present month. Toe invitation is
addressed to Republicans only and patriot
ism is subordinated to partissnism. In ev-
cry state OF the north there are thousands
of soldiers who were Democrats when they
entered they army, and have continued to
own allegiance TO that party. The terms OF
the invitation shuts them out from TINS re-
union OF their old comrades, unless they
are acting from patriotic motives In
adhering to their political faith. What
then? Are they to be won over TO the
support of the Republican ticket by
being clsssed as rebels" and tainted
with sffiiisting with party OF traitorsf
There is reason for q doubt that this
forth fruit to the glory OF
the Republican party. It is q
part of that mistaken policy which
exalts the standard of the bloody shirt
and denies to the average voter the
capacity to be reached by sound argument.
The average American voter is not fool.
He is susceptible TO the influences which
cO0bTOl 1bohou au0 ihso<iikOhS A4C1
everywhere. He can be controlled more
effectually by appeals to his reason than
by appeals to his passions. Why should
a party that has the advantage of position
in SQUAD argument abandon it to wage q
warfare with the weapons ofignorance and
5arbarism? The triumph OF the Republi.
| can party on she Issue which is typified
| by the bio ,dy shirt will leave IL in no con
dition to effect the reforms for which The
| people are clainoring so loudly. 1t should
be abandoned. The enlightened sentiment
| of the country is enlisted with the noble
and patri 0tc uttersnces OF Gen. hay es's let
ter of acceptance. limo longer sympathize'
| with the doctrines of the gospel OF hate 81
faithfully preached by Senator Morton
Ii the Republican party would draw to tn
support of its ticket the Democrats wh'
bore arms In defense of the country in tn
war OF the rebellion, they must not begi
by denouncing them as traitors tor q
honest difference OF opinion on politics
issues, but ply them with facts ard argu
nents. They can be won over In no ctne
wsy.-Evening News.