Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1876-05-05

The third national annual reunion
of Northern and Southern soldiers
will take place at Caldwell, Ohio, on
on the 9Th Of September next, lasting
three days.
How much more frequently of late
we see such announcements as the
above than formerly. In the first few
years following the war, before there
had been time for it's wounds to heal,
the soldiers of the two sections were
kept apart from supposed antagonism
from their recent hostility. But now
their very death struggle and bitter
sufferings tend to bring them together,
and in the satisfaction which both ex-
perience in having had "foemen worthy
of their STEEL" they meet to hold fra
ternal associations and talk with just
pride over events that shed honor and
luster upon American prowess.
This is certainly matter for sincere
congratulation, and gives hopeful
aagury for the future welfare and glory
of the country. It matters not where
or when the former soldiers of the two
sections are thrown together. there
will be found the kindest intercourse
and growing intimacies existing be-
tween them. Even while Blame is
hurting his fierce philippics against the
South and her people, and Hoar is air.
ing his pent up wrath, and Townsend is
exhibiting his harmless but patriotic
dotage in the Halls of Congress, those
mon who when patriotism led to
the battle field, and when the South
ern people had arms in their hands,
dared bare their breasts to the storm,
have no words but those of kindness
and fraternity for their Southern
brethren. General Banning, of Ohio,
whose gallantry on the field is only
equaled by his wisdom and modera-
ton in the council chamber, General
Rice, from the same State, whose SER
vices in behalf of his country, the ev-
idence of which he will bear to the
grave, are not greater than the mod
esty with which he wears his honors,
and General Williams, of Michigan,
whose love of country in the past did
not content itself with windy SUPRA
TONS" and therefore does not now re-
gard it necessary in order to give it
''local habita ton and name" to wave
the ''blocdy Shirt" find pleasant com
| partnership and welcome assistance
from friendly association and legitla-
tive consultation with those men in
Congress whom they opposed On the
| battle field.
Among the most pleasing incidents
witnessed during a recent visit tc
| Washington was the friendly inter
| course between two members of the
| House and their families. One oil
these gentlemen, representative from
Ohio, had lost leg in the Federal
service, the other, representative
from Mississippi, had lost al arm in
| the Confederate service. While Nor
ton and Blaine, Conkling and Hale,
Cameron and Hoar were devising or
portunities to satiate their hatred of
the Southern people-a hatred so great
| that other and safer means than the
battle field afforded these dollhouse
patriots we're required to appease it
these real soldiers were daily exhibit
ing the true spirit of noble manhood,
and were cnltivating that feeling
which must be nurtured before re-
newed prosperity will again bless cur
country.
We have long believed that if the
differences and troubles which have so
afflicted this country, and which have
brought bankruptcy and ruin to both
sections, could have been left to be
adjusted by those who fought each
other We would have long since been
enjoying the blessings of peace and a
restored Union. That time is coming.
Men who saved the Union are not
willing for blatant demagogues to keep
the people apart for their own selfish
purposes.