The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-08-30

Two columns and half of General
Harrison's interminsble DanviIls spesch
are devoted to what is styled a review OF
Governor Tilden's war record, in which
all the resources Of an ia genious sdvo-
cate are called into action 10 distort the
facts OF history to the disadvantage OF a
political opponent. IL is worthy of notice
that the greater part of this review is de-
voted to period wholly antecedent
to the war. The actual record made
by 1ilden during tie war itself affords
few points which the most INSCRIPTIONS
partisanship can twist into dissT proval
of its objec'; aud the declarations quoted
by Gen. Harrison, seen in their true light.
appear as the earnest, patriotic efforts of
provident statesman to avert a calamity
which be foressw and deprecated, and
thus form one o. the most creditable epi-
sodes in his public career. The facts of
Gov. filden's association with thu
events of the war have been
reiterated time and again. but
hasty review of them now seems called
tor in answer to tae Misrepresentation of
Harrison's speech.
In the long conflict upon the slavery
question that preceded the outbreak Of
actual hostilities, Samuel j. Tilden be-
longed TO the liberia, progressive wing of
the Northern Democracy, which recognized
aud frankly discussed the evils of the ir-
stitution. but shrsnk from transgressipg
constitutional barriers TO remedy them. In
this attitude he appeared up 10 the actual
clash Of arms, opposing violence, cepre-
eating col fiict and urging Cancellation.
From the moment, DO wever, of the first gun
at Fort Sumter, Mr.. Tilden is found
among the most Incorporating sdvo-
Gates of vigorous measures for the sup
preston Of she rebellion. Without in the
least relsxiDg the ties that bound him to
his party, he was still In full sympathy
aud often in setive counsel with the ad-
ministration. In lie ter to the secretary
of war. written Immediately after Presi-
dent Lincoln's first call for troops, he ad-
vised much more extensive preparations,
ard warned the administration that the
struggle would take on far larger dimen-
sions than was at that time believed. On
a. least two distinctly recorded occasions
ne was called to consultation with
President Lincoln and gave him
much valuable advice with refer
ence to the raising of troops
at home. When rsmmany Hall raised a.
regiment for the war, Mr. Tldsn was a
large contribusor. When the Tnirty-sey-
enth New York regiment left for the scene
of war, Mr.. Tilden was one OF little com-
papy of Democrats to present 1t with a
stand of colors. The Tribune, which is
now opposing him. then said oil this occss-
ion: IFe
There was some cere nony at the presenta-
ton of tbs flag, and several speeches we've
M de One of the speakers on The occasion
s, "a, anssi ~ The on sersand y, an of ,h ST.,
ment- a speech not excelled In patriotism by
any pubic speaker during the war Of the re-
bell1on.
Later in the war, when the aeknowl-
edged moutbpiece Of the party Condemned
the war at Chicago, we have the testimony
OF Msnton Marble that Mr.. Tldsn's voice
was heard in opposition to ths peace plank
in the platform, and that OF his personal
friend, Mr.. Hewitt, that he privately and
strenuously urged Gen. Mcclellan to null
lily this plank by clause Ia his letter of
acceptance. This plain statement OF fact.
which has been SO often repeated, should
be sufficient answer to the charge that
Gov. Tilden opposed the war. IL probably
with not prevent the future appearance OF
the accusation; put 1t will at least convict
h. - az IA fal T. a