Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-21
The War Veterans.
IMPORTANT ACTION OF THE DEFENDERS OF THE
UNIoN-A NATIONAL CONVENTION To BE HELD
IN Observation-Disclosures TO THE SOLDIERS
AND SAILORS OF THE REPUBLIC.
cerity

The Executive Committee of the Union Soldiers
and Sailors held meeting in Washington on July
6, and made arrangements for the coming cam
paign. 1t was decided to hold mass convention
in Indianapolis on the Goth of September next, a
plan of operations for the canvass decided
upon, and the following address to the men who
served in the Army aud Navy of the Union was
agreed upon;
HEAD QUARTERS UNION VETERANS NATION.
AL COMMITTEE, FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL,
NEW YORK CITY, July IL, 1876.
To tie Soldiers and Sailors rho Serped in the
Union army and Nary During the late Var;
COMRADES: The undersigned, committee ap-
pointed by your grand National Convention, held
at Pittsburg, Tenn, Sept. II and is, 1872, hereby
invite you to meet in mass convention at Indian
apolis, Ind, on Wednesday, the goth day of Sep
TENDER, 1876 at 10 o'clock A. NJ, to express your
sentiments in favor Of The principles for which
you contended on flood and field, and to indorsc
the standard bearers Of the party which sustained
the Union and your efforts to preserve it while en-
dangered by domestic foes.
In the war against the rebellion you offered
your services and pcriled your lives to maintain
and perpetuate the Union established by our
fathers. Returning to your homes, after your
great victory its foes, you resumed the peace
full pursuits of civil life, but as good citizens OF
the Republic which your valor had preserved, you
lost none of the inspirations of national honor and
patriotism, and abated nothing from your purpose
to perpetuate the principles for which you had
been contending.
Since the war you have met at the ballotbox
tha xphi ,h sad Is, in.
fuence against you while fighting in the field
the party, many OF whose leaders boosted in Con-
gress, even while the war was in progress, that
they had "never voted dollar or man to carry
en- this unholy war"-the party which, in 1864, in
national convention, adopted the resolution de-
carlng your efforts in the field failure, and de-
manding cessation of hostilites.
1t is the old fight again the same par
ty and the same men are airayed against
you. Upon the issue of the contest de-
ponds the question whether history shall
vindicate you or your opponenls-whether
you or they were fighting on the right
side.
The democratic party are at this time, as ever,
true to their sentiments, and they have presented
two candidates who had little sympathy for you or
your cause. That party depends for its success
upon the votes of the men whom you conquered
in the field, and, if successful it will dominated
and led by the same political element. Crippled
Union soldiers will be removed from public offices,
as they have been, and their places filed by Con.
federates
At such time, and il such contest, the Union
Veterans must act together once more. Let us
then come together at Indianapolis, not as parti-
sans, but as patriots who have once offered their
lives sacrifice for their country, and who are
ready to be its defenders in peace as they were in
war.
The committee desires to organize companies.
regiments brigades, divisions, and corps of Boys
in Blue. with uniforms of hats, capes, and torches
Full details of the plan Of organization will be
furnished on application to the Secretary, with
whom all persons who approve this call are in
vited TO correspond. Fraternaly yours,
JOHN A. DIX, Chairman.