Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1876-08-11

changed TO the soldier. and the facility with
which the soldier lays down his arms and re-
turns TO the pcacefql pursuits which he 50 read
lily abandoned 70 bear arms in hie cOuntry's
defense. All these characterietics have In an
eminent degree been practically illustrated Ia
your prompt enlistment, ardent service. and
soon as the necessity for your services ceased.
IN the name of the Union restored by your
labors. / again bid you welcome.
/ wish ! could add. and union Of hearts
peacefully NcluieecinR in the results OF the
war" which might If politicians had allowed
things to remain as you left them, But unwise
legislation has awakened disturbing elements,
which will require time and wisdom 90 aliay +,
before the country can enjoy the full benefits OF
yOur labOrs. At the close of the war both the
great political parties Of the country. with
unseeminR haste. rushed into reconstruction
that should have been LETT 70 tl5me. which with
n more vigorous loyalty than that hatohed by
legislative incubation. Legislation all mercy
is legislation unjust, for there is in the eternal
laws of Justice, q distinction between patriotism
and treason, which neither time nor circum-
stance can destroy. The honor We pay you to-
day IL an evidence of this. The fact has been
impressed on you in the long and weary march
es you made--in the hard 0ntested battles you
fought-by the wounds you bear, and by your
suffering in rebel prisons, where your patriot
ism enabled you to hold out when human en-
durance seemed unequal TO the task; ANA lt Is
9dnty you owe your children 70 teaeh them thls IN,
the hour of peril again come, follow your eX-
ample. They must be taught not to apologize
Tor, but TO glory IN your ueeubs
must be esteemed above treason, and the traitor
at the bar of just public sentiment must seek
to hide the treason his wicked heart has con-
ceived. beneath the burning indignation Of a
patriotic people.
When the Almighty hurled headlong from the
eternal battlements the rebellious angels, he
did not apologize for his use of power and at
once invite them back to their forfeited seats
and it would have been much better If, in this
regard, Congress had initiated the Divine Leg
iSlatOr.
You have abundantly shown yodr love for The
country, in giving up the blessings of home and
assuming the hardships and dangers of war
| but your labOrs in her behalf are not ended.
| The wisdom of your counsel is now to take the
| pluce of the accuracy of your aim in battle.
| Here there is less physical peril, but greater
| danger of nhictiug mortal injury. IT in the
| battle you missed your aim, you only lost your
| ammunition but if you mislead by your conn
sells or in your Judgment, the fall of the Re-
| public may thereby be determined. You did
| your work checrfully and well. BE rs consid-
| crate in the use of the ballot rs you were
| vigorous in the use of the bayonct, and all will
! be we'll.
You have inst written your Judgment Of
| public affairs on the national record in the
smoke and roar Of battle honcefOrth it will be
| ung blended by the 'pOmp and circumstance o
| hullOt-boX, the American mode of announcing
| The national will and it will he no less pnten'
! for good or evil because written on n slip o
paper which a child might deposit.
! Remember when you take the tremulOus lit
/ tie ballot in :'out hand,
Though it fall as lightly in the box, as th'
snow flake on the sod
1t executes n freemans will as the lightning
executes the will of God