Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-10-16
Too Much Cancellation.

4NN 4nUfn SOftCfttttteONs
A warrior who has seen active service
q the front. and who conducted himself
bravely when under fire. may be noted
by hiS modest demeanor. and reticence in
conversing 81 the battles in which he
was engaged. This is becoming mod
esty which speaks well for the hero,
be bis deeds ,lnown or unknown. 1t IS
the part II = chiyalrous cOnqueror 10
spesk high Prsise Of his humiliated ioe's
valor; and a simple motive of humanity
should dic'aienauy acts OF kindness 10
the yanquishes. But i is as bad taste to
underrate ones deeds, TO laud the foe
more highly than the comrade, and puff
with pride 8 conquered people, as il is
70 bOsst snd gIoat over fallen enemy.
One who As fought conscientiously for
principle, md hss triumphed, may belittle
his cause and disgrace his victories by
too great concessions OF sincerity and
bravery to his late opponents, This msy
particular be the case when the con-
quered continue TO cherish hostility, re-
verge. snd love for those principles
in the support of which they had drawn
the sword.
To persons not biased By passionate
affection, or by hope OF future preferment,
some OF he utterances from President
Hayes wnile upon his Southern tour Of
observation, must seem to bear just this
mark OF bad taste. At Atlanta, Georgia,
s grand demonstration OF welcome was
accorded the Presidential party. Much
was said concerning conciliation aud
the era o. good-ieeling. Yet the on
ly indications OF loyalty to the gov
eminent, were manifested by the visiters.
4 reporter Of The scene, one who could
have no iDjucement to ialsify, writes thS.
in all that vast assembly there was no!
visible single American flag. The
streets were Rhost with banners bearing
State emblsms. bunting streamed from
nearly every building. yet amid all the
devices. ingeniously displayed. there was
not found room for that grand and beau
tiful old flag, the Stars and Sripes-the
flag under which President Hayes fought,
and which was wrapped about the form
of many poor fellow who fell bravely
defending it. Instead of this, the rebel
flag iusultingly shook its folds in the face
OF one Who had done his uttermost 10
rend il. With this insult Haunting in his
face. the President said:
Well. having learned how 10 ride and
how to shoot, il was 3 case of ighting 2
between Greek and Greek. When Gree 4
meets Greek.' YOU know what the conflict
is, (CheeIs) Rad more than thai, you know
exactly how Il will terminate; that party
in the fight will always conquer that
hiss tue most Greeks. daughter and
cheers So5~ith no particular discredit
10 you, and no special credit TO as, the
war turned out IS it did,
Charles Sumner once proposed that the
names OF battles should be erased from
regimental ssgs. he supported this
proposition with noble tribute to the
dead. and wHfs OF praise for the living
heroes. His proposition was scorniully
rejected; ne Massachusetts, Legislature
eensured him foE disloysl utterance, and
call the word wondered if Charles
Sumner had tntned traitor. Such is the
character OF public opinion. that the same
people who eersured Sumner. now ap-
plsud President who uses such language
rs that above qaoted. Erase the names
OF battles, and let US forget them; if so
that page Of orr history could be blotted
ont and forgotten, it would be a matter
for rejoicing; but if the war is to be
mentioned, it should not be to place the
acts of rebels on level with those OF pa
triots, nor should we forget our buried
heroesSnd heir noble deeds in our efforts
TO coneiliate sulky and defeated enemy.
II President Hayes had been INDUCING
too freely at table, and made this as 81
sher-dinney speech; if bis remarks were
made with Extensive mental reservations,
or. If deceived by the surroundings. be
WAS for the moment led back to the days
of conflict, and imagining himself = cap
tive in the hand Of barbarous foe, he
threw words 10 his hearers. as the Sla-
yonic father cast his children to the pur-
suing wolves, there may DO some excuse
for bin. Int il be realized the weight
OF his words, and spoke, not being under
duress, be is much more open to censure
than ever as Charles Sumner; his dis
loyalty approaches the pattern set by An
drew johnson, and the much. disposed-of
Etna resolutions were not vain repeti-
tfops.n
-Wengatl phi1linS with for,,ro 30