National Republican., 1878-08-24


general good, but should never, in our judg-
ment, be used as an arena for gladintorial
contests over personal difficulties This
lowers its legitimate sphere.
JUSTICE TO GENERAL CHALMERS.
The principal claim to public favor urged
in behalf of General CHALMERS, who,
through the efficiency Of the Mississippi
"plan," represents the sixth district Of that
State in Congress, Is that he is man OF un-
excelled energy, activity, and perseverance.
The fact that during his term of Office
sal, 600 had been appropriated for the pres
ervation of the Vicksburg harbor and $1,000
for the purpose Of constructing turnpike
from that city to the National Cemetery is
triumphantly referred to by his friends,
and we are told that General CHALMERS
will therefore have walk over" in fact
that he cant be beat"
1t is not strange that some persons, with
out taking the trouble to give the matter a
moments thought, should acquiescc and
join in hurrahs for the General but when
the subject is duly considered, it will be
found that greater deeds should be record
ell rs having been accomplished by him, 10
present anything like binding claims upon
his constituency. The exigency demand
ing the appropriation first mentioned was
occasioned by the river changing its course
and forming q "cut of" in front of the
city, and had JOHN SMITH or DAVID JONES
been representing the district in Congress
the appropriation would doubtless have
been made. The necessity for II was recog-
nized, and there was, therefore, no oppor-
tunity for the display of such remarkable
energy and activity as the General is credit
ed with.
The appropriation for the 1000 cemetery
turnpike being regarded by some rs o.
questionable propriety, an effort to secure II
was necessary. In this effort the delegation
from mississippi, as well as several prom
inent citizens of the State--ex-Senatoi
PEAsE and Rev. DR.. MARSHALL among then
participated, and rendered excellent ser.
vice.
We have no disposition to detract in the
slightest degree from the reputation of Gen
eral CHALMERS for energy and activity; OF
the contrary, we object that his friends de-
not cite more lustrous examples of thos,
distinguishing traits that mark the charac
ter of the Little Brigadier."
What though these marks arc suggestiv,
of blood-stains, and the thought Of then
sends thrill Of horror through the heart
they are all the more ineiliceable. The fac
that they call to memory the awful blood,
scene at Fort Pillow after the Union force,
had surrendered, and remind us of race o
men living under the folds of the American
flag and looking to the American Govern
ment for protection, practically dislraI
chised and deprived of their rights q
American citizens, that General CHALMER
and others of his class may participate il
the councils Of the nation, gives additiOna
weight to the assertion that the General i
possessed of remarkable energy and activity
No other character Of man could overcom
q majority of at least Is, 900 votes in one Con
gressonal district and dtriumphantly take hi
seat in Congress over a competitor who wa
notwithstanding bull.dozing unquestion
ably elected by handsome majority of tn
votes actually cast. We insist that til
friends of General CHALMERS do that di,
tinguished gentleman gross injustice b.
citing small appropriations that he has bee
instrumental in obtaining as evidence Of hi
surprising energy, activity, land perseSel
ance Let the great achievements of I'll
man he recorded and remembered.