The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-04
The Rebellion Debate.

Once again the controversy of the rebel
lion has been renewed in a debate in Con-
gress. III fact. 1t Is liable to toe renewed in
this way at almost any time. The passions
OF that terrible struggle have been greatly
cooled by the lapse OF years and by changed
political circumstances; but they are BY no
means exhausted.
The occasion of this debate In the Senate
was comparatively insignificant The Ques-
tion was upon an amendment to the Pension
bill providing pensions Tor the soldiers and
sailors OF the Mexican war. JEFFERSON
DAVIS. it seems. was one Of these soldiers,
and Mr. HoAR Of Massachusetts, moved to
amend the bill 50 that no pension should be
paid to him On the Republican side the
contest over this amendment was main
tanned by Mr.. HoAR, Mr.. BLAINE, and Mr.
CHANDLIR Of Michigan; while ON behalf Of
the South Mr.. LAMAR, Mr.. GARLAND Of
Arkansas, aud Mr.. THURMAN were the prin-
eipal speakers.
Mr.. GARLAND and Mr.. THURMAN urged
with much force the point that Confederates
like LoNGsTREET, AKERAlAN, Postmaster
General Key and MOsBY, the guerrilla.
have been selected by Republican Adj
minlstralions 70 hold Offices under the
Federal Government while other Con-
federates are now members Of either
House Of Congress. Mr. DAVIS, they MAIN
tanned, cannot be regarded as any more a
rebel than these, 50 that there is no good
ground Tor singing him out for special pro-
scriptiou. Mr.. LAMAR in a moderate ard
o1gniicd manner culogzcd the character
and career OF Nj. DAVIS declaring also that
his adhesion to the Confederate cause had
been, like ihat OF Slr. LAMAR himself
matter Of conviction and conscientious
duty and adding hat he now cherishes no
sentiment Of hostility to the Union, and has
expressed none since the civil war ended.
Mr.. HOAR's amendment, excluding Mr..
DAVIS from the right TO pension as Next
can veteran. was adopted by majority OF
pne vote, and then the whole proposition TO
pension the old Mexican soldiers was mega
tived.
This debate was intensely interesting, and
every one will read it with attention. 1t has
no tangible Importance, however, beyond
preventing the payment Of some millions OF
dollars for arrears Of pensions to this class
of old soldiers yet il was full oi ardent feel
Ing and Of manly avowals ON both sides. 1t
may be said, also, that 10 some Of the Re-
puDllcun senators VINO TOOK part III II, IL al
forded welcome opportunity oil heating up
again, Tor political effect. the ashes Of the
war.
The logic Of the argument IL, in this in
stance on the southern side. When it was
determined that the ubiugated Coniederates
should be pardoned when from the very
necessity Of our political system they were
again tardily and rather unwllingly ad-
mitted 10 an equal share in the Govern
ment, the great conflict was effectively
brought to a close; and an exaggerated
degree OF consideration is shown toward
JEFFERSON DAVIS, by holding him greater
or more worthy Of lasting animosity than
his associates
Yet the deep patriotic emotions which
were the soul Of the war are not dead, MOI
sleeping. They will reassert themselves
from time 10 time, In season or out OF sea
son. True men will declare them, and dcma
gogues will jugglo with them, until another
generation with calmer Judgment and wlsel
philosophy shall come 10 do justice to the
men, the motives, and the actions OF the
present age.