The National tribune., 1879-07-01

the hearts Of our brave defenders who are living and
the loved ones of those who more?
There is nothing cheaper in this world than lip
service Mouthngs intended to please the people
for a few hours are readily delivered. We are re-
minded while thus writing of the anecdote of be-
nevoont Friend, or Quaker, who, upon hearing great
sympathy expressed by stranger for one in much
pecuniary distress while refusing to give penny,
remarked Friend, thy economy is in the wrong
direction thou shouldst be more sparng with thy
tongue and less with thy purse" Not that we
would be considered presenting the soldier as an OBJ
iect Of charity by any means for beggar suffering
for food and clothing and soldier seeking his just
rights are entirely different objects. The compari-
son is only intended to hold good when illustrating
the difference between words and deeds What,
then, do we ardently hope may be the effect of the
good words spoken Decoration Day lst. A
revival Of the same warm feelings towards our sol
ders as was manifested when they were marching
for the field or when they were returning war-worn
and wounded. Now that peace sheds its benignant
rays all over our land and we are reaping all the
blessings secured through their valor and devotion
is the fitting time to appreciate them truly They
have secured to the harvest of blessings and the
harvest-time is more fitting season for thankfuness
i
spirit, we would that it should be manifested indi-
vidualy and by the acts of our States and Nation.
Our duty to the dead is a reverence for their memo
ries and determination to deal justly with the dear
ones they left behind; our duty to the living is to
recognize all his rights in the fullest and most lib
eral degree, and to favor him citizen for official
position and in the avocation he pursues. For in
stance Many thousands of soldiers receiving
disgracefully y-small pensions for wounds disabi
ties, are pursuing some light business which barely
enables them to support themselves and families
Let US employ them in preference TO others when
their services needed and be ready to throw
few dollars into their baskets. And then the sol
diers' widows and orphans if you wish, for in
stance, the services of aundress seamstress or
] a clerk, and know hear of soldiers widow pur-
suing or adapted TO such business, make her your
first choice if her work is faithfully done; and if you
desire to hire boy for farm workshop count
9 tng-house and brghtlookng young applies
to you, saying Ny father lost his life at Gettys-
burg" give him your preference, if in all other
spects he is equal to others wishing the situation.
And then, too, may perhaps show more gen
eral regard for soldiers, practical exhibit
tion of estimation of their services by establish
: ing Soldiers Homes in far places in the
United States than now found than in any other
! way. All our professions of gratitude for Union
= soldiers sound and fury signifying moth
: ing" if we are not willing to care for them in the
winters of their life and when prostrated and
- crushed by wounds and the hardshps and exposures
of soldiers life. No American soldier should ever
be forced to become beggar or an inmate of pau
! per's asylum Those who entirely helpless
- through their wounds receive pensions which will
: secure them comfortable board lodgings and little
delcacies. All single men would appreciate we'll
kept Home" among their old comrades in arms.
Those who but partially disabled and receive
but light pensions, might do many chores" about
the farm attached to the Home" to repay their
cost of living Here is tangible, living idea for
,s patriotic Union citizens to act upon. Let of