Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1880-07-17
TIRED OF THE BLOODY SHIRT.
An Interview with Gen. Pkerson-
Harmony and Peace.
From the Pittsburg Leader j

lOiu tHc LcaueT.l
Reporter-It is currently reported on
The streets that you propose to support
Hancock.
Gen. Pearson-For once street report
has proven true, am indeed for Gen.
Hancock, and will not only vote for him
but do all | can to induce others to do
the same. l do not consider that have
any more influence than any other citi-
zen, and may not be able to make others
see as do, but you may rest assured
that no effort will be spared on my part
to secure as many votes for the man OF
my choice as can be.
R-Will you tell me why you have 10
suddenly taken this step?
G-Certalnly. As you know, l was
an alternate delegate from the twenty
second congressional district, and atten-
ded the republican national convention
held at Chicago. went there An out
and-out Grant man, believing that he
alone could be elected, and that his eiec-
ton would restore the feeling which ev-
cry citizen north and south desired. I
found that very many of those who op-
posed him resOrted to all the contempfi-
BILE tricks generally resorted to by pot
house politicians to defeat him. Rlbald
songs were freely sung about the hotels,
scurrilous circulars spread broadcast,
IN tact, anything, everything, reputa-
BILE and disreputable, was done that
would in any manner have tendency TO
belittle the man that stood up and fought
tor his country's flag. l left Chicago be-
tore the nomination was made, and when
found that another Ohio man had been
placed at the front concluded it was
time to stop and think. When the dem.
ocratic party placed Gen. Hancock's
name at the head Of the ticket, l, know
ing him personally. and having seen
him in battle, concluded would be go-
ing back on the very many resolutions
unanimously adopted by the republican
convention. viz: That all things being
equal, we must give the preference to
the SOLDIER" ii l did not support him.
Gen. Hancock Is a man oil whom any
party might be proud-and there beng
so little difference in the platforms Of
the two parties-if any. that of Cincin-
natl is the best-that, to my mind, it be-
ly knowing Gen. Hancock's character,
consider that he will carry out Gen.
Grants ideas, as promulgated by him at
Appomattox. and be the means OF filing
up the ditch that has SO long divided the
north and south. t4-f!
R-But amt Garfield soldier as we'll
as Il statesman?
G-Garfield, tits true, was on good
old Pap Thomas staff for q short time,
and doubtless filled the position as his
assistant adJutant general to his entire
satisfaction. But believe, with Ruth.
eriord Il. Hayes, that "a man who would
leave the front to accept Office, ought to
be scalped." Now, am not certain that
Hayes said that. Ii he did.it was about
the best thing he ever uttered. There is
no doubt OF one thing, and that is this:
When OUR people were building tortifi.
cations and throwing up rifle pits to
protect this city, we all 3threwlup our
hats and shouted with that intense en-.
thusiasm which comes from an; honest
| expression OF gratitude. when we heard
that Hancock had driven back the three
lines deep and $4,000 strong" that
threatened to overrun Pennsylvania. No
man living can speak disparaglngly Of
Hancock S valor, and, mark my words,
| he will prove to the satisfaction of the
American people that he was not only
| soldier but is u statesman. ars a
R-But, General, You are member OF
the national union veteran committee,
and also chairman OF the city republican
executive committee; will you still re-
tam your positions on those committees?
G-Certainly not. have forwarded
my resignation as the member from
Pennsylvania to Gen. Grant, who is
chairman OF the union veteral national
committee, and have also resigned as
chairman of the city republican execu-
tive committee. l must act consistently,
and 1 have no right to retain those po-
sitions when my actions may be against
the interest of those whom the members
OF the two committees may indorse.
R-Will you take the stump tor Han
cock ? ..s
G-My efforts as stump speaker
We're never valued very highly. be-
lleve in still-hunt campaign. People
read and make up their minds alter de-
llberating. My idea is to place the facts
plainly before the public in the Shape OF
documents and through the medium Of
the press. An article in good newspa-
per Will he read by thousands who would
not attend public meeting. BY accl:
dent got out to Greensburg lat night,
u" d"r,c c-e.:s s.:::...s;slssou r.ssS-
| ing made Ii few remarks.