The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-09-02
CRAFTSMANSHIP IN THE ARMY.

Everything which comes to light re-
specting Hancock, adds 10 his reputation |
as man of ability, patriot and lover |
Of the constitution. The entire cores
pondence between himself and General
Sherman, relative to the presidential
trouble, has been made public, and does
credit to both men. In the letters there
is a spirit OF frank confidence, remarkable
when we consider how mems minds at
that time were clouded by partisanship.
One would naturally look to the Judicial
department of the government as the
judges of the supreme court outraged
justice and destroyed confidence in their
strength to rise above prejudice. The
two generals of the army stand forth con-
spicuous as men who saw things in their
true light and did not hesitate to give ey
pressions TO convictions which were not
born of prejudice. Each looked with
anxiety on the complications arising and
with disfavor ON the use of troops for
political purposes. There is in Sher-
mans statement that he preferred the
political orders to Ruger, should go from
the president through the secretary of
war, sensitive concern for the reputa-
ton of the army which does the general
honor.
There is abundant evidences in the let
| ters of both men that they understand
constitutional law and fully considered
the limits beyond which the military
should not encroach upon civil law in
| times of peace. The Interchange Of
opinion is friendly and unreserved.
There is not a whit of the subterfuge of
| partisans nor the strained construction
Of politicians. While deploring the use
made of the army and deprecating its in
reference with legislative bodies, they
both recognize the duty of the soldier to
| those having supreme command, -obedi-
| ence. aside from the effect which these
letters will have on the result of the cleo
ton, they are interesting as proving that
| the army is not an unthinking machine.
The arbitrary rules which are a necessity
in military matters and the strict and I'M
| questioning obedience which discipline
| enforces, do not rob soldiers of their
opinions. They also prove to the salts
faction of every one, that craftsmanship
may be found within the army. At a
time when partisanship made statesmen
run mad, when patriotism and justice
| yielded to party expediency and when
corrupt influences reached a tribunal
which was thought to be above the weak
nesses of party prejudice, it is a source
| of pleasure to realize that craftsmanship
and candor found place in the army.
Those in the walks of civil life forgot
| themselves and abandoned their profess
| sion. Two men i'll department thought
| to be farthest removed from the consid-
Grafton of civil polity retained their judg-
ment and proved themselves the states
men of the day. The history Of the
country for the last sixteen years proves
| that partisans and not statesmen have
administered its affairs. Where are our
statesmen2 Two, at least, Hancock and
Sherman, are in the army. Garfield has
proved false to the trusts lie has assum-
ohUvops; tou 1ur~oe; a. ,sta. otsrhiYil afairs he
ilian must yield to the soldier in states
mauship, as he had to yield to him in
military achievements. Politicians de-
bauched every department of the govern
ment. The army was used for bad pur-
poses, but it was not through imbibing
evil influences but through its infirmity
to choose for ITSELF The army is the on.
ly arm of the government which has pre-
served its purity. 1t has not COMPOUNDED
its duties with those of Legislative char
aeter. Is it not wise to take q man from
this interrupted service to administer
civil affairs with cleanliness?