davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
4 Word to the GrnMlers.
from the Brandon rwis.) Times. !


The old saying that " Republics are migrate
full" is not without its applications in these
later days. Forgetfulness, where there should
be remembrance of past services, is becoming
trait of many of the American people In
these days one can scarcely pick up news
paper, unless it is published by an ex-soldier,
but has growl over the large pension appro-
priation made by Congress, or congratulation
that another bill was killed that would have
added several millions to the annual appropri-
alton by raising the pension of twenty thou
sand veterans who had lost limb from S2t to
$40 per month
But there are those whose memories are not
so false. They can call vividly to mind the
scenes of twenty years ago. The Nation was
then in peril Soldiers were wanted, and from
every farm and village in the North they went
forth by the hundreds of thOusands-by mil
lions,- s,-carrying with them not only the prayers
and blessings of a grateful people, but the
promise that the gratitude of the country
would ever follow them that in the years to
come their dangers and hardships should be
remembered in the most bountiful manner.
The families of those who fell should be ever
provided for, and those who returned would be
the men of influence, and entitled to the re-
wards and emoluments that the public had to
bestow. In fact nothing was too good to prom
Use" the boys, if they would only go to the field
and save the Nation and let the men stay at
home and make money.
The boys have not forgotten those long
years of service in the army-the long marches.
the smoke and fire of hattie tha 1yaor,, 5o,,-
in hospital or in prison, and they cannot if
others do, and this penurious growl about
big pension bill, or other benefits conferred by
Congress, by men who never smelled gunpow-
der or saw a rebel with his harness onn is
very apt to stir up his blood like charging
battery.
We can't see that even at this late day that
it is any disgrace to have been Union soldier,
or that because one came home from that war
a cripple or with broken health, having given
the best of his life to his country, that he
is Government pauper," if the Nation
makes up to him, in some part, his loss. A
pension is not a gratuity to be doled out
as town aid is to a pauper; it is no more than
payment of what has been fairly and
honorably earned. This senseless howl about
hundreds of millions for pensions should be
squelched. 1t is the Nations debt and we are
in honor bound to pay it as much as any other,
AS people we are able to deal not onlv hon
estly but bountifully with the veterans of that
war, and any grumbling over the amount now
given is too much like millionaire Qrumblinp
as he presents quarter to the boy who had
endangered his own life to save his.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

out in the assertion that our antagonists
fought as we then thought, unnecessarily
hard, and the only consolation we could find
when they occasionally whipped us was
that they, too, were Americans. That the
National arms were finally successful, and
that on many a hard-fought field they sue
ceeded by virtue of pure pluck ana persist
ent fighting, is as true as any other fact in
history The editor of these sketches invites
criticism and will take pleasure in correct
ing any errors when convinced of his error,
and in accordance with a suggestion made
by valued correspondent, will in future
announce the campaigns to be taken up in
succeeding numbers
"The Siege of Knoxville" which will ap-
pear in October, will be followed by the
operations of the Army of the Tennessee
from Fort Donaldson to the capture of Vicks-
burg in the West, and McClellan's campaigns
in the East.
THE TRIBUNE has no enemies to punish
by anonymous abuse and no political favor
ties to fawn upon to secure official favor,
and will present as faithful picture of the
scenes it describes as can be portrayed by
the light of the official records.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
Our Military Sketches.

THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE, in order to pre-
sent the military events of the war Of the re-
belIion throughout the entire arena of the
conflict, will hereafter simultaneously pub
lish sketches of the campaigns in the Eastern
as well as the Western armies. They will,
like those which have heretofore appeared
in these columns, be compiled from original
reports, and will present a thoroughly inn
partial view Of the events as they transpired
The glory of our form of Government is
that it was able to prove the faIsity of the
prediction of so astute statesman and so
experienced a historian as Macauley that a
civil war would prove its destruction.
Leaving to others the task of abusing the
rebels, THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE will con-
tent itself with recounting the deeds of dar-
ing performed on both sides, with an eye
single to the truth of history.
Every reader Of these chapters who wore
the blue, as did the writer, will bear him
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

his Eleventh corps, seizing Cemetery Hill at
Gettysburg and holding itwith so firm grasp
as to resist every attempt made to carry it.
Lees veteran brigades were hurled against
it in vain, the hillsides were covered with the
slain, but the same brigades that had fed
in confusion from the field at Chancellors-
vile, commanded by the same generals, stood
like living wall through two days battle.
Later on, the same regiments bore their tat
tered banners from Chattanooga to Atlanta
through the carnage of Missionary Ridge,
Rcssocd Kenesa'p, Peach-tree Creek,
through the smoke of a hundred days OF
battle, and from Atlanta through Georgia,
the Carolinas, and Virginia, across the Long
Bridge to the National Capital, everywhere
evincing the most exalted courage and devo-
ton to the flag of their country.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
Squirrel and Rabbit.
TBy j. 4. Mdcon.l

BY y. Il. uuCOHi
Mr.. Squel he run up de scaly-bark tree
An he say: Mr. Rabbit, don't you wish you was
me?"
Mr.. Rabbit he hide in de hen-nes' grass,
For he see dat squ'el-dorg comm long fas';
An he say :: Mr.. Squ'el wouldn't be you,
Cause 'fraid you'll swim in de Sunday stew"
Mr.. Squel1le set de swingin' linn,
An he ak Mr.. Rabbit jes' to look at him,
An he say Mr.. Rabbit, oh! when did you see,
In all your life sich feller as me?"
Mr.. Rabbit he laugh an he say Mr.. Squ'el,
De white folks like your tase too welll"
Mr. Suuel he wait till de plow-hands gone,
An he clam right straight up stalk o. cora
Den he bite de shuck an he look right back
An he say: " Mr.. Rabbit, won't you hab some
snack? ?"
Mr.. Rabbit he say: "Oh you better take keer
Fro' dey mix you up wild de roas'in' earl"
Mr.. squ'el he say: Come an go wild me,
An I'll show you mighty quick how to clam dc
tree!"
Mr. Rabbit he dance an he prance all 'roun
An he holler an laugh as he tromp de groun',
An he say: Don't you AK me to go wild you,
cause is 'haid you gwine to de bobbykew."
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
sc NLitile RPd Gnn.v

We shall begin in the next number of THE
NATIONAL TRIBUNE a remarkable personal
narrative by Ransom T. Powell, the young
Orderly of commandant Wirz at Ander-
sonville prison, entitled Little Red
Cap" Mr.. Powell was but thirteen years
old when he entered the army, and but fif-
teen when he was taken as a prisoner to
Andersonville. His prepossessing appearance
for he was as sweet-tempered and modest
as girl-and his winning manners attracted
the notice of Wirz and he not only made
him his Orderly, but placed him on fa-
miliar footing with his own household, so
that he had abundant opportunities for
observing everything that went on, both at
headquarters and within the stockade. His
story is one of thrilling interest and we
feel sure that it will be read with
avidity. On our first page this week will be
found an article containing all the essential
points of his history.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
Candidates for Congress.

One Of our soldier readers asks US to pub
Iish the names of such candidates for Con-
gross as, in our judgment, will be most likely,
should they be elected, to faithfully repre-
sent the interests of the soldier. This re-
quest is not an easy one to comply with,
The records of Congressmen who have been
renominated are not difficult to ascertain
but it is pretty hard, sometimes, to tell in
advance of the day Of an election how any
particular candidate will vote after he takes
his seat. 1t has happened so often that
candidates have promised everything
during the campaign and performed nothing
when the time came to fulfill their pledges,
that it is not always safe to place implicit re-
lance upon their statements. Among the
nominees of the several parties, however,
there is certain to be a large number, who,
notwithstanding that they have never
served in the House of Representatives
have made clear record for themselves on
all questions affecting the soldiers interests.
1t is of such men that our soldiers are wont
to say awe know where they stand"
Now, THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE recognizes
the importance Of supplying its readers with
accurate information concerning the charac-
ter of everyone of these nominees, and we
shall furnish that information at the earliest
day possible. AS our readers are no doubt
aware, the congressional conventions have
not as yet all been held and it is therefore
impossible at present to publish an accurate
and trustworthy list of the candidates. We
shall do so, however, at the earliest moment
possible and in sufficient season to enable our
readers to cast their votes intelligently at
the coming election. Noman is worthy to ex-
ercise the right of suffrage in free country
who does not appreciate its responsibilities,
and it is not only the privilege, but the duty,
of our ex-soldiers to discriminate at the polls
between candidates who are known to be Op-
posed to legislation in the interest of our ve-
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
A Great Bargain.

We have thoroughly examined the Evans
Twenty-six Shot Breech-loading Rifle, and do
not hesitate to say that, without exception, it
is one of the best constructed, simplest, and
most perfect breech-loading rifles for the price
we have ever seen. Owing to the failure of the
Evans Rifle Company, Messrs, E. G. Rideout
& Company have bought large quantity of
these Rifles at price so low that they can be
offered at the nominal figure of Fifteen dollars,
which is about one-half the cost of manufac-
ture. Our business experience with Messrs.
e. G.. Rideout & Company has been most salts
factory, so that we donot hesitate to place their
advertisement before our readers, knowing all
will be fairly and honorably dealt with
Chicago Express.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
Our Premium List.

AS will be seen by the announceme
our advertising columns, THE NATI =
TRIBUNE offers some very tempting induce
ments TO lis readers to canvass for new sub
scribers. The list of premiums is not as yet
complete, but it already includes many
works and articles of use and beauty, Sc
lected especially with view to the taste
and wants of our ex-soldiers. Among them
are some valuable books, choice engrayings,
cheap and reliable watch, clocks, and
knives All of these are precisely what they
are represented to be, and the terms upon
which they viii be sent to the getters-up of
the clubs will be strictly complied with.
We do not think our comrades should re-
quire any pecuniary inducement to canvass
for such a paper as THE NATIONAL TRIB-
UNE, but we are desirous of increasing our
circulation to 100000 copies weekly as soon
as possible, and for that reason we offer these
special premiums.
We are confident that between now and
the 1st of January we shall receive more
new subscribers than during any previous
period in the history Of TIE NATIONAL
TRIBUNE, and in order that each Of our
readers may be stimulated to do his or her
best in the way Of organizing clubs of new
subscribers, we offer, in addition to the
premiums already mentioned, prize of
$25, or its equivalent in some article of util-
ity or beauty, to be awarded to the person
sending us the largest number of new sub
scribers prior to the 1st of January next,
together with nine other prizes proportion
ate in value to the number of new sub
scribers sent us. We trust cur comrades
will be quick to take advantage of this
opportunity.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
Thu NATIONAL Tribune.
WASHINGTON, D. c, SEPTEMBER 16, 1882.

DURING the next two months, soldiers
Reunions viii be taking place almost daily
various part OF the country and it viii be
almost impossible TO keep track Of them, and
furnish our readers with such reports as we
should like to publish, unless cur friends will
Voluntarily keep us posted in regard TO them.
We shall be glad to receive letters descrip-
tive of these Reunions from our own readers
and subscribers, and where they are not able
to furnish US with a report themselves we
trust they viii promptly forward to us
copies Of their local newspapers containing
Il
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
Cur New Features.

The changes which we have made this
week in the general makeup and appear
aDce Of THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE are of q
character, we believe, that will commend
themselves at first sight to the favor of our
readers. We owe it to them to make The
NATIONAL TRIBUNE the best paper in the
country, and as from time to time improve
mentS suggest themselves we intend to adopt
them. 1t will be noticed this week that we
have added several new features. Our House
hold Department is intended to enlist the
interest Of the wives and daughters of our
ex-soldiers and afford them both entertain
ment and instruction. The bravest women
in the land are the wives of our veterans.
While their husbands were fighting the
battles of their country in the field they
were fighting poverty and distress at home,
in order that the sons and daughters of our
heroes might be so brought up as to do them
honor. Theirs was the anxiety, the anguish,
and the intolerable suspense from day to
day, waiting, waiting, waiting for news
from the front. Theirs was the heavy task
of reading the list of the dead and wouHded
and missing, and many newspaper was
stained in those days by their tears. Never
did Spartan wife or mother in the age Of
Grecian glory set nobler example of patri-
otic fortitude, unselfish devotion, and sub
lime self-sacrifice than the women of America
during the four long years Of that des-
perate struggle for the preservation of the
Republic. 1t is to them almost as much as
to those who freely offered up their lives on
the altap of their country, that we owe the
salvation of the Union. 1t was their teach
ings which instilled into the minds of the
rising generation that love of country which
has made the men Of to day worthy to
gather the fruits of their fathers valor.
They, as well as husbands and brothers and
sons, are entitled to our consideration, and
we want them to feel that THE NATIONAL
TRIBUNE-whatever others May do-win
never forget them. We invite them to con-
tribute to our columns. We shall be glad to
answer any letters that they may be pleased
to send us concerning household matters
and we trust that they will not hesitate to
avail themselves Of the opportunity.
On our eighth page, under the head of
Cur Growing Country" will be found
comprehensive article concerning the devel-
opment Of our commercial and agricultural
interests, the direction of railway extension,
important financial operations and notes of
industrial progress throughout the country,
together with full and accurate market re-
ports from the principal business centres.
We have added, also, Young Folks De-
partment, in order that the children of our
sOldiers-their sons and daughter or grand
sons and granddaughters-m feel that they,
too, have place in our affection and little
corner of their own in THE NATIONAL
TRIBUNE. In the long winter evenings
which are now approaching when the lamp
burns brightly, and father and mother and
the children gather around the freside,
there will be something for each in our
columns and entertainment for all.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

WE are indebted to Mr.. V. G. Fischer, No.
500 Fifteenth St, our leading dealer in foreign
books and art publications, for a handsome
copy of the Vienna International Art Exhibi-
tion catalogue. The Exhibition is now in
progress in Vienna, and the catalogue contains
not only plan of the galleries and list Of
the pictures by artists and countries, but
etchings of all the principal works. TO look
through it is almost as interesting as to visit
the Exhibition itself Mr.. Fischer is the
agent for its sale in this country.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

GENERAL Doubleday, in his book, Chan
cellorsyille and Gettysburg" (Scribner's
Sons,) an extract from which appears on our
first page, barely escapes achieving the dis
tinction towhich he aspires-that Of histo-
rian. His unrestricted access to the Federal
and confederate records afforded an opportu-
nifty, which he has not neglected, to give a
graphic picture of events as they transpired-
and to fix the blame for disaster where ii be
longed. So far good but the evident relish
with which he refers TO the lack Of caution
on the part of Gen. Howard, and the space he
occupies in quoting from authorities to prove
a surprise, argues prejudice, and in so much
detracts from the value of his book as history.
To write history without q hero to glorify OF
a preconceived theory TO establish; to record
events with impartial distinctness, or to give
the "frozen facts" no matter who is in
iured by their recital, is by no means an easy
task to a participant. Yet to truthfully
and impartlaily record the events which
occur during campaign or in battle is the
province of a historian. To glorify hero or
to belittle a rival is outside the domain of
history. Few have ever accomplished it in
writing of coptemporaneous wars. The Arch
Duke Charles, m the history his campaigns
against the French, and Napier, in his "Pe-
ninsular War;" have shown how it may be
done, but no book has yet been published
relating to the war of the rebellion in this
country which can lay rightful claim to
impartiality. The reader of "Chancellors-
VILE" in General Doubleday's book, would
hardly expect to find General Howard, with
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
THE remains of an ex-soldier, shockingly

Tue remains of an ex-soldier, shockingly
mutilated by birds and dogs, were found, one
day last week, in a thicket not far from
Salisbury, n. C. The indications were that
he had committed suicide An investiga-
ton showed that his family were in desti-
tute circumstances. 1t is supposed that in
despair at not being able to provide for
them he took his life. On the very next
day after his disappearance pension certifi-
cate for $4,000 in his favor reached the post
is q case which needs no comment.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
One Dollar Per Year.

Since the first of January last, the circula-
tion If THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE has in
at rate almost unparalleled in the
...gy of American journalism, and in &C
rdaace with the promise made to our
dos that we would permanently reduce
the description price to one dollar per year,
rs soon as circumstances should justify such
ep we have decided to make that reduc-
tjon rom and after date. There are very
few any, weekly newspapers, of the size
aad cha ,cter of THE NATIONAL TRIBGEE,
tbat y, furnished at such trifing price,
asd our main object in making this reduc-
ton is Z put this journal within the reach
eae ex-soldier in the country, however
na his means may be. We want to
aE3s very member of the Grand Army on
lnr sa scription list, every ex-Union pris-
ous- Of war, every pensioner, and, in short,
every at-soldier in the land. We have a
)rk before us-to secure to our vet
ers IL measure of the compensation to
hi.5 hey are entitled by reason of their
ga.,, in the field-and to accomplish that
work it necessary that we should have
their active cooperation. Time will quickly
demonstrate whether or not our ex-soldiers
appreciate the step which we have taken.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

IT IS practical impOssibility to publish
all the letters which come TO us addressed
"To the editor of the The NATIONAL TRI-
BUNE" but we shall endeavor, whenever
possible, TO print the substance of each in
the shape of extracts from the most interest
ing portions Our correspondents should be
careful to write legibly, and on one side of
the paper only, as otherwise the editor is
put to the trouble of rewriting their letters
before putting them in the hands of the
printer. Bear in mind, also, that the more
concisely and clearly your thoughts are ex-
pressed, the more likely your communica-
tiOns will be to command attention. We
have no room for long, wordy letters but
short, crisp expressions of opinion on mat
ters affecting the interests Of our ex-soldiers !;
bright anecdotes and "reminiscences of the
camp, and personal prison experiences will
be always welcome. We are glad at all
times to hear from our readers and subscri-
bers and are ready to extend to them help
ing hand whenever the occasion offers.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE. UllE.
ESTABLISHED 1870

To CARE EoR HIN wao HAS BORNE TrE BATTLE AND FOR
Efs WIDOW AND ORPHANS - AsRAsAw LINCOLN.
TaE VALIDITY or TPE Pynuc DEuT OF TIE UHrTeo
sr,vrs auToFzsn GY Law, icLUoNe Diets INCURRED FOR
p.yvr.T OF PENSIONS AID GoaNTIz3 FCR sCRcEs ~ CUP
srssNe INsURREcTIoE REeEuCE, SHALL NOT BE CUES
7ic.rD SEc. l. ART. XIV, CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED
STATES.
CONSIDER IT TIE kCLEsT FAFER DEVOTED TO THE INTER-
e or Tr sol DIR ryuilsHEO 10 TFzE CouETY. EARNESTLY
cosuEwD IT TO AL COMRADES or The ORuzR."
PAUL NANDERooRT
CogtAsprR-Ie- CsisF, G. A. r.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

terans, and those who are it's avowed advo-
Gates. We shall try to help our readers, this
year, to make their votes tell in the congress
sional elections by publishing the record of
every candidate.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

We are in receipt of copy of the first issue
of neat little eight page journal entitled the
Camp Fire published in the interests of the
G. \. L., of the Department of Kansas, by l..
L. Alrich Esq. 1t is full of G. A. r. news, is
well edited, and will no doubt do excellent
work for the boys.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

A SUBSCRIBER writes to us inquiring
why it is that we do not publish a form Of
petition to Congress for the passage Of the
$40 pension bill The reason is simply this:
If petitions are presented to members of
Congress for the passage OF this bill they
should be the voluntary utterances Of the
soldiers themselves It matters little what
the language is, SO long as the facts are all
there and the necessary signitures are OBJ
tanned Those of our comrades who think
ii worth while to petition at all, certainly
should be able to prepare their own petit
items Let them draw them up as soon as
possible and see that they are properly Cir
culated. We shall be happy to publish the
fact that they are in course Of preparation.
The National tribune., 1882-09-16

Congressman Jorgcnsen, of Virginia, who
was defeated for denomination, has announced
his intention to support B. S. Hooper, the Re-
adjHster-Republican nominee.
The California Greenbackers have nominated
Thomas J. McQuiddy for Governor.