The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-22

OF wonderful energy, imperious and dauntless
in Will power relentless against marplots, impa-
tient of dilatory generals, wrathful against Of
Tenders, fearless of responsibility, no one man
contributed more to our final success than did
this Secretary, who created armies as much as
did Caesar, or Carnot or Bismarck, and who,
like Carnot can be said to have organized vic
tory" Bearing the heaviest burdens of national
cares systematizing the vast machinery of our
military organization, and placing 1t on the foot
ing of the highest efficiency, assisting to plan
campaigns, and to raise and concentrate re-
Inducements, besides giving audience to thou
sands, and attending to all his department and
Cabinet laborsI he was the hardest
cluded to be found in Washington,
for which he paid finally in ruined health and
shortened life. 1t would have been impossible
that he should have been correct always in his
thousands of decisions for the rule of his official
life was not to talk but to do-"when thing
was to be done, to do it and it was done" And
with the vast number who thronged his depart
ment with this, that or the other petition, while
his mind was burdehed with the thoughts of
moving armies and doubtful campaigns. his
manner was often so abrupt and his replies so
quick that he denounced bFusQue, heart
less and tyrannical. Though he must have
been frequently unjust from his hurried decls-
ions and combative instincts, yet he often
showed how human, after all, was the noble
heart that throbbed within him. Let single
illustration prove this.
After the war became such dread reality
that our land was filed with weeds of mourning
the tide of volunteering had ceased and con
scripton to fill up regiments at the front
thinned by disease and death, was a necessity
every congressman at Washington had, daily
numerous applications from his district for mill
tary discharges on account of the death of a
father, wife or child to go home to be nursed
into health, to attend to important business
etc, all of which had to be presented to the Sec
rotary, who often stood at a desk to give quicker
audience to all. One morning, when number
of were presenting these petitions, but with
very rare exceptions to be answered mo" by
the stern Secretary, sadfaced lady in black en-
tered the room, and we all drew back that she
might present her application to him at once.
Few as were her words, l never
''Wheh the war broke out had happy family
of loving husband and two brave sons We
gave both our boys to the country. One of them
was killed in battle and my husband is now
dead | ask you to give me back my other son.
all l have left now" II can not" replied the
apparently impassive Secretary. Can not" she
exclaimed. Certainly you could not have I'm
derstood me-" and then repeated the touching
story of her family, Il repeat that l can not, "
again Mr. Stanton replied. Have you any
hearth gasped out the sorrowing and almost
heart-broken woman, as she sank into the
nearest chair, the very picture of woe, and
to be so cruel and heartless. mo,
madam, I not have one here,
answered the infexible Secretary But, writing
line with his signature on card, he added:
Take this to the White House, and you will
find there man who has heart And as she
went thither to receive from Mr.. Lincoln the
boon she desired, and which Mr. Stanton had
recommended to the President the Secretary
went on rejecting our applications, explaining as
the reason, The country is dying for want of
soldiers, and, till the tide of battle turns, and
the Nation is safe, the living at home must bury
their dead"
l cannot enlarge this article already too long
The great-headed President, and the remarkable
triumvirate he called to his aid in our mighty
and memorable struggle have all passed away.
But while time lasts and the public endures.
they will live, not only in history, but in the
grateful hearts Of their grateful c0untrvmen.