The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-05
THg UNIFORM OF REBELLION.

mount Park, gave the best OF reasons for his
action. The originators of the encampment
| argued that it was to be in the interest of a
more perfect reconciliation between the peo
pie Of the various portions Of the Union, es
pecially those lately at war. The people of
Philadelphia, as patriotic as any in the Union,
took hold of the matter in the spirit suggest
ed, and the expenses of the encamp-
ment were quickly guaranteed. The man.
ager of the undertaking thereupon
caused handsome Autographs to be prepared,
representing Union and confederate troops in
| line, presenting salute as Union and confed-
crate officers ride by. The letters &C. S. A."
were conspicuously displayed with every show
of honor given the "U. S." This was more
than the banker could stand, and he promptly
went to the man who was responsible for the
Autograph and asked to have his name stricken
from the guarantee. He was glad, he said
to do his part in welcoming men of the South
to Philadelphia as members of the National
Guard of the United States, but would
have no part in welcoming men with
the badge of rebellion upon their breasts.
''They might as well" he maintained, "come
carrying the rebel flag. We hate rebellion
now just as much as we hated it twenty years
ago. We cordially forgive all penitents, but
those who have not repented we have not
forgiven" If there is any bitterness in these
sentiments it is but the bitterness of justice
| The plan of salvation is no more charitable
| than this: the offender must repent before
| absolution is granted The rebellion was
the magnitude of which was appalling. 1t
was no more right in 1861 than it would be in
1886. How many would have charity for
it now? True, the war is over, and twenty
years have passed since the last gun was fired,
the last loyal soldier shot down while stand
ing in rank against the enemies of the Union.
1t is time to forgive and forget. The North
commenced forgiving from the hour that Lee
| surrendered at Appomattox, and has been at
only against crime and criminals. The very
moment an ex-rebel gives evidence of unqual-
F! flied loyalty to the Union, that moment he is
| received back. The door has been kept wide
| open for returning wanderers and the heart
lest of welcomes has been extended to
| all who cared to be welcomed. But while it
is time to forgive and forget, it is also time to
| learn that loyalty is lovely and noble and
excellent. 1t is hateful thing to persist in
| parading the emblems of rebellion and trea-
son, Just as it would be for the converted
burglar to carry with him his Jimmy and
dark-lantern to his place in the church The
boast of glory in the rebellion, as implied by
| the persistent wearing of confederate uni
forms and the bearing of State flags, instead
of the one glorious standard Of the Union,
still stands in the way of perfect fellowship,
such as the North would like to see.
| 1t is said that at the Inauguration of Cleve-
| land Southern organizations did not display
the stars and stripes but advertised their con-
! tempt for it by carrying the flags of their sew
eral States It is useless to talk of ''reconcil-
| iation" so long as these things obtain. The
man who does not love the flag of the Union
is not loyal to the Union, and it is foolishness
to make overtures toward such an one so long
| If Southern troops can so far forget their
| treason as to come to Philadelphia in man
ner fitting to such occasion, and can come
bearing the flag of the Union, and not in the
garb and dress of rebellion, which cost the
country so much blood and treasure, they will
receive cordial welcome, and be so enter
tanned as to be glad of an opportunity to
repeat the visit. There is boundless charity
and fellowship in loyal hearts for all who have
| come back from rebellion and taken their
places again as true citizens of an undivided
and indivisible country. But the line between
loyalty and rebellion must be maintained. It
cost fearful sacrifice to preserve the Union
against the men who believed in the &c. S.
A." and it is not now, nor never can be-
agreeable to see the "glory" of this
'cause" perpetuated. This could be done
only at the price of loyal humiliation, and a
lowering of that standard of fealty to princi-
pie which is the safeguard of the Nation, the
guaranty of Union. And even if there were
no danger in thus encouraging respect for re-
bellion and treachery, it is yet humiliation
to those who triumphed in the war that can
not be tolerated. If Southern soldiers shall
come to Philadelphia, not as ex-confederates
only but, better still, as soldiers thoroughly
loyal to the Union and enthusiastic in its sup
port, they may be sure of hearty welcome