Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-06-18
Friday, June Is, 1856,
COL. WATROUS' ADDRESS.


turb our Union It occurs as a matter of serious
concern that any ground should have been fur
nished for characterizing parties by geographical
dscrimination-NOrthern and Southern. Atlantic
and Western-whence designing men may en-
deayor TO excite belief that there is real
difference Of local interests and views. One of
the expedients Of party TO acquire influence
within particular districts is to misrepresent the
opinions and aims of other districts. You can
not shield yourself too much against the jeal-
ousies and heart burnings which spring from
these Interpretations; they tend to render
alien TO each other those who ought TO be bound
together by fraternal affection. From Wash
ington's Farewell Address.
The annual address at the reunion
Of the Southwestern Wisconsin Veter-
an Association, held in this city last
week, was delivered by Col. j. A. Wat
rous, Of Milwaukee Two weeks ago
We published a brief biography of Col.
Watrous, and as there is much in his
life and character to commend we did
50 with pleasure. We had reason to
hope that he would prove equal to his
opportunity, and that his words Of
counsel 10 the brave men who had
fought TO preserve the union, would
also be worthy of praise; but we were
utterly disappointed In earnestnesS
and eloguence he excelled; but was
woctully lacking in that clear headed,
true hearted craftsmanship which the
occasion demanded. In fact he delv-
cred Il most bitter and vindictiye sec
tional speech, from which cropped out
il narrow minded partisanship. He de
plorcd the failure of the government
10 carry out a harsh, pitilcss and re-
lentlcsS policy of reconstruction at the
close of the war; and in so doing sim
ply mourned over lost cause" which
had been condemned by a righteous
public sentiment that will be sustained
by posterity When he claimed that
the disfranchiscmen of southern con
grcssmcn, Judges and other high
officials, both civil and military, would
have proved panacca for all the ills
10 which our government is subject, he
showed his weakness, and the lack of
true democracy. In this country the
intelligence to which is attached the
responsibilities of citizenship is not sup
posed To be confined alone to wearcrs
of shoulder straps, or those who have
heen honored with public office In
the light of the recent sad experience
of the reconstructed states in the mat
ter of local self government, it is out
rageous to claim that when the negroes
were cnfranchiscd large number of
southern whites ought To have been
disfranchiscd, in order that carpet bag
rule might have been perpetuated, to
the gain of the rulers and the injury if
not the destruction of the governed
His reference to eX-rebels representing
the United States at foreign courts
was entirely out of place, coming as it
did from Il republican leader whose
clarion voice was not raised in condcm-
nation when Gen. Key was postmaster
general and Longstreet, and MOsby -
the guerrilla were chief among our
representatives abroad There was
every incentive for Col Watrous to
speak as liberal, broad minded pa
triot, rs we believe he is an earnest
one; but his words seemed to indicate
that it was impossible for him to rise
above his prciudicrs and his passions.
He appeared to apprchcnd dangers to
result from commumiStic and anarch-
istic teachings; but The Democrat
firmly believes that the evils liable to
come from this source are as nothing
compared with those from the spread
Of the doctrine of sectional hate. That
public sentiment in America will soon
render harmless few noisy Commu-
nists we have faith to believe. But
what can ward of the evil effects of
sectional hate if men of character and
intelligence will lend their efforts to
its spread? We should think that
mems ConscienceS would deter them
from doing this evil work the hand
ing down to children of this generation
both north and south IN increased
hatred of each other, They should re-
allie what Il terrible thing sectional
hatred is. 1t is the twin-bruther of
that religious hatred which has for
generations proved such terrible curse
to the people of Ireland. and is now
causing terrible and bloody riots at
Belfast No man can do greater harm
to his country than by teaching this
vicious doctrine which is conceived in
the minds of reckless demagogueS.
and is 10 the principles of our form
# government what UNCONVENTIONAL
strife is to religious liberty. What a
striking contrast is presented when
WatUus' heated and passionate utter
aRces are compared with the words of
his late comrade and commander. Gen.
[. ). Grant as he lay on his deathbed
ut Mount McGregor:
Il have witnessed since my sickness Just what
wished 10 see since the wsr-harmony and
good feeling between the sections. am thank
ful for The providsntial extension of my time,
because ii has enabled me to see for myself the
happy harmony which so suddenly sprung be-
tween those engaged but a few short years ago in
deadly conflict"
In the latter is reflected the noble
soul, the broad, national character, the
true patriot, and peace-maker In the
former is displayed only a narrow,
sectional spirit, which would stir up
strife among the people of this reunited
country. Every true American has
reJolced to see the perfect reunion
tNh sal- ~