National Republican., 1886-08-03

cal policy. II should not be able TO do in
directly, by a recognized auxiliary what
II cannot properly do directly by and for
itself But every one knows, or ought 70
know, ihatthe laws in favor Of soldiers, and
all legitimate soldiers interests, can be
dealt with in the Grand Army as freely as
Scripture in the pulpit. Only party politics
and sectarian religion are inhibited, so that
men OF all parties and all religions may be
in harmony, and unit for the soldier. But
in the V. r. U. there is no rule Of the kind,
and party politics is plainly suggested as
the special advantage Of the V. r. U. over
the Grand Army. In the V. Il. U., as un-
derstand IL, there is only the uncertain dis
cretion Of men, and no rule Of law to keep
mischievous politics out. IL is only ques.
tlon Of little time, In my opinion, when,
II the V. X. U. continues here, and Is
not placed under the same policy as the
Grand Army, IL will prove very hurtful.
Once. under that sound policy it viii be
harmless, but certainly needless. III, being
composed Of Grand Army men, II continues
to assail high officers here, where II can
only offend and cannot control In that way,
how long will the Grand Army Itself last
here with any degree OF usefulness or public
respect Should subordinates In the de-
partmeuts Join with others, either directly
or Indirectly, TO demand the dismissal OF
their superiors The Grand Army, as such,
does not take that offensive course. The
V. r. u. here does. Being free hut sane
toned auxiliary OF the Grand Army, does
II not compromise the Grand Army II that
course is wrong aud ought not the Grand
Army to object Is IL wise or necessary
for any soldier society here to violently de-
nounce high officers, either In the news
papers or otherwise, In order to secure good
will, fair treatment, and just protection
under the law from the appointing aud re-
moving authorities II that course here Is
wise, then It seems to me It is OF that sort
Of wisdom which would appear II the blind
should lead the blind, or OF that
sort of wisdom by which a boy, out of
danger himself, freely throws stones at a
hornets nest surrounded by other boys.
| What desire is to urge every ex-sodier to
| give his aid, his influence, and his faith
steadfastly to the Grand Army here, and
| not to be misled into the belief that there Is
any new thing better, or as good, or that
we have need here to rely on. What sug-
| gest think is the true way to sustain our
| officers, our organization, and ourselves.
MARCUS s. HOPKINS.
July 81, 1851 have read the foregoing
| address, and fully approve the sentiments
| therein contained. accepted place on the
| executive committee OF the Veterans Rights
| Union of this department, hoping to be able to
| aid in promoting the interests OF the old SOL
| diers here in presenting their claims for ap.
| pointment to and retention In Office.
/ L nave DeeH 10 hbIec Win luS
| jority of the committee and have declined TO
i sign the various letters to the President and
| heads OF departments. In dong so l have
| acted upon the belief that vindictve con.
| troversy with the appointing power would not
| promote the interests OF Union soldiers.
am of the opinion that these matters can
| best be attended to by the Grand Army OF the
Republic, instead Of an auxiliary organization.
GREEN b. RAUM.
We, the undersigned ex-soldiers and mem.
| bers of the Grand Army of the Republic, most
| heartily agree TO the purposes and sentiments
of the foregoing address and commend II to the
thoughtful consideration of all who have the
true Interests of the exsoldier at heart.
| ALBERT ORDwAY,
J. z. LoTHRoP,
WILLIAM II. WEBSTER,
FRANK A. BUTTS.
Il. II. MCKEE.
District Attorney Worthington indorset
as follows:
I0gree that the Grand Army should keeI
entirely aloof from politics. and that 1t should
not in any way connect itself with any as
ISOLATION that Is based on political consid
erations 1 would not interfere with the ole
soldiers being as partisan as they please out
side of the Grand Army; but, as Grand Army
man, the manner In which our comrades o
the Veterans Rights union-anlauxiliary of thu
Grand Army-nre proceeding does not com
mend Itself TO my judgment.