The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-25
Monument Building.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
In all ages monuments have been erected to
commemorate great deeds If the custom did
not originate with the Greeks and Romans, it
was more largely practiced by them than any of
the nations of antiquity. In no instance, how
ever, does history give any account of the cree
ton of monuments or statues to the memory of
those who, in great emergencies, took sides
against their country. Benedict Arnold was a
distinguished soldier, who fought CALAMITY for
his country in the French war, and for more than
half of the Revolutionary war. then turned
traitor. and attempted to transfer the important
post of West Point to the British general and
failing to accomplish his object, took refuge in
England, among his friends, for the remainder
of his life. have never heard that any one pro-
posed even statue for him in this coun-
try The Tories of the Revolution were
many of them good men whose only sin was that
they adhered to the flag under which they were
born and were opposed TO separating the colonies
from the mother country, and yet at the con-
clusion of the war the colonies were too hot to
hold them and they took refuge among their
friends in other countries. 1t has never been
proposed to erect in this country at least, monu-
ments to commemorate their loyalty to the Brit
ish flag.
Two great generals of the war of the rebellion
have just died-McClelan and Hancock-the one
placed in false position by his political friends
in 1864, who declared the war for the Union a
failure, the other a gallant and skilful corps
commander. and both deserve to be commemo-
rated by suitable monuments. And it
slnyas to sus See D sast aFeSfh as
as George w. Childs, of Philadelphia, the widow
of General Hancock is to be provided for, and
Congress will no doubt make suitable provision
for her, likewise. Horatio Seymour has also
just departed this life, and must say of him.
nil isl Tha
man Of ability; a pleasant, amiable gentleman,
honest and upright in his dealings, but he was a
copperhead. He found fault with everything
the army and the loyal people did towards put
ting down the Rebellion. No unprejudiced per-
son can read his speeches made during the war
and reach any other conclusion His speech in
the city of New York. in 1863, inspired the draft
riots. the burning of orphan asylums and the
dreadful murders by the mob of that city. Shall
he too, have a monument IL so. I hope
the inscription upon it will be taken from some
of the speeches made by him in depreciation of
the war. If he has a monument. then hope
some of the dead leaders of our Sons of Liberty
and Knights of the Golden Circle who came SO
near overturning civil government in Indiana in
1863, may also be similarly honored. 1. may be
true that such monuments would be an insult to
every gallant soldier who fought for the Union of
the States, and it is possible the indignty would
be greater than could be borne in peace Cyrus
W. Field who, though an American, was always
worshipper of England has twice erected
monument to Andre, the SPY whom Washington
hung il the revolution, and twice dynamite has
destroyed it. because it was put up to commemo
rate enemy of our country.
If Governor Seymour can have a monument.
then every copperhead and traitor may claim
like honor, for do not know where to draw the
line But SO long as they live the loyal people
can never forget the agonies and sacrifices which
these men caused by giving aid and comfort to
our enemies. Thousands of families mourn the
loss OF husbands and sons, whose lives were
thrown away because these men would not
encourage the Union army but chose rather to
embarrass it and aid the rebels These things
must not be forgotten, for if they are, then 10y
atty and patriotism count for nothing.
EoT SPRINGS. Ark, Feb. % Ne L. BuNpY.