The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-29
RENOUNCES THE PARTY.
An Ex.Union Soldier Democrat of Hancock
County Cannot Stand His Party Longer.

The following letter from Jared c. Meek, a
soldier of the Fifth Indiana Cavalry, explains
itself. It will be good reading for his fellow
soldiers throughout the State
20 the Editor ofethe Indianapolis Journals:
The Declaration of independence say: 'When
in the course of human events it becomes neces-
sary for one people to dissolve the political
bands which have connected them with another,
and to assume among the powers of the earth,
the separate and equal station to which the laws
of nature and of natures God entitle them, de-
cent respect to the opinions of mankind requires
that they should declare the causes which impel
them to the separation"
In like manner it is meet and proper for an
individual when he finds it necessary to vindi-
cate his independence of political parties with
which he has long been associated to declare his
independence of them, and show forth to those
who have right to know the causes which i'm
pei him to the separation.
My early associations and training impelled
me to cast my first presidential ballot for Gen
Winfield Scott In the organization of the Re-
publican party in 1906 the principles set forth in
the platform were more nearly in accord with
my ideas of justice and liberty than any other
party organization. so my lot was immediately
and enthusiastically cast with the Republican
party. During the great struggle for the dis
membermeut of the Nation and the perpetuation
of that blacklist stain upon the American es-
cutcheon-human slavery, adhered to the Re-
publican cause, which was the cause
of patriotism and of human lib
was not formal or inactive; but took uson N.Y.
self the oath of fidelity and allegiance to my
country and entered her service, where the ties
which bound me to the cause of country and
humanity were welded in the fires of battle No
man can better show forth his love for PRINCIPLES
than by their vindication upon the field of bat
tle When our cause was INDICATED and the
boys came once more to the arbitriment of cues
tions by the peaceful, precious means provided
by our benehcent country, the ballot, still
continued to vote with the Republicans till re.
construction, civil rights and the three great
historic amendments 10 the Constitution con-
summated the great struggle and the broadcast
human liberty was no longer a myth but real
lied fact (technically at least) in ''the land Of
the free and the home of the brave"
At the close of Grants first administration
when the Republican party had finished the
great work of emancipation, ahd established the
unity of the Nation, to my mind it began to
grow corrupt by its long lease of power The
credit mobilier schemes, and other evidences of
corruption, led me TO the conclusion that it
would be better for the country and q means of
purifying the Republican party if change in
admiLit tration could be effected, thus teaching
corrupt politicians that the tenure of power de-
pended UPON purity OF administration and the
confidence 4 voters. Accordingly in the Sec
ond Grant campaign, avowed myself favorable
TO change in administration, and voted for
Horace Greeley During the fourteen years sue
ceeding that CAM paign have voted and labored
with the Demo4ratic party. listening to and be-
lieving in its Professions that II gYen the oppor-
tunity it would effect a civil revolution in its
.sresrenchment& Ind reform"
Every platfodTn, every campaign document
every DemocEaxc orator from Dan yooshees
down TO tne croks-roads politician. has pledged
the Democrats karty TO nhdying love and graft
tude for the fsd u soldier; 70 b vindieation 81
his rights: "a ju legislation making him equal
~ BIZ claims u bonaholder; % : pEoferenee