The National tribune., 1886-12-30
AS A STATESMAN.
Gen. Logan's Brilliant Record In Doth Houses OF
Congress.

Gen. Iogan's Brilliant Record In Doth Houses or
Congress.
Soon after the close Of the war an attempt
was made by certain New York politicians TO
induce several leading Generals, particularly
those who had been members Of the Democratic
party before tke war, 10 become permanently al
lied with that party. IL was believed that Grant
and Logan ldeasily fall into the scheme, and
a monster meeting was held In the Cooper ln-
stitute. New York June z, 1865 at which they
were prominent guests AT this meeting Gen.
Grant was called on for a speech, but as was
his custom, simply bowed TO the enthusiastic
assemblage in Acknowledgement Of the compli-
ment. Gen. Logan spoke, but was very guarded
in his utteFanoes, and said nothing which
would encourage the Democratic leaders in
their plan.
In July following he made remarkable
speech in Louisville, Ky. lie boldly stood up
before the shareholders of that State and not
only pleaded with them 10 adopt the then pend
ing 18th Constitutional amendment, but 10 lib
crate their slaves voluntarily and without pay
mcut arguing that Il would be in the interest
Of their own material prosperity TO do 50. II
was Z brave speech 10 deliver under such cir
cumstances aud 10 such audience. Gen.
Logan was fully committed TO the perpetual
ABoLsHMENT OF HUMAN SLAVERY,
and whenever he spoke in public on this sub
j
| understood.
In the campaign Of 1866 Gen Logan showed
himself TO be in full accord with the Republican
party He took the stump ia New York, New
] Jersey and other States. and did much 81 con-
tribute 10 the success Of the party at the Fall
elections in that year. During the Winter OF
/ s6J he was nominated and confirmed by the
Senate as Minister 60 Mexico but, although
strongly urged 20 accept the honor, he declined
| il. A few months later the President con-
fcrred upon Gen. Logan another mark OF dis
tinction by rendering him the mission TO Japan,
and TINS also he refused, preferring 20 remain a
private citizen in his native State.
/ In 1866 he WAS nom minated by accamation 10y
1 the Republican state Convention Of Illinois for
Congressman at Large in the doth Congress, a
nomination which he did not seek. but which
/ hc accepted, and was elected by a majority OF
nearly $4,000. In July, lS67, he delivered in
the House Of Representatives "A powerful and
eloquent speech on the supplementary recon
struetiOn bills then pending, in which he Sc
yerely handled has political opponents in tho
North, who had charged the Republican party
in Congress with having subverted the Consti.
tuition and trampled in the dust the liberties
Of the people.
in January, lS6s, Gen. Logans comrades O
the Grand Army of the Republic elected hin
Commander rim Chief OF that Order, and subse
quently honored him aud themselves ~ :sio,
ft-eitcLlhB nm 10 AhAt ulsAlnRuiSnea pOslIloh
lt WIS during his first incuInbency that be, q
s,,,.. - - in Ghief Of the Grand Army, is
. sued the oTder-whch lac often alterward al
| luded 10 as
3 "THE PRoUDEsr ACT OF MY LIFE e.
setting apart the Both OF May as a day in mem
DRY Of the dead soldiers who lost their lives &
Q perpetuate the Unlon-a day on which TO deco
2 rate their graves and keep in mind their go
4 ri0us deeds. This order was issued from th
, headquarters in Washington, May 5, lS6c
d Since then, AS is well known. Decoration Da
! has been observed as a National holiday, al
0 most universally throughout the United Statei
< Gen. Logan was one of the managers on tb
: part Of House in the impeachment trial {
}, President Andrew Johnson His argument /
this case covered Is pages Of the COngressi0n.