The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-11-28
Democrats and the Grand Army.

Democrats and the Grand Army
The action of the democratic members of
the Grand Army of the Republic in
Indiana in withdrawing from that
organization, an account of which
is contained in our dispatches this
morning, will, in all probability, be fol
loved by the democrats of the organization
in other states. Members have been CON
WINGED for long time that it was repub-
lican institution, and that it was being used
to advance the interests of the Republican
party They have hesitated, however, to
sever their connection with it because there
are some things connected with it of which
they approve. The late presidential cam
paign satisfied them, however, that they
could not continue their connection with II
and retain their self-respect.
In many loca Ii ties it openly announced its
support of the Republican party, and the
efforts to bulldoze all its memb ers into sup
porting the republican presidential ticket
were so offensive that the democratic men,
bers found their situation very unpleasant
1t is stated that in pos,s where the republi-
cans were greatly in the majority the fam
lilies Of democratic members were ostra-
cised, and in other ways made to feel that
they were not acceptable members of the
community.
The constitution of the grand army ex-
cludes politics from the organization, but
when did republicans respect constitutions
and laws which were in the way of their
purpose? 1t is notorious that for years the
grand army has quietly aided the Republi-
in I,,ct
are not wanting in which it has boldly pro
claimed its sympathy with that party.
1t is, of course, right that men should be
free to express their political views and act
in accordance with them, but they ought TO
do so in a legitimate way. The republicans
of the grand army ought to exert their
pol itical influence through organizations
outside of that institution, because they
have pledged themselves not to drag il into
politics. They have preferred, however, to
forget their pledges AID violate Their con
stitution and the result is what might have
been expected
The democrats of the grand army will
withdraw and form an organizatioHof their
own. The character of the grand army
will undergo complete change. 1t will no
longer be known as a benevolent orsauiza-
ton made up of ex-union veterans without
respect to political preferences. 1t will be
great political club, and will be more
than ever a Dulldozing instrument to
further the purposes of the Republican
party.
Gen. Palmer was the first to announce his
purpose to withdraw from it. Soon after
the election be declared that it had been
used against him in his candidacy for gov
ernor of Illinois, and that, therefore, he
could not conscientiously remain member
of it. He did not ask its assistance, because
he knew it could not give that under its
constitution. He did request, however. that
it should not use its influence against him.
In Indiana, Mr. Matson, the democratic
gubernatorial candidate, was opposed by
the grand army, and there are reasons for
thinking that if it hal not been for its &C
tivity he would have been elected. In other
states its influence was felt in marked
degree.
Doubtless the democratic members of the
organization will be severely criticised for
withdrawing from it. but there is no doubt
they are taking the proper course Indeed,
there is no other course open to them, unless
they are willing to give up their political
principles and join the republican members
in making the grand army the greatest
political machine that has ever been known.