The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-11-28
AN UNGRATEFUL ASSOCIATION.

At every conspicuous meeting Of the mem
bers of the G.. A. Il. Association the occasion
is always utilized by the self-styled veterans
TO blurt out the feeling of hatred of the South,
which shows no sign of abatement in them.
though over a quarter of a century has
elapsed since the close of the war This feel
ing is doubtless inherent, but at the same
time it has unqusstonably been enhanced by
the dictates of self-interest.
When we read the speech which was delv-
cred by Commander Palmer in Brooklyn a
few days ago and come to that sentence in
which with extraordinary magnanimity he de.
clares that he and his associates forgive" the
Confederate soldier the first emotion aroused
is one of amused contempt, but soon another
thought obtrudes itself. What Is it that the
Confederate soldier has done which the
charitable spirit of the G.. A. r. is
ready TO overlook and forgive? SO far from
having done anything that should expose him
TO the condemnation of the Ct. 4. r.. ought
he not to be the recipient of the earnest graft
tude of that organization? Should not the
organization rather bless than abuse him
Where would the G.. A. r. be to-day if it had
not been for the Confederate soldier? In
stead of holding him up to the censure Of
mankind they should commemorate his ex-
istence in bronze and marble as having con-
ferred more substantial benefits upon them
than all the other influences which have been
brought to bear upon their lives.
If there had been no Confederate soldier
the e. A. X. organization. now the pet Of
President and Congress. would never have
been formed. the men who compose it would
never have been in position 10 acquire the
prominence which they now possess, or 10
make any claim TO the consideration with
which they are now treated. nor would they
have been able 10 demand any pecuniary as
sstsnce of the Government or TO live en-
tirely on its bounty.
But for the Confederate soldier the mem
bers of the q. A. r. would now have been com
PEELED 10 earn an honest livelihood instead of
relying for their support upon pension
wrung from the sweat Of ard-w0rking men.
They now pass their time in ease. drawing
millions OF dollars from the national Treas
ury and on the strength Of this fact they are
laying claim to special privileges which are
and which, individually. they do not deserve
We doubt whether the whole world fur
nishes a body of men as open 10 con.
tempt as the g. A. f. Association. an
association IF professional dead beats who
are totally devoid OF the decent manners
which we discover in the ordinary type Of
beggsrs. The repeated aspersons which they
csst, tba fnlo
tho best evidences of their indifference 10 the
motives which control the general run of
men. Any other ASSOCIATION which was as
much indebted TO the Confederate soldier as
the Grand Army OF the Republic would show
their grateful appreciation of the good which
he had conferred upon them by his existence
by honoring his memory and prsising God |
that he once lived
The food that goes into the mouths Of one
half OF the G. A. X. organization. the apparel /
upon their backs. the fire that warns them !
every blessing. III short, which they enjoy. are !
directly tracesble TO the Confederate soldier.
and yet this is the reward which he gets from |
that despicable body of insrstes
They should proceed at once 10 change
their tune and their conduct Let them hang
up the Confederate flag in every q. A. X. hall
III the United States as precious relic which
has been of inestimable benefit 70
them in thor lives Let them take
the Confederate soldier by the hand
and say. To you we owe everything-our
bread. our clothes, our home, the considera.
ton with which we are treated. the content
ment OF our old age. Come. mingle with us
in our assemblies. We are your friends by
every bond of gratitude. You have done
everything for US. Let us in return do some
thing for you. At least In our relations with
you let US mend our manners and observe the
ordinary rules OF dscency in speech and con.
duct which govern respectable men,"