The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1892-04-07
.SHERMAN'S CAREER
The Senator Sketches That of the
General
IN CALIFORNIA AND THE SOUTH
His Patriotism-The Charge of Insnnity--Hov
AncOln's Assassination Changed the
Plea of Reconstruction

NEW YORK, April Cat the Loyal
Legion banquet tonight Senator Sherman
responded to the toast in honor of the
memory of General w. T. Sherman. In an
interesting speech of great length, he re-
viewed the career OF the general from
early childhood. He spoke about the
warm confidence and affection which had
always existed between them; told how
they separated after the death of their
father and stated at that time when the
general went to West Point there COM
menced between them correspondence
which continued up to within one week of
the generals death, only interrupted when
the thread of their lives brought them to-
gether at Washington. He detailed the
generals career in California, through the
gold excitement, as banker and lawyer
told about his return to the east and en-
ployment in military academy in Louis
lana. AS TO the general taking sides in the
war, the Senator said the motive which
led him into it was his intense patriot
ism. Secession would destroy the
union and therefore he was opposed to Sc
cession. This is certain, he did not enter
the military service on account of slavery,
Tor his sympathies and friendships were
largely with the south. In letter written
in the fall of 1854 congratulating mis-
brother upon his election as member to
Congress, he said: LAS young member.
L hope you Will not be too forward, espe-
clalIy on the question of slavery which, it
seems, is rising every year more and more
pinto question of real danger, notwith-
standing compromises. Having lived
great deal in the south, think | know
n icO mn oIaO,,t
II 1t were new question no one would
contend for introducing it, but this is an old
and historic fact that you must take as you
find itn
After reviewing General Sherman's
resignation from the Louisiana acad-
envy, ETC., the senator said
the general came to Washington in March.
1861, TO advise the>authorities of the condi-
ton of affairs in the south and offer his
services. He was amazed at the apathy
he found. He talked to President Lincoln,
who said he hoped they would not need
soldiers. What was said by Lincoln was
kindly meant, but it had an unpleasant
Effect upon General Sherman. who, when
leaving, said to his brother: "These men
are sleeping on volcano but l have done
my duty"
The Senator touched on the attack of
certain newspapers on the general az the
time of his assertion that 100000 troops
would be required to open up the Missis-.
slppl river and said in reference thereto:
u knew full well the charge of insanity
was false, and understood better than any
one else his strong opinions as to the ma
ture OF the war and how easily his frank
and open, but true, declaration could be
be used as evidence of tinidity or even in
sanity"
The Senator went on to show how the
drift OF events soon gave Sherman an op-
poriunity to demonstrate his sanity.
Speaking of his part in the battle of Shiloh.
the Senator said that there commenced his
friendship with General Grant, which.
like Damon ana Pythias, has been made
the subject of song and story. 1t was one
OF the most Interesting incidents of the
war and continued uubroken while both
lived.
Speaking OF the row which was raised
over the first surrender arranged between
Sherman and johnson, the Senator said he
knows that the general believed in agree
ing TO those terms. He was carving out
the policy outlined by President Lincoln in
the famous interview at Hampton Roads.
He did not know, however, that the brutal
murder of Lincoln had aroused in the
minds of the northern people a deep feeling
OF resentment which would not tolerate
the liberal terms granted to Johnston and
the remnant of the rebel forces The fatal
bullet had changed the whole situation.
But for this desperate act, the whole his
tory of reconstruction would have been re-
versed. AS it was, the old cryagainst
Sherman was again started until the gem
erous kindness of General Grant came to
his relief; new terms were agreed on and
the war closed.
Speaking of the traits of tie generals
character, the Senator said he was distin
guished first of all from early boyhood for
love and veneratiou for, ana obedience to.
his mother and affection for his family. He
spoke OF the affection in the army for Uncle
Billy