Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-11-04
A TRUE STORY.
Congressman Rockwell illustrates Repub-
Hcan Love for the Soldier.

Congressman Rockwell illustrates Repub-
Hcan Love for the Soldier.
Hon. 81. Fl. Rockwell, of Elmira, gives
IN The Gazette of that city the follow
ing case illustrating the hollowness of
Republican love for the old soldier:
Everybody in Elmira knows David K.
Bunnell, of Baldwin post, G.. A. R. For
years Comrade Bunnell was shoemaker
in the employ of J. Richardson & Co.,
and had their respect and regard, as he
did that of every one who knew him.
His eyesight failed and he was forced
to abandon his employment and knew
no other trade whereby to earn a liveli-
hood. When Mr.. Cleveland became
president Mr.. Bunnell was appointed a
guard in the treasury department, a
position for which his integrity and sol
dierly qualities eminently fitted him.
He held the position till last fall, when
the pressure of Republican oficeholders
became SO strong that he was told he
would have to give way for Repub-
lican.
Naturally he was crushed. 1t meant
the deprival of means of subsistence for
himself and family. 1t meant depend
ence-possibly pauperism. He went to
Assistant Secretary Nettleton and made
the appeal. The secretary sympathized
with him, admitted his efficiency and
expressed regret at the situation, but
claimed to be powerless in the matter
Finally he said, "Bunnell, if you can
get the recommendation Of some promi-
nent Republican of your city or state l
may be able to keep you" 1t was ray
Of hope. Senator Fassett was to be in
Washington in few days to attend d
meeting of the national committee and
Bunnell had known him since boyhood.
AS a member of the campfire committee
Of Baldwin post he had entertained Mr..
Fassett and heard him dilate in glowing
and eloquent terms on his love for the
veteran soldier. 81 think" he said,
"that Mr. Fassett will recommend me, "
to which the secretary replied that
would make it all right.
Mr.. Fassett came to Washington, and
Mr.. Bunnell went to see him and stated
the case with confidence in Fassetts
goodness of heart and love for the sol
der. He pleaded with the earnestness
of q despairing man in behalf of himself
and family, saying that by a single word
Fassett could save an old neighbor and
his dependents from restitution. Mr..
Fassett heard him through, and then,
with frank brutality and unnecessary
cruelty, said: ''Mr. Bunnell, know
what you say is true. I know that you
were good soldier and are good citi-
zen. But l also know that you are
good Democrat, and | shall recommend
to the secretary to put some good Re
publican in your place as soon as he can
find him." That was all.
Since then Comrade Bunnell has been
doing odd jobs as he could catch them,
earning q mere pittance. [ have been
in his room in Washington-up five
flights of stairs-where with bed,
table, chair and small stove he has
lived and sweltered through the long
months cooking his own food when he
could get it to cook, patiently searching
employment and hoping against hope
that he may be spared the necessity of
going to soldiers home and leaving his
family dependent.
Recently he met with an accident and
now lies on his pallet with broken ribs
and bruised body, with no one to care
for him or minister to him in his pain
and suffering, and it was in this con-
dition that his comrades of Baldwin
post found him when they visited Wash
ington at the recent encampment.