The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-04-07

not know. however. that the brutal muir
der of Mr.. Lincoln had aroused in the
minds of the Northern people a deep feel
inRof resentment which would not tolerate
the remnant of tho rebel forces. The fatal
bullet shot by Booth bad changed the
whole situation. But for this desperate
act the whole history of reconstru ction
WOULD have been reversed. General Sher-
man believed In and sought to carry ont
the policy of Mr.. Lincoln. The terms of
surrender were tentative. and the condi-
tiOns were entirely subject to the super
vision of the executive authorities. but, in
stead of being submitted to the generous
and forgiving patriot who had fallen, they
were passed upon in the shadow of a great
crime by stern ana relentless enemies. who
had not consented to the conditions I'M
posed oy General Grant upon Gencra al Lee.
and who would have disregarded them
had not General Grant threatened to re-
sign upon their refusal 10 carry out his
TERMS.
when the arrangement with General
Johnston was submitted TO President john
son and MIR. Stanton 10 was rejected with
the insulting intimation that it proceeded
either from cowardice or treachery. The
old cry against General Sherman was
again started 1t was even imputed that
he would attempt TO play the part of
Cromwell or military usurper. The gener-
Gus kindness of Grant caIne TO his relief.
new terms were agreed on and the war
closed.
lit seemed to be the fate of General sher-
man that when he was most clearly right,
tested by subsequent events, he was
deemed to be clearly wrong. His services
were rejected when he urged prompt
action. He was adiudged insane when his
mind was most clear. and wds deemed
false to his trust ut the close of the war.
when he endeavored to carry out tho
policy and instructions of Lincoln.
Il close this brief and imperfect refer.
ence TO the military services of General
Sherman with the pageant that will DO
forever engraved upon my memory, and be
preserved In history as one of the most I'M
posing civic demonstrations or all time.
review of the Union armies was ordered Oh
the 9th and 25th days of Nav. 1865. Then
dred thousand real soldiers, thoroughly
disciplined. and equal to any that ever
marched in Roman triumph. composed of
two armies, who. fighting in the same
cause in distant fields of operation. had
he ro,; me. SG hr nna o na tha;r "orr
trymen in commemoration of the closing
scenes of q memorable war
General Sherman took deep interest In
this pageant, especially in the appearance
and conduct of the troops he had so long
commanded. The only cry of eXultatiOn |
ever heard him utter was hen he mounted
his horse to take his place at the head OF
the line on the second day of the review.
Speaking for himself and his army. he
the prime Of manhood fortv. WV s'v wears
old. and felt that his place In history and
in the hearts of his coun trym men as secure.
He proudly rode along the length of Penn
sylvania avenue. from the Capitol to the
White House. receiving the acclamatlons
and covered with flowers by a grateful
people. and was received by the President
and General Grant, surrounded by an en-
thusiastic multitude OF patriotic citizens.