The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1895-09-26
REFUSED
To Accept a PenSiOn-A Noble
Deed by
JAMES +. CAMPBELL.
This Is Only One of Many Which Have
Endeared Him TO the Hearts of the
Brave Boys in Blue-An Echo of the
q. A. II. Encamp pment


Endeared Him to the Hearts of the
Brave Boys in BIue-An Echo of the
@. A. r.. Encampment
Thirty four years ago, says the Colum-
bus Press, James n. Campbell slender
youth of IS, residing in Butler county,
enlisted and was assigned to service in
the navy. For injuries received in that
service during battle on the Missis-
sippi river, he was granted pension.
When he applied for this pension his
health was broken and his strength i'm
paired, and he appeared to be destined to
the life of an invalid. The peUsion was
delayed, but finally granted, and when
sent TO him 1t was large sum. But he
had recovered his health and strength
and was vigorous young lawyer, with
prospects and an unconquCrablc resolu-
tion. He decliLed his pension with the
noble sentiment that his country had
needed his service, and now that his
health was restored he could not betIay
his country by accepting pension, which
rightfully belonged to those who had suf-
fered some permanent injury while in
military service. That act of Mr.. Camp
bell deserves to be ranked among the
heroic examples Of mankind whole
generation has passed and Mr., Campbell
is no longer young man. He has fire.
quently been called into tie public ser
vice in consequence of his
CAPACITY ANp INTEGRITY.
He has three times been elected to con-
gress in Ohio in republican district,
and once was governor Jt the state, and
is everywhere regarded rs one of the
largest figures in our public life, and one
of two or three western men available tor
the democratic presidential nomination
next year He is now the drafted candi-
date of his party for governor with the
most promising signs Of election. If he
should be elected governor this fall, or re-
duCe the republican majority to few
thousands, his nomination for the presi.
dency by his party is as sure rs that
spring shall another year pass into sum
mer Yet notwithstanding all his past
honors, and present dignity and pros
poets, without flourish of trumpets or
other attempt at theatrical effect or pa
geantry, he quietly went TO Louisville
with the Hamilton post, remnant OF the
old soldiers of Butler county, and in cele.
brat o on southern soil Of the twenty
ninth annual reunion of the Grand Army
of the Republic he marched in the ranks
like a private veteran in the broiling sun
lOE lllOTt lIdl lNO IbNlHf 4Nb ltltBltiill
or noisy herald proclaimed his coming or
presence No tcll-talo band celebrated
his departure from home, or announced
his arrival under the thrilling strains of
THE CAMPBELLs ARE COMING"
He had quietly gone to the house of a
friend, and when they wished to assign
him a carriage in the front Of the process
sion in the position of greatest distinction,
n. T,rr111 4 md
march with the Butler county boys. This
he did in the true spirit of u genuine com
rade. He was with them thirty and more
years ago, and he would be with them
now, and while many q little lieutenant
or captain was there, dressed in all the
glory and pomp Of military tOggery, this
distinguished son of Ohio marched along
unseen and unknown, content and happy
in the plain, but sincere Companionship of
the friends and comrades Of his youth.
This act of Governor Campbell will en-
dear him still more to the hearts and
affections of the old soldiers of the coun-
try. His sympathies are with them, and
they know IL. Like jefferson, jackson
and Thurman, his voice has been lifted in
behalf of the common people. Like these
he is democratic in every fiber Of his body
and every aspiration Of his soul. With
him justice and equality are the great
pillars upon which our government rests
and upon which it must continue to rest
If it is TO abide. Nor is it Insignificant
that at this first national reunion of blue
and gray where the lingering remnants of
the war on both sides meet about the
oampdres of perpetual peace to sing the
old songs once more and drown the spirit
Of rebellion in pathetic memory that of
all men Of national reputation either as
soldier or civilian Mr.. Campbell alone
was there. While others were at home
scheming for political advantage and
power Mr. Campbell laid aside all parti-
san strife and Joined i'm the march and
patriotic chorus of the reunited veterans,
rs clad in the blue and gray they lifted
their faces to the future, and turned their
backs to the past