Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-10-08

GEN. SIGEL'S ADDRESS.
ITO Ny Comrades and the Sons OIL
Union Veterans"
In Which He Says ''Let Mckinley and Hobart
Be Your Leaders,"

Union Veterans Patriotic League. Ma
tional Headquarters, No. l East 9th ST.,
New York.
The day of the 'national election is near.
You have to deposit your votes-a sacred
act, because il should be the expression
OF your conscience. the verilication OF
your patriotism, and of your courage az
men, as citizens and as soldiers. If II
were. only the silver question about
which you have to decide you might hes
itate for want of thoroughly understand
ing Its bearing on the financial affairs OF
the country; but so much you know, that
the l6-l scheme involves, / would not
say a lie. but false proposition, which,
as honest men, you can not and will not
approve. But besides this, there are 9TH
er questions you have to consider. as inn
portaE and even more so, than the de-
mand for unlimited coinage of silver. The
demand OF the silverites tends to a finan-
ciai revolution, reputation and ruin; that
or the Populistic extremists to the sub
version of social order. a war of masses
against classes and the possession of
wealth. They strike against the very
foundation of the American Republic. de-
hying the right of man to enjoy the fruits
or his labor and the acquisition OF wealth
by his genius or talent, by his industry
and perseverance. They would like to
landlordism and state-monopolism ana by
an army of state-superintendents,
their myrmidons, catch-polis and spies.
What do they care about the great sac
rilices of the late war for the restoration
of the Union? What about the dcprecia-
ton of the pensions on which the .vete-
rams and their families or their widows
and orphans depend for the rest of their
days? What do the silverites, Populists
and Anarchists care about the supreme
court. the arbiter in interstate troubles
and litigations, political and civil? What
will become of the independence and i'm
Partially of the court when its members
will be debased to mere servants of the
majority of Congress, and tools of PARTS
anism and a subservient President
Where then is any guarantee against in
ternal strife, secession, war and dsn-
adopted. Republicans or Democrats. po-
litcally. you are nothing else but Ameri-
cans. The American republic is your
country and that Of your children and
basis of the constitution, the laws and
institutions of the land which you de-
Tended, and will defend. and do not sub
nit to the eccentric demands and agita-
lions of its open or secret enemies.
Let Mckinley and Hobart be your lead
ers! They will not deceive you nor en-
danger the liberties of our common coun-
try!
Sons of Veterans. You are the descen-
dants of patriotic and brave men. You
have inherited their names. inscribed on
the rolls of honor many of them made
famous by their deeds of valor and high
positions gained Many of you were born
during the thunder and lightning of bat
re. the anguish. sorrows and privations
of your mothers. Many of you grew up
perhaps. in want and poverty. but all of
you participate in what was regained ana
preserved by the patriotic and self-sac-
riticing valor of the Grand Army of Re
pubicans and Democrats. now dead or
living. We count upon you in this crisis
and expect. that neither by Indifference
nor negligence you will be prevented from
assisting us in maintaining what your
fathers gained and what is your greatest
Inheritance; the unity and safety. the
power and prosperity of the American
republic.
Sincerely your comrade and friend
f. SIGET..
II. Late Maj. Gen'l of Vols.