Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-18
WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 10, 1897.
MIR. WISE AND THE G. A. II.

Yesterday we republished letter writ
ten to the Brooklyn standardization by
Mr.. Barton ii. Wise, of this city. in which
those who oppose extending an invita-
iion to the Grand Army of the Republic
10 meet here, were characterized as
"mossbacks," etc. Now. we have note
from Mr.. Wise In which he expresses re-
gret that he should have used such Ian
guage, and retracts it all.
This Is we'll We cannot see how he
could have done otherwise, after having
Ills attention called TO his Objectionable
EXPRESSIONS. But this incident only
serves to show how very unfortunate
1t Is that the Grand Army of the Re-
public scheme was ever preached here
and how unwlse it is for its advocates
10 continue TO insist upon extending the
Invitation after r. e. Lee Camp has
taken the action that II has. What we
have feared all along has come TO pass
We Richmonders have fallen to quar-
relling among ourselves. As yet, the dis
puto is beinG kept within tolerable
bounds. but charges made or epithets
used by one side arc sure TO be followed
by high-tempered language from the
other. and so the quarrel will 90 on.
We have ever recognized that on both
sides OF this question are men OF worth
and influence in our social and business
life. We should grieve To see these Sc
parated into factions. Ten times the
probable profit TO be derived from a visit
to Richmond OF the Grand Army of the
Republic could not compensate this COM
munity for the creation of schism,
here, such as is threatened.
What Will it profit US TO make peace
with the Grand Army of the Republic
people If we are to make war among our
selves! This is view we wish the
Young Mems Business Association would
take. And they would better take
further time 10 consider. If their scheme
be the meritorious one they think it is,
Il Will lose nothing by delay and it may
as well be presented in 1898 as in 1897.
But TO return TO Mr.. Wise's letter: We,
Of course, think he made a big mistake
in using the language that he did. but
We cannot but commend the promptness
and manliness with which he acknow-
lodges his error. Here Is his letter:
Richmond. Va, August II, 1897.
TO the Editor Of the Dispatch:
In an editorial contained in your issue
OF to-day, you quote an extract from
an article written by me. relative 10 the
proposed encampment of the Grand Army
OF the Republic in this city. which APP
peared in the Brooklyn Standardization
of recent date.
Permit me 10 state, in justice to many
citizens OF Richmond for whom / enter
tain high regard, as well as in justice
To myself, that when L saw the article
In print, IL was a source of regret
TO me that / had expressed myself in
tho words used. when / wrote that the
class OF persons opposing the invitation
20 the Grand Army OF the Republic did
not represent 1.-The intellect, industry,
character or numerical majority of this
city" The article in question was
hastily prepared. and not revised, and
did not realize until it appeared in print.
that had conveyed a very different i'm
preston from what 4 had intenGea TO
convey. What ] then had in mi-d. an1
what 1 now believe Is. that the action OF,
the Young Mems Business Association
Is approved by the great majority OF the
men who are active In our city's lie
to-day.
In justice TO myself, even more than
10 those to whom the sentence quoted
might be held 10 apply l very cheer
fully retract II. No one Is more willing
than myself TO accord the due need OF
praise 10 the veterans who have helped
build up and advance the interests OF the
city OF Richmond.
BARTON III. WISE.