The Forrest City times., 1898-07-29
EX-CONFEDERA1ESDLD
Their Loyalty to the Stars and
Stripes Never More To Be
Questioned.
PRESIDENT M'KRlErs PATRIOTIC SPIRIT.
Cost in Blood and Treasure" For the
Love 1t Brings TO Union AID censea-
crate veterans--vicws of Col. Foreycs
on the Result of the Present War.

Love II Brings TO Union AID ceases-
crate Neterans--vicws Of Col. Fordycs
on the Result of the Present War
In the July number of Confederate
Veteran, monthly magazine published
at Nashville, Tenn. ,.Col. $. w. Fordyce,
the well known railroad manager, gives
his views, at the request of the editor,
of the spirit exhibited by the Confed-
crate element in the south in connec-
tion with the present war with Spain.
Col. Fordyce, as is we'll known, was q
gallant Union soldier, though probably
no other man in the south, and especi-
ally in this state, is held in higher
esteem by his old "enemies in battle"
Taking up his residence in Arkansas
shortly after the war. and having min
gled with the old soldiers of the "lost
cause" in everyday life and at their re-
unions and gatherings for the past 80
years, COL Fordyce has been enabled
to judge correctly of the patriotic spirit
which prompted them in 1s6l65 to con-
tend on battle field for that which to
them seemed to be the right. Col. For
dyce is an honorary member of Arkan-
sas Division, United Confederate veter-
ans, an honor bestowed in recognition
of many acts" of kindness shown the
members of the division Below is given
the letter of Col Fordyce to the Con-
federate Veteran:
ITO the ex-Federal soldier and to
those of the north who have lived
among these ex-Confederates since the
ClnSa nf tho hat tot
and who have had opportunity to Judge
of the character of these brave and true
men, it was no surprise when, at the
presidents first and second call for
troops, they responded as promptly and
with as much alacrity as did the vet.
erans of the north. They are now vieing
with their quondam adversarics in the
army and navy. and sharing in the
glory OF victories on sea and land.
There is now no longer any north,
south, east or west, excepting as to the
geographical division of the country.
All glory alike in
union OF hearts union Of hands,
union none can sever;
union OF lakes, union of lands,
The flag OF our union forever
''It is especially gratifying to the
patriotic people of the north, as it must
be to those of the south; that noble
scion Of the house of Lee was immedi-
ately assigned by the president to an
important command in the volunteer
army of the United States. The plain
and direct statement OF Fitzhugh Lee
rs to the condition of affairs in Cuba,
under Spanish rule, was accepted by
the country he represented SO well as
sufficient cause for our president to ask
that the Spanish government recall
her army Of occupation, and recognize
the independence of Cuba. The refusal
OF this request on the part of Spain was
deemed sufficient for declaration of
war by this government. A call for
volunteers was made which was re-
sponded to at once by the ex-oflicers
and soldiers of the Confederate army, as
we'll as by their descendants. An OPP
portunity was thus offered to demon
strate their PATRIOTISM and love for q
reunited and common country, thus
forever eliminating what is commonly
known as "bloody shirt" politics in
this country. Foreigners, not familiar
with the character of our free-born
American citizens, must stand amazed
at the spectacle of Wheeler leading the
advance of our army against Santiago
when we recall the fact that he once
led the advance and covered the retreat
of an army opposing the flag he is now
so bravely defending. How sublime
the thought that the one-legged and
one-armed Butler and Oats are now
serving as generals under that same
flag before which they fell wounded
nigh unto death in the war between
the states. Opportunity only is lacking
for thousands of the rank and file of
ex-Confederates to show to the world
that they would do battle for and, if
need be, die, in defense Of their gov
ernment and flag.
The unanimity with which the ex-
Confederates in congress voted money
and supported measures in aid of a
vigorous prosecution of the war with
Spain must command the admiration
of all the people north as well as south.
and shows to the world that we stand
together, a band of brothers, If need be
in battle array against the armies of
the world. This war with Spain is
worth all it will cost in blood and treas
ure, for the love it brings each for the
other and the confidence it begets be-
tween the ex-soldiers OF both armies,
as well as the fraternal feeling it will
create between the people of all the
states.
1.-The president has demonstrated his
patriotism and magnanimity, as well
as his far-seeing sagacity, in making
no distinction between the ex-soldiers
of the Union and Confederate armies in
the distribution of commissions for inn
portant commands. He has sho1n to
the country that while we are divideo
on political lines as to what policy is
best for the happiness and prosperity
of the people in times of peace, that no
partiality will be shown for or against
any political party in time of war, and
that no distinctions will be made be-
tween the ex-soldiers of the armies
that once fought for and against the
union.
with such an unselfish and patriotic
spirit evineed by the chief executive.
fully equalled by the brave and chival-
rous ex-Confederates. in this contest
with Spain is there cause for all
the people to rejoice in reunited re-
public9 20. W. FoRDYcK."