The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-22
THE GREAT ACT OF president
M'kINLEl.

vi hINlIl1.
Nothing more unwise has ever been
done than Populist Buffers resolution
offered in the Senate for the government
Of the United States TO pension Conied-
crate soldiers. The Times stated the sem
timentai side of the case Yesterday and
II is now in order 10 remark that II II
were wise and well for the Confederate
soldier to seek government Pensions. tie
present is not the time 10 ask for them
If the government ever does pension Con-
fedcrate soldiers it will be after there
has been far greater discussion of the
subject than has yet been had, and But
ler's premature rush TO place himself at
the head Of the procession can have no
other effect than 10 disgust those who
otherwise might have been found adfo-
eating the measure. If Confederate soil
diers are ever pcnsioned it will be upon
the invitation Of Northern men ana not
of Southern Populist who has not spe-
cial claims even TO represent Confederate
soldiers that we ever heard Of
We deprecated this movement yesterday
as earnestly as we could; nevertheless 1t
is not to be denied that it promises TO
loom Up as one of great proportions in
q very short time. We hate the thought
of the battered old Confederate soldiers
in the attitude Of beggars and receivers
Of aims. but poor men will inevitably
clutch at any relief that seems at hand
and if the country will listen TO the plea
there will be a plenty of men TO argue
that as the south pays her part OF the
taxes she should receive her equitable
proportion of what is paid out. As for
the sentimental consideration from the
Northern standpoint of treason being
made odious." we look upon that as end
ed forever. Mr. Mckinley utterancos
IN the South will stand for Northern SEN
timent upon the subject however indi-
viduals may kick and rage and In "a short
time il will be ass much "a matter of course
for a Republican of the North TO con-
cede that the government should care for
Confederate graves as to conccde any
other matter OF course. That part of the
question was disposed of whom Mr.. Nc
Kinley made his utterance and now that
he has publicly worn Confederate
badge for a whole day he must defend
the act and require his whole party To
admit that It is a laudable deed TO wear
a Confederate badge pro0cred by Con-
fcderate soldiers who profess a loyalty %
the government of the United States
that IS not exceeded in any part of the
country.
The snibbolcth Of treason being made
odious" is now ended forever as applied
TO our Civil War, and the question Of
pensioning Confederate soldiers must
henccforth stand upon ITS merits as
question OF justice. an sentiment against
It being now put TO death We confess TO
inability 60 prophesy what extent this
movement will reach but that it is go
ing to become "a formidable one we have
not the slightest doubt
Meantime iet come Of II what may we
have no difficulty in saying that Mr.. Mc-
Hinley ia producing state of affairs
that could commence discussion of the
subject has made. Tor himself a place ia
our history that viii secure him the per-
potual gratitude OF the American people
1T was a great act for him 20
be the first President TO say That
Confederate graves should Zoe tended
by the government ana then To- publicly
wear a Confederate badge offered him
by as loyal hearts as beat IN any bosoms
in this broad land Tho man. with his
past behind him. who could rise up above
the petty and malovolent influences that
would have inclined him the other way.
10 act such a part as this, proves that
he has the heart and the brain of a
Statesman Of the first order. lie has laid
the foundation Tor "a true reconciliation
between North and South. aad his name
will be more rcNcicd m tho future for
that act than It would be II ne had con-
uuered in twenty Spanish wars