New-York tribune., 1903-02-01
WORK OF UNION LEAGUF
What Henry Cze7cs Says of Tt an
Its EarH Dams.

Henry Clews. who was one Of the three hun
dred and fifty members OF the Union League
Club who escorted the negro regiment when il
started for the seat Of war In 1854 says OF
the club
THE Union League Club was founded by a
number Of distinguished and representative
citizens of New-York In the dark days Of the
beginning OF that great struggle whose fna!
issue has placed before the world the greatest
Union and the strongest league Of States In t.s
history. The club has. ever since It's inception
labored ceaseIessly In li5erty's cause. Its starr.
ing point and its goal are patriotism; within ttz
walls sprang up that faith IN the nations des-
tiny. that hope for her great future that must
perforce bring forth that far reaching charity.
broad in its scope and wise in its distribution
and that stands the clubs proudest heritage.
In that great crisis In our history, the soul trv
ing time of the Rebellion it's members came
forward one man-a1I considerations OF time
purse and self were thrust aside-that It's aid
might be everywhere extended IN the cause os
freedom. Their example Of absolute devotion
and loyalty 10 country alone an immense
stimulus 20 that cause bat beyond that were
the material results accomplished through the
outpouring of financial aid. the record OF which
will stand undying honor to the Union
League Club as long as our great city stands
THE first and the greatest aid was in upheld
Ing the arms Of the government when It's very
existence was in peril The government credit
fast ebbing away when by and through the
members of the Union League men OF highest
standing in the world of trade and finance she
tide was turned and a golden stream poured
into the nations treasury. making possible the
preservation Of the republic. Then there was
the mastering and equipment Though in the
face Of strong opIositionl Of three regiments OF
cotored men. the 18th under CoIone! Nelson p
Bartram; the 18th. under Colonel William Sill
man. and the 31st under Colonel Henry c
Ward. The club proclaimed the negro a man
and citizen, and placed his suffrage On a level
with that of the whites.
There are many who may recall the march OF
of these regiments down Broadway from
the clubhouse. which was then at Broadway
and Seventeenth-st. Not all Of New -York's IN
habitants then the stanchly loyal men they
should have been, and many mutterings and
threats were heard against the proposed march,
but march the regiment did, and that between
two crowds full enough of enthusiasm to sweep
away any hostile intent. The comfort and sue
cor extended by the club to the thousands OF
the sick and wounded, the tired and waybound
soldiers passing through the city, need no en-
corniums. Abundant support was in turn given
10 the great fair that poured 81 100000 into ths
treasury Of the sanitary fund. An immense
work was carried on IN fitting up the Gec1rn7tsd
ranks at the front-no less than 100000 was
subscribed with which TO procure the necessary
substitutes.
The sum Of the financial aid extended BY the
club and through its members. men representing
the greatest financial institutions in the country.
heads of great business firms. and capitalists,
would be found TO exceed that subscribed by
all the rest Of New-York together. Not only
-he record. but the sequence. would be tacon-
pIete did We not include that charity for the
dead, that last tender and reverenr care for
those who had given their lives. their all in the
cOuntry's defence. In hOnOrtng them, in bear
ing them on their way to their last resting place.
it honored itself. And after the struggle was
over when the echoes Of strife were husned.
came that broad minded charity in welcoming
back the wanderers from the fold and helping
them to become once more loyal and true An1eri-
cans. Within it's clubhouse has always existed
ferfng opinions. Questions may have arisen that
nations life ard safety. but the club has
avoided all dangers through the charity, the
decorurn the gentIemanIy honor that have ever
animated it's members In the higher Held OF
municipal action it came forth as a champion
Of honest government, and wrested the city from
the hands Of the Infamous Tweed and his associ-
ates In the narrower in the broader field
it has always fought for stainless freedom
Under the agis OF its protection can never De
found doubters or deniers Of American tnsriru-
tions-there is no charity, rolerance for such
but the steady onward march Of brave and
loyal men toward the attainment Of the Ideal o.
pure and patriotic government and citizenship
beyond reproach.