New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-01-23
If THE SOUTH HAD WON.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: AS veteran of three years ser
vice in our Civil War who does not need
pension l am yes greatly interested In
the letters which appear in your columns
and your own editorials concerning the
subject Of pensions Granted that Con-
eress has done literally for the veterans
of the war. l am not an economist who is
opposed to its doing more; and my judg-
nlent in the matter is based on what
might be called the might have beer.
theory, and which theory is freely used
by Macaulay and other historians.
Had the Marlborough Of the South sue
ceeded in Remembering the Union, he
would have increased the area which he
had won by the conquest, or voluntary
Union, OF Kentucky, Missouri, the Indian
TERRITORY New Mexico and Arizona. In all,
or nearly all, of which slavery would have
been perpetuated. Just look al the map
and see what this means It is not TO be
supposed that either the broken Union or
the new Confederacy would be strong
enough, or eager enough. TO attempt the
preservation Of the Monroe Doctrine.
That doctrine would be blown TO the winds.
Germany would have obtained in Brazil
the outlet she covets; other European ma
tons would help themselves 10 such por-
tons OF South America as they wished,
and we could not have prevented their in
reference, while the abomnation OF desc
lation caused by the misrule OF Spain
would still exist in the Islands Of Cuba
and Porto Rico.
1t is beyond credence that the North and
the South, under separate governments
and lately engaged in fratricidal strife,
should live together in peace. Forts and
hayonets would bristle along Mason and
DNon's line, and war or war scares would
be ever present. and American securities
might be worth as much as 50 cents on the
dollar
These things would have become realities
If General Lee had won in his great fight.
That he did not win and that this land Of
ours IS to-day one Of the most powerful
and respected countries in the world, in
stead Of being the vassal of others is due
absolutely TO the valor and faithfulness.
even unto death. of the boys I'm blue. They
fought as patriots for their own inheri-
lance, and they saved IT by undyins de-
votion I'm the days Of fire and blood which
tried mems souls They marched and
fought and hungered and thirsted during
four years of conflict, often in the gloom
of defeat, but still they held on until final
victory was achieved.
And now. other men, who are reaping the
prosperity secured 10 them by the herosm
Of the boys in blue, grudge 10 tho remnant
that is left OF those brave fellows the sum
Of S2)O,mo.oOO a year in compensation for a
priceless heritage and the averting Of great
and innumcrable woes.
And what about the retired volunteer
officers bill? WIN tho Congress Of to-day
forswear the pledge If the Congresses of
1sel-'65. and the pledge Of President Lin
coin. that regular and volunteer officers Of
the Civil War should he treated alike I'm all
acts of Congress? That pledge has So far
been broken several times. and yet. II odd
Abe" were here would he not saw. Gentle
men. our word is a sacred thing. Let us
keep IT,?
HENRY MURRAY CALVERT.
Brooklyn. Jan. 20. 1911