Year: 1868

The Grand Army oGfhe Republic
| and General Kise-A Card from


the General Explaining RHis


Connection with that order,


and Exposing Hts Partisan


Character.


We copy from the Boone County Indiana J
Pioneer the following card from General
Kise, which explains itself:


Some time ago the Republican paper at
this rlace charged me with being member
of the Grand Army of the Republic, and
pointed to its false assertion as evidence that
the organization above mentioned was not
political in its character. do not know
that these charges merit any further notice
than already been given them through the
columns of the Pioneer, by my direction and
authority; but for the information of all who
have read the statement'of the Republican
organ, and have not seen denial of them
from me, have thought proper to publish
this card, over my own signature, and to
say, once for ALL that have no connection
with Grand Army Of the Republic what
ever, and no sympathy with its present OBJ
jects and purposes


Some time in 1866, beliye, after repeat
ed solicitations from persons with whom |
mad associated in the army, and who had
every reason to think were my friends, and
| upon the most solemn assurances that the
aims of the Grand Army of the Republic
were of purely benevolent character, join
ed the order. | never for one moment
thought that in so doing l was attaching
myself to secret political society, or that
Grand Army OF the Republic was to be used
in the interests of any political party. The
organization was represented to me as being
of nature similar to the Odd Fellows or
Masonic Brother hoods, designed solely to
perpetuate tho friendships formed in the
service, to advance the interests ofall worthy
soldiers by aiding them to get employment,
to assist and protect the widows and orphans
of such as had faleE in battle, and to pre-
serve and defend the principle tor which we
fought.


These were the objects, and the only OBJ
jects, of the Grand Army of the Republic,
as shown by the Constitutions and as con-
tanned in the obligation which took upon
myself IN becoming a member. was not
ashamed of the principle for which had
fought, for in going in The war | was actu-
ated by patriotic motives, and the single
purpose to preserve the Union and defend
the flag of my country. therefore had no
hestancy in encouraging the order if these
were its only objects. had gone into the
army at the outbrake of the war with no
purpose to aid in subjugating the South. or
interfere with the rights or established in
stitutions or any of the State. had ais
ways been Democrat, and innocently sup
posed that this fact would not render me
Objectionable to the Grand Army ofthe Re
public or any of its members.


At the election last fall voted for the
Democratic candidates and took an active
interest in the success of the ticket. Judge
of MY surprices on learning that, for tits
action of mine, and for exercising the right
tn vote for the men and measures of my
choice, | was summoned to appear and an
swer the charge of conduct unbecoming
member of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic" 1t is true was never brought to
trial, and majority of the members decid-
ed that being Democrat was not sufficient
cause fer expulsion. At the same time,
however, discovered that my princip es
made me repulsive to the ruling spirits"
Of the concern, and | paid my dues and
withdrew from it, never having attended
but two Of its meetings during my member
sip.


1t is said that | had no power to sever
my connection with the Grand Army of the
Republic by voluntary withdrawal. 1t is
immaterial to me what the rules are upon
this subject never took the trouble to
inquire 1t is sufficient for me to know
that the Grand Army of the Republic is an
outrageous swindle- that my eyes have
been opened to its true character--tbat [
am out of it, and intend staying out. The
action of the order. since my withdrawal
from it, in offering to assist Congress in
war upon the President. has justified me
in leaving it, and confirmed ME in the belief
that it is secret political society OF the
most damnable and dangerous character.


am free to confess that, in allowing my.
self to be taken in be the Grand Army
of the Republic, did not display very
creditahle amount of sagacity. made
foolish blunder in having any thing to do
with an organization led and controlled by
such Radicals and unprincipled dcmagogues
as John A. Logan. But there are few of
us who, at some period OF our lives, are not
led into errors and guilty mistakes Though
| never thought it until recently, now
firmly believe that the Grand Army of the
Republic was designed by its projectors.
IRON the very start to be an auxiliary and
an ally of the Radical party in the ruin Of
the country. There are many good and
true tlleu COilUeCteu Will tIc OIuHu hfLty VI
the Republic here and elsewhere, but how
any one of them can now lay his hand upon
his heart and say it is not political organ
ization, am at loss to understand.
In conclusion, would recommend oil
Democratic and Conservative soldiers to
shun. as they would pestilence or death, all
secret political societies. the Grand Army
in particular. Organize and fall In the
20 nts with tha tsWhita Rows in Rlne - who
meet in the light of day, and whose doors
are open that all may enter.


REUBEN G. KISE.