Rensselaer Union, Volume 5, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1872 — SOLDIERS AND SAILORS' NATIONAL CONTENTION. [ARTICLE]

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS' NATIONAL CONTENTION.

! *1 'PITTSBIfBMr, 'September A. - 1 After the delegations were seated and music by the various bands In attendance, the "Btar Spangled Banner” was sung by two hundred choristers, assisted by the bands and audience. At its conclusion three cheers were given with special unctioß. After the cheering had subsided, Msjosy Samuel Harper came to the front of the stage and introduced General J. B. Swoitzer, who delivered the welcoming address, as follows: CouAsdcs: In the name and in behalf of the citizens of Pittsburgh, and of the State of Pennsylvania, I bid you welcome among ns. I greet you as the representatives of valiant patriots, who, at the call of their country, went forth to battle for her honor and her flag. With the trials of war now over, and in the full enjoyment of the glorious results, a nation saved and united, with all its people tree, it is pleasant to come together again to, keep up the memory of past events, to thank the Providence that has carried ns comparatively unharmed through years of fie-y trial, and to drop a tear over those f whofti the same Providence had appointed to die in order that a great nation might live. W T hat recollections throng noon us as we look back to that day, but little more than eleven years since, when the blow sirnek at oar country's flat- by a traitor hand thrilled like an earthquake’s shock through the length and breadth of our land, and the streets of our cities echoed underthe tread of a million of men who were in arm* to avenge it; when the strite was not. who should be exensed, hut, only, who should he allow - ed to find a place In the ranks of its defenders. Among the earlier of the more Important engage ments of the war was the battle of Autietam, on

just ten years since, in the darkest hour of the K<‘public. The campaign of thePcninsulahad terminated disastrously, aud the Army of the Potomac had been whhdrawn. r Here the General went into a thorough description of the battle of Antietam. and reviewed the character of the contest in which the country was then engaged. In conclusion, the General said that Of those who died, a ration saved would l>e the monument, so long as time endured. The dead, in such a strife, are scarcely to be mourned for. Theirs is a crown of imperishable life. If they are not here to-day, it is only because the glories of martyrdom were reserved for them, while we are left to share with others the fruits of their great struggle. Honor to their memories To you who survive, it would be presnniptuous In me to rehearse the stories of your marches, your bivouacs, your battles, your toils, your sufferings and your sacrifices during the years that you gave to the redemption of the nation. To do this would rtquire a recital of the entire history of the war. The stories are already wriiten, and will be read by your children in after years a» a lesson and an example. It only remains for me to express the wish that yonr visit may he pleasant and profitable, and that yonr action while here may contribute materially to the maintenance of the objects and prtnei---BfefQr.wliiclLyon fought, and to the vindication of the great Captain who led you to victory, and who, at the head ofthe nation, has been as true, efficient and successful as he was at, the head of Ids armies in the field: and. my comrades, may you long survive to enjoy the consciousness or duty well performed, and the peace vou have so honorably earned. . ' _ . Governor Geary followed in a supplementary speech to General Sweitzer,. in Which, on behalf of the State, he extended a cordial welcome to the National Soldiers’ and Sail ors’ Convention in Pennsylvania. At the conclusion of Governor Geary’s address, General A. E. Burnside stepped to the front of the stage and introduced the Rev. Dr. Preston, who then addressed the Thorne of Grace, after which General burnside addressed the Convention-aa follows : Comrades: While in attendance as a delegate to the National Republican Convention in Philadelphia, It was suggested to me that it would be proper for the veterans of the late w ar to assemble ■4us mass convention, to express their views upon the political questions which arc now agitating the country. Knowing, as 1 did, that soldiers and sailors of the Union army entered the se,vice of their country from patriotic motives, and when their work was completed returned to their peaceful pursuits without discord and commotion and became quiet, peaceful citizens, and that their opinions woiudbe respected, I at once joined hearth* in the movement. A meeting of those who were attending the Philadelphia Convention, and who hud been identified with the army and navy of the Union, was called, and a National -Committee of veterans was appointed for the purpose of arranglng for this grand mass convention. I hatTthe great benor of being named as the Chairman of that Committee, and t now appear before you, comrades, to complete the duties w hich devolved Upon me by calling yonr Convention to order and naming to you a temporaary hairman. It is quile unnecessary for me to say to you that In making arrangements for this Convention, the main part es toe work necessary to its success, and to give comfort and happiuees. has been done l>v the local committee and the loyal men and women of Pittsburg and its vicinity. YOn can all bear- testimony to the great labor which bds been perfaimed byMr. Dudley, tho Secretary of the National Committee. Comrades, yon have before von a great duty to “Perform—second only to that which devolved npou you when yon left yonr homes tu battle tor the preservation add integrity of the nation. It is but a few short years since you returned to your peaceful pursuits, and yon now find yourselves confronted by a formidable coalition composed of uao ana weak men, who were either tn open hostility to the authority of the Government or in active sympathy with the enemies of their conn ry during the time of its greaiest trouble. Tlijs combination has been enhanced in numbersbv the desertion of a few disappointed, discontented and dilapidated men who acted with the Republican party during* the war. and a large majority of whom have been heavy weights upon the Republican party ever since. 1 had during the war a slight personal experience which, illustrates the"course which these men pursued. All my comrad- s of Westeru Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana will remember that I was compelled by a sente of duty to airest Mr. Yallandigham fur treasonable conduct during the war. You will also remember that 1 gave him fair warning by issuing General Urder No. 3fi. In disregard oi that order he continued to counsel resistance to the authority of the Uovcrr,meut, and J arrested him. Mr. Lincoln, in the kindness of his heart, urged me to release Mr. \ aliindigham, and gave me the names of distinguished citizens who bad told him that j bad made J: very eerions mistake in making the arrctt, .aml that Mr Yallandigham w ould be considered ds a martyr, and that the political enemies, of the Administration in Ohio would at once make him their »tand»-d-hearer as a candidate Urf Governor, and elect him by an overwhelming majority. 1 represanteato Mr. Lincoln that I was u .on the ground, and knew, the situation better than these fentlemen, and that Mr. Yallandigham shottld not e released unless superior authority so ordered. Mr. Lincoln said to me that he would not interfere, but had simply given advice at the instance of prominent citizens. Among these was Mr. TrumbnlJ, of Illinois. NYhat was the result of this decision of Mr. Lincoln's declining to interfere. as he was urged to do by Mr. Trumbull and others* Mr. Vallandigham was put forward as a candidate, and was beaten bv that gallant old warhorse. Governor Brough. by *IOO,OOO majority. The action of the people of Ohio at that trine demonstrated thetr loyalty to the Government, and I doubt not'that their action in the present cam- , paign will quite as strongly illustrate it. I will not detain you, comrades, by discnssing the political questions of the day. You will have them fully dl-eussed by other people who. are sail led in pnblicdebate. Besides. lam quite sat a fled that you are fully posted upon such topics. Men who have served in the field and staked their lives and reputation upon aq issne so important to your country cannot approach a political canvass like the present without appreciating keenlv the real issues of the contest. It will not be amis, however, fer me to say that I joiu you in the belief that General Grant has been a gallant soldier: that be has done a service to his country in the field w hich cannot be over-estimated: that lie has conducted the affairs of the Government since he has been its Chief Magistrate with great discretion and integrity, and has shown himself in'every way disposed to peace at home and abroad, and entirely free from personal self-seeking and aggrandisement. We are here to express to the country our continued confidence in General Gfizni, and onr purpose to elect him as President for a second term. I am quite sure that we will not make ourselves misunderstood today by expressing any ill-feeling toward our late enemies in the field, because we have no such ill-feeling. We know that the hatehet is buried, and we are disposed to'do-all in our power to co-operate with the people in all sections of our land in forwarding the prosperity of our country; bnt for our rulers, comrades, let us select mea who in the hour of their country's peril were true. s - • . Let ns, of all things, refuse our support to men who believed that there waspight in secession. And now, comrades of Pennsylvania, I desire to express to yoh a hope that comes from-my heart’ General Hartranft, yonr candidate for Governor’, is mv old comrade and tried friend. He went Into tbefieldwith US At the first battle of the war, and joined the North Carolina expedition at Annapolis. From that time until the end of the war "we weretogether on all the fields of R anoke. Newbent, Booth Mountain. Antietam. Yicksburg Knoxville, Campbell's Station, Blue Spring, and the Rap!dan campaign, From the Wilderness to Appomattox Court House, he proved himself an efficient and gallant soldier. Comrades of Pennsylvania, it ia clearly yonr duty, without reference to politics, to see that so gallant and true a comrade ia not harmed by the malicloas slanders of designing politicians. Yon have bnt a moment to think of the course pursued during the war by his opponent, Mr. Bnckalew, in order to find the strongest reasons for the firm support of Hartrauft . j Comrades, my personal duties require W to leave yon before the deliberations of your meeting are concluded. As you all knew, I am engrossed in civil pursuits. I naTe never in my life solicited an office, and never expect to. I can therefore apeak to you my unbiased sentiments I beg of you to make every honest effort to re elect General Grant, and to eh ct General Hartranfr to the office of Governor of the commonwealth of PeunsylvffIt fives me great pleasure, comrades, to announce to you that the National Commiitee proposes to you, as your Chairman, onr gallant com_rade, so well known to every soldier in the land, General J. R. Hawley, of Connecticut, and now. wmtrades. tet ns Join In itu Appeal ttrimr lateeneiniea in the field, the Confederate soldiers, to step to the front end doell they cen to obliterate the I gr«tt wrong thqy have done their country. r

. General Hawley then came forward and thanked the Convention for the honor conferred, in a short address, which elicited frequent and earnest applause. Colonel L. E. DudleySecretarj- oT file National Veteran's Committee, handed the President a ’’roll containing the names of 50,000 soldiers who were i« favor of the election of General Grant. A letter from General Grant, under date of Long Branch, September 9, was read. The reasons which thibCeiiei-al assigned for declining the invitationto participate in the proceedings of the Convention were enthusiastically received. ***« . - The roll of the list of States was called and a Committee on Permanent Organization and Resolutions was appointed. The Convention adjourned gt 1:30 o’clock, to meet at 3 o’cfQck. AFTERNOON SESSION. Convention was again called to order at 3orlclock by the temporary Chairman, after which the entire audience arose and united in singing "The Battle Cry of Freedom.” A letter was read from General Sickles, and the following from Hon. Schuyler Colfax : '' ,—^ South Bend, Ind., September 13. Mv Dear Mr. Dudi.et : 1 apprehend the honor of yonr invitation to the Soldiers and Sailors’ Convention. at Pittsburgh on the ,7th, but regret that i cannot be present, having piomieed to be in Michigan with my family at that time. In the dark aavs when the unity of the nationality of the Republic were imperiled they were at the front. In the brighter days of peace, it is btlt lilso that justice and gratimde of their countrymen. Yours truly, Schi-yler Colfax. To Colonel L. S. D udlcy, Chairman. A delegate moved '.that the 50,000 soldiers here assembled in convention send greeting to General VT. 3. Grant, President of the United States, the announcement that they will give hfm their unanimous vote in November. The motion was unanimously adopted. \ Then the-Sccretary read the following communication from an ex-Co^lpderate: To the Soldiers and Sailors In Convention assembled at Pittsbu. gh, September 17: New Orleans, La.. Sept. 7

Brethren: We, the undersigned, who have fought against you in the late war, tlirougn differences of opinion and other causes, now feel tbenecessity at this time of preserving peace aud harraotiy throughout our glorious Republic, and of erasing all differences caused -by the late war, which would never have occurred had it not beeu for the encouragement and promises of assistance held out to us by this same party who are now striving to renew" the old issue, and to elect Horace Greeley, who, we have every reason to believe, has hcea more or less responsible for the many calamities and misfortunes for which onr people have suffered. "We cannot consistently, though Democrats, abide by the decision of the Baltimore Convention, as we are well aware that Convention had no representative from our State; that, none of the prominent leaders were in sympathy with it. and we. consider that it was under the control entirely of the mercenaries of Horace Greeley, who has been our enemy for the last 'thiny years; that General Grant’s magnanimity to General Lee aud the Confederate soldiers, and his efforts and success in making laws to wipe out all differences and to have a just and humane policy, has done tnhcli to endear Turn to us. We feel that in this hour of our Republic’s crisis it is onr duty to show the people of the United States that we accept the result of the war and feel the necessity of showing practically that we are in earnest and worthy of being tailed loyal citizens of the United Skies, That to such us Greeley Sind Brown, who attempt or presume the.use of ns for anything antagonistic to our principles, we desire to state emphatically that we will not permit it. We but express the sentiment of our people who feel that in the success Of General Grant in the coming campaign the happiness and prosperity of our people depend, and the safety anil integrity of the whole Republic will jie secured. To the Convention we desire to state that our action in the coming campaign w ill •honour loyalty. tsigned) Geoiiqe Golden, Louisiana, Thomas Alexander, Louisiana, Arrauam Johnston, Louisiana, Georoe Roche, Georgia, , Thomas 8, ColoatI:, Georgia, _ Walter Scott, Missouri, James Stevens, Texas, . and W 3 olliere " -- The Committee on Permanent Organization reported General John A. Logan, of Illinois, for President, wttli a full list oi Vice-Presi-dents. .. ,* On assuming the chair, General Logan returned his thanks for the honor conferred by choosing him to aet as permanent Chair-’ man of the Convention. At the conclusion of the General’s remarks, Henry‘Wilson- was escorted t© thestage. After the demonstrations of applause had subsided, the Senator spoke as follows: Be assured, gentlemen, that 1 .am glad to look your generous welcome..l am glad to see such a rcpresenTatfvalisseTnblage of the brave men who. saved my country on the battle-field. I know—something of the origin of the great civil war. L know something of the self sacrificing patriotism of. the men who left homes, fathers, mothers, sisters; brothers, wives aud children, and bared their bosoms against the blows of the enemies of the country. T know that they were never inspiredfey. hate, but by love of country anil love of-liberty, and history w ill record the fact that the great -uprising pf the country in the spring oUriSOl, was an uprising of patriots, and not an uprising for hate or for vengeance. Y'ou loved your country and your whole country, you love the people of thu country, and of the whole country, and through those four years df' blood you labored on, struggled _ alike in victory and defeat, inspired by lofty patriotism, aud never guided by vengeance; and to-day you meet here to do something more- to perpetuate what you non on the battle-field, and that, too, for your" country and for the aggrandizement of no set of men on earth.

Gentlemen, it was my privilege ilurlnq those four ve»rs of bloody strife to aet as Cha rman of the Military Commute- of the Senate of the United States, and lam proud to say to-day, that in all the legislation of Congress, in "all the conflrma_tiqn *f the n any th usands that came befo e us. we always endeavored to do justice to the brave men who were fighting for the country, and we never asked what their political sentiment-* were. I know something of the seT-sacrificing men that went to the field and fought, bled and many of whom died to save the country; and. gentlemen, . while T would perpetuate uo feeling of, hate, while I would be goner.ms, niagmufiinons.'atHiloving to i all portions of the country; God willing, r. would I never forget the self sacrificing patriotism, heroic va’or, and conseirated devotion of the men who fought to save the coimtry. I would build momtj meuts all over the land for those who died for the country I would keep the battles on the Bacr.ed flags that were laid away. X wottld, if I had the power, write the grand deeds of the defenders of the Union in letters of living light on the broad i arches * f the tskirs. so that all men, through all 1 generations, as they look heavenward, might he I inspired by their noble example. Yon come here to-dav, gentlemen, to encourage your countrymen who are striving to carry out in the action of the country what you fought to establish. May God prosper and "bless yon in these i efforts, and I ana sure yonr words, yonr example, and your courage w ill inspire ourcountrvmen, and j it shall win a glorious victory for the cause of our great party to which we belong, and which we he Sieve to be the party of patriotism ■ aud party of freedom in America. Gentlemen, in the dark, troubled night of war, when yon were struggling in front of rebel legions —when our hospitals were filled vyith sick, wounded and dying men, we could take vour cause and our cause into our closets, and on our bended knees invoke God’s blessing upon you. ’ Hundreds of thon-ands of our couutrymen did it; noble men and noble women did it;'and to-day. gentlemen. w» are fighting for the same cause, and the same ideas | are on our banners, aud we can ask the support df the good men of our own country, the sympathies j of loving men the world oyer, and the blessings of ; Almighty God upon our labors. Gentlemen, I will detain you no longer. I thank yen a thousand times for this great assemblage, and 1 thank you for your kind reception. God i bless yon all. ; At the close of the Senator’s address General J. A. Garfield, of Ohio, and 8. Wood- | ford, of New York, addressed the Convention. General E. T. Noyes, of Ohio, was called for, bnt as the hour , of adjournment had arrived the General declined makiag a j regular address. The Convention united in singing a longmeter doxology and adjourned at five o’clock, to re-assemble to-morrow morning, when the Committee on Resolutions will report. —T" 7 1 1

' SJjCpSD DAT. Pittsburgh, September 18. After prayer and music,’ the Committee on i Resolutions made their report. The resolutions, which read as follows, were unanimously approved by the Gonven- ! tion: We, the soldiers and sailors who served in the Union anriv and navy daring the late war. in mas* ccnvenUonln Pittsburgh assembled, for the \pqrpose of expressing our firm convictions tfpdn issues which are the logical results of the war,' do affirm: * j - ' 1. That it is a source of nnmingled pleasure to meet again, and reviving the memories of our campaigns for union and liberty, thence to draw leesoDs for present duty and future guidance. •2. We reaffirm onr devotion to the Union of the States. The arbitrament of war has decreed that we are one nation, with one dag. with liberty and equality before the law for all-men: and national authority Is essential to establish, protect and defend liberty and the malfenable rights of the people. 8. We enter a solemn protest against transferring the control of the Army and Xaw, the Treasury and the entire Government, the Constitutional Amendments, with- the execution of the laws tbemselie». to a setfistt and corrupt Coalition,-crua--posed chiefly of elements but recently in open hostility to them ail. 4. We cherish no spirit of revengfc toward our.

fellow-citizens of the South. The magnanimity of our late Commander-ln Chief on the field of Appomattox was a sufficient guarantee from the Union Army that the bloody chasm of war was closed: and, with malice toward none, but with cWrTfyrorSiLwixtffiifmewgmTtanfleffeiio'tv--shlp to all those who aiwept in good faith the results of the war, and who will extend to every American citizen, of whatever face or . color, the rights which are solemnly guaranteed by the Constitntion of the United States and the laws made In pursuance thereof. 6. Reposing implicit confidence In the patriotism and gratltade of the nation, we coinflile to It every Interest of the Union soldier, and we here express our most cordial apprectatlon of the Unparalleled generosity of the people, as expressed through Congress,Vin the laws providing pensions and bounties, and we fully believe that any inequalities which may appear, will be cheerfully and promptly corrected. We gladly and proudly reaffirm our enthusiastic confidence In the Integrity, patriotism and ability of President Grant. We point to his messages for opinions Slid recommendations in harmony with i the most advanced political sentiment. We point to the condition of the country in all Its relations, foreign and domestic, for the proof that its laws are well administered, and its honor maintained. We rejoice to see associated with him the Incorruptible patriot and representative of American institutions; Hon.'Heury Wilson, of Massachusetts. 7. We pledge our steady and earnest support to President Grant and to Congress in reforming the Civil Service and establishing the highest standard of honor and fidelity. After the reading of the resolutions, Gen. Logan said that a large number of letters and telegram* addressed to the Convention hud beeu received, and unless objections were made they would be published in the regular report of proceedings without being read before the Convention. No objections were urged. , ■ Y ‘ Gen. Logan, of Illinois, after the passage of the resolutions, spoke as follows : Comrades: One word let me say before we part—one word before we return to onr homes. There is no reconciliation required on our part. We are the friends and aiders of the prosperity, the peace of our country, and we Sustained the banner of ourold comrades. When those men who drew their blades against the coun'ry become reconciled to that banner and to the authority of this nation, then shall harmony aud peace prevail. For our own part, there is no need of reconciliation. Let us go home fully determined to win this great victory, and by it place the heroes of the loyal people in control of our institutions.. Let each one go home to his city, to his town, his hamlet, and Insist upon all friends voting not otilyffor General Grant and Henry Wilson, but the whole ticket, down to the lowest man. Try to have a Republican triumph. That ia what we want. That is what we must have, In order to secure peace, happiness and prosperity in this country. After this invocation the Convention adjourned tine die.