The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-09-21

The Plea Of Gratitude.
The wing party, conscious that nothing be gaines
ior their candidate or their by an appeal 10 the
reason and the good OF the people, reduced Il
hs sxpedient OF commencing General Scott 10 the graft
ujs OF the country, and they demand his election the
sdency as debt due him for his services in the field
The arrogance OF this demand is in harmony with the
character OF the wing party Assuming monopoly OF
The respectabity and the talents OF the country IL y
quite natural that they should regard themselves as its
legitimate rulers and with their naughty contempt for the
intelligence OF the masses. not surprised that they
presume TO dictate TO the people what man they shall ele
yae to the presidency.
Bu ia il true that the services OF General Scott I'M
rsouedi is the country his debtor, and has be right
10 demand payment OF his claim upon lis gratitude II is
no depreciation of the services OF General Scott to say
,ba, they had been abandaniy rewarded. even though
,bey were ten-iod more illuslrious than they He
chose the profession OF arms oihe resort 10 the
profession OF law, 10 earn an honorable livelihood He
met and discharged the obligations OF his profession
II he incurred hazards and endured privaiions, he
has been well repaid. He has received from the
public treasury nearly $500, OoOcertainy niggard
sum. For his galantry in the field he has been
rewarded in every mode by which the country can
attest ia gratitude to faithful soldier The applause of
the people The thanks OF Congress, the highes, promo
ton in his profession, have been bestowed upon him.
What more does he ask Does his Unsuitable avarce
crave still higher wages Does his graspng ambition
aspire 10 still greater honors He occupies the most
allied military position TO which his country elevate
him he is commander in chief of the American army
His country can confer upon him distinction appro-
pirate to gallant services in the field which he does not
already boast But his ambition is not yet satisfied He
apres to other honors and asks to be transferred from
the head Of the army the head OF the Stale The peo
pie are nsultngy told that they have done too little for
General Scott; and with the nsolent air Of an importu
nate creditor be demands of them to discharge the
Of their obligations. II may be consistent with General
Scols conception of his iIustrions services to sup
pose that he has been sighted and neglected by the
State and that, like Scpo Mltiades, he is the victim
Of the insratiude Of the country he has rescued from
ruin Blu; we apprehend that the vast sums Of the pub
lie money he has enjoyed, and the long array of public
distinctions which he proudly contempstes and so
iondly counts over, will redeem his country from the
stigma OF ingatilude should il refuse to recognise his
claims 10 the presidency.
If, however, it true that the country had no, suf.
fciendy manifested its appreciation OF General SCOTS
services and that he still held unliqudated claims upon
its gratitude is not probable that people will be per-
suaded that The proper way to reward him to elect him
to The presidency As he already fills the highest mill
tay position in the country. let other Offices be created
adequate his merit and exalted enough for his ambition
Let other marks OF distinction be showered upon him
Let umpha procession be decreed in his honor, and
let him take rank with the heroes of the nation Let
him be permitted 10 banquet upon the public treasury
until even his own estimate OF his services is than
satisfied But he should ask the country to make him
President That presidency OF the United States is
by military prowess but by achievements in the
OF peace il is not the reward of past services but trust
consded only to the statesman who is capable OF dis
charging il 10 the welfare and glory OF the country