Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1854-01-11
The Lieutenant (seneralship.

The Senate have passed the bin authorizing the
PRESIDENT to confer the title of Lieutenant Gener-
Breyet upon Winfield Scott. Although this
measure was first suggested, and bill for that
purpose introduced into the Senate in I849, by
Gen. Fitzgerald, of this State. than whom, for his
patriotic and social relations, we esteem no man
more highly, yet, as does the New York Sun, We
consider the whole business absurd on the part
of republican Senate. Major General Scott has
distinguished himself in the service of his country,
and changing his title from Major General to
Lieutenant Genel al, will not make him any more
distinguished.
The time for creating the rank of Lieutenant
General-if appropriate at all-was Immediately
after Gen. Scott's victories in Mexico, when Sen
ator Fitzgeraid,n that magnanimity spirit which
characterizes old companions in arms, first brought
the matter before Congress-; but political consd-
erations made it expedent then that it should be
postponed, and our amiable friend, the Senator
was told by his political conferes in that august
body, that if he pressed the measure on that Con-
gress, many unpleasant things would be said OF
the old hero of Chippewa, and the bill be defeated
in the end; but aoU, little political expediency,
falsely called rnagranlmty or generosity, is
brought to bear on the of delayed justice"
But we are told that this new military title will
cost the country nothing! Yet, if it does not cost
the county dollars, it will cost it little republ-
can consistency. Congress should not deal in
these honerB. IfGen. Scott ought to BIZ put up a
peg, by LgEte, ne OuSnC nave
means to support his higher rank. But here is
where the false character of the thing sticks out,
and its advocates, to hide its unpopular features,
give out that it is mere empty title that will cost
nothing.
Gen. Scott is not a child to be pleased with q
bauble honor. II he desires the rank, he desires
also the to sustain it suitably, and Congress
should give both, or not give the first. Another
argument used is, that nearly all the officers that
served in Mexico were brevetted, except General
Scott. When man gets to the heighth of his
profession, he has good for being satisfied.
But suppose new war should occur, and Gen.
Scott again distinguished himself, must we go on
creating new titles and ranks, to keep him rank
above every other meritorious officer! Where are
we to stop, if we recognize the principle upon
which this Lieutenant Generalship is to be crea-
ted!
We are opposed to all panderng to the aristo-
cratic spirit which usts after titles and ranks
If American citizens will not defend their conn-
try's honor and interests in the field, as we'll as In
the legislative halls, without the incitemcnt OF IL
ties and ranks to be won the republic is not very
secure Many brave citizen risked his life in
Mexico, who received neither brevet rank nor
popular adulation. Thousands, ay, millions, ure
ready without pect of reward, to take up arms
against any foe who may threaten their rights;
aud the want Of Lieutenant Genera! Will never
impede the march of frcemen to victory. 1t is
time that free nation like the United States.
boastng its contempt of the aristocratic foibies OF
the Old World, gave practical proof that it has
conquered the vanties through which men have
too long been cnslared.-Detroit Times.