The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-10
The Dictstsrs OF Reme and Our Own
Coming Dictator.

One Of the most interesting and, to the Anne
rican people, most suggestive features OF an
Gent Roman history is to be found in the terrific
I struggle which ragged between the plepeans
and patricians, convulsing the early roman
| republic for over two hundred years IL Is un-
necessary to 60 into all the causes OF dlf1erences
and strife which existed among these hostile
classes. Suffice il to say that the constant IN
justice and oppression OF the one, and the
| equally steady protest and resistance of the
| other, eliminated in the initiation of deter
mined struggle for the mastery, and the streets
of Rome were deluged with the blood Of her
sons. The contest became so fierce, and the
attendant expenses 80 enormous, that the pie
beians were heavily involved in debt, and the
wisest among them commenced to seek for
some safe means Of escape from 30 much evil.
The patricians, or weather. classes, frequently
refused to serve in the army, throwing the bur-
den Of the fighting on the poorer Of the popula-
ton, who, having no other resource, were COM
PEELED to submit to the terms of their
masters. The ruling powers for the time being
seemed utterly incapable Of restoring peace
and order to the distracted community. The
consular office, which bore great similarity
to that of President of the United States,
was more than once found insufficient
to control the exigencies Of the times,
and on such occasions, when great
danger threatened the republic, su-
preme military officer, called . dictator, was
appointed to enact vigorous measures for a
limited period-generally for six months at
time. This was in most cases found to be an
effective mode Of dealing with great public
crises; and, however much we may object to
the Roman form of appointing their dictators,
ii cannot be denied that there were sound wis
dom, and even much foresight, in the principle
involved.
The American republic is now passing
through far more important crisis than any
that ancient Rome ever saw. In two years Of
civil war we have done more mutual slaughter,
North and South, than any other nation since his
tory began. The largest armies have been as.
sembled, the most astounding amount Of trea-
sure expended, and the science Of naval warfare
completely reversed; and yet, as Horace ex-
presses it, "another year is now wasting away
in civil wars" The fate Of the republic,
in fact, hangs upon the next choice Of
the people for the Presidential Office. This is
the one great question that should occupy the
public mind at this juncture In the presence
Of the great issues to the nation which depend
upon it every other matter falls into minor
consideration. AS the difficulties between Oc-
tavianus and Anthony threatened the Roman
world with general dissolution, engrossing the
attention Of all the people, SO do the interests
which concentre on the coming Presidential
contest transcend all others In public import
ance, and demand the united exercise of our
national influence. The duty Of the people
under these circumstances is to call vigorous,
intellectual, patriotic aud conservative man
to the highest gift that the republic
can bestow. Like the Romans, we will
bring brilliant military leader to that
post, who, by his decisive acts, will
bring order out of chaos and peace out of war
Is there any other man in the whole extent Of
the country go it for this work as General Grant,
the hero Of vicksburg and the conqueror at
Chattanooga? Let the people answer this at
the next election by rolling in their votes by
tens Of thousands for 30 illustrious q name.
The Romans appointed their dictators. The
people Of America will unanimously elect their
next President man who, although not .
dictator in the Roman meaning Of the word,
will be soldier and q general-the imam for
the hour" debating terms TO the Southern
rebels, who, while giving his attention to the
enemies Of his country at home and abroad,
will net fail to use his high privileges for the
restoration of the Union on terms that will give
us sure and lasting peace. As for the mig
ger question, we feel assured that General
Grant will dictate" such terms as will settle it
forever Let all the people. then, rally to the
polls for Grant.
The BrUNDHRs OF THE NAVY DEPARTMENT
CONGRESS- TAXES STEP IN THE RIGHT DHEC-
TIoN-We are glad to notice that both in the
Senate and the House Of Representatives steps
have been taken to unravel some OF the mystic
ries of the Navy Department. This is step
in the right direction, and the thanks of the
community are due to Mr.. Senator Hale and
Mr.. Representative Winter Davis, and to Mr..
citizen Dickerson, for the efforts making to
solve the problem Of the many navy failures,
the navy Encouragement and navy laundering
that have distinguished and dsgraced the Navy
Department OF the United States under the
present administration.
In the Senate on Friday Mr.. Hale moved
for the appointment Of special COM
mittee Of investigation, in view. among
other things. Of the charges preferred by
Mr.. Dickerson in speech published in the
HERALD few days ago relative to malpractice
and stupidity, if not of venality, in the manage
ment OF the naval affairs Of the nation. Mr.