The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-02-26


tNf8 Z the Presidency. &5Gs n
II Is really great relief to come across .
couple Of persons, in this grasping world, who
exhibit disposition to refuse anything. The
feeling Of relief is increased to sentiment OF
positive pleasure when the thing refused turns
out to be the Presidency Why, such an event
has been unheard Of for many years past
Politicians will certainly be astounded by it.
The idea of anybody refusing the Presidency,
for which almost any politician would lie and
steal, eat dirt and his own words, sell him
self and his soul df he had any, and even
murder his dearest friend, is certainly almost
incredible.
And yet, If we may believe the state
ment Of st. Louis paper, which has
been pretty extensively copied in our
exchanges, General Grant is positively
ready to refuse the nomination would
be equivalent to m election-for the next Pre-
sidency. The party hacks are filed with equal
wonder and delight at this sublime spectacle.
They wonder, because they are conscious that
no rack or other torture could extract such
refusal from them. They are delighted, be-
cause they hope that the track Ia now, clear for
their cut and dried conventions. To add to
their wonder and double their delight, let US
inform them that General Mcclellan has re-
fused the Presidency also. In coRversation
with US some time ago, the General stated bis
views very emphatically. Said he, IL DO mot
want to be President do not desire to
be President. ! have no ambition to be
President. am too young to be President II
I were elected President my term Of onaoe
would soon be over, and then I should be an
ex-President while still o young man. And
what an ex-President is, and how he is pre-
vented from doing anything effectively. you
know as well Is lido. No. Ny desire. my am
bition, is to be restored to my former position in
the army, so that may help to save my coun-
try, and, il necessary, that I may die for her."
Those were noble words, uttered from . pure
and patriotic heart Let politicians ponder
them, and blush at their own abasement.
We know that General Grant agrees with
General Mcclellan in this matter, as in almost
everything else. II be were called upon to
speak he would express himself in almost SINH
lar words He does not desire the Presidency
He does not want the Presidency. His ambi-
ton is to serve his country in the fed. and, if
need be, to die for her. II such sentiments are
tantamount to refusal of the Presidency, then
General Grant refuses it. We did not re-
quire St. Louis paper to tell us that. But, on
the other hand, tho more such men refuse the
Presidency the more eagerly the people will
press it upon them. They do not want the
Presidency; but the Presidency wants them.
Ii they are great enough to decline it they are
just the persons who ought to have it.
They do not seek the Office; but the
Office seeks for them. The nation is tired and
sick of mere Office bcggars. We have hadquite
enough of such men as poor Pierce and blum
dering Buchanan and funny Old Abe. The re-
public is being reconstructed, and we need
Presidents Of the old, noble stamp-men who
take Office to serve their country, and not to
serve themselves and their party. The course
Of Grant and Of Mcclellan proves them to be
men Of the true metal. Their conduct brings
back to us the lost and almost forgotten virtue
of the early days Of the Union. 1t will move
the people moro heartily than oil the buncombe
ofpolitical Office hunters. They know that Gene
raj Grant is willing to accept any position high
or low-in which he can do the most good for
his country, and il they choose to call him to
the highest position he will yield his own
wishes to their decision, and accept the respon-
sibilities with which they entrust him. But we
hail it as an omen OF brighter and happier days
that two Of the greatest soldiers and most
available Presidential candidates have the
magnanimity to decline what everybody else is
anxiously seeking. Compared with this lofty
patriotism, how contemplate do the petty in
trigues OF Chase and Seward and Old Abe APP
pear in the eyes Of all sensible, thoughtful men.
The WAR IN EuRoPE.-The Hibernian brings
one day later intelligence from Europe. Eng
land has proposed an srmistice between the
Danes and the Germans, preliminary 20 q
conference to be held for the purpose of def
nitcly settling the Scheswig- Holstein question.
France. Russia and Sweden side with England
in this proposition. It is evident that they
are anxious to suppress this conflict, which
is so likely to lead to complications disastrous
to the welfare and continuance of the present
ruling Powers in Europe The proposal for
conference is Of course a concession TO Napo-
Icons first idea Of general congress, and
amounts to a triumphfor, that astute monarch.
Should Germany refuse to accede to Englands
desire, the above named Powers will, II is more
than likely, take measures to forcibly put an
end to the war.
The Harlem broadway Railroad Bill In
- tho Legislature,
OUR ALBANY CORRESPONDENCE.
ALBANY, Feb. 25, 1904.
Those who are Ia position here 10 know what is going
IN regard to the passage Of the Harlem. Broadway
Railroad having great deal OF amusement over the
Wild speculation in Harlem stock In Wall street, and an.
tcipate hearing waings ana bitter lamentations At no
distant day.
The Broadway Railroad bill has been referred 10 tho
Railroad Committee, consisting OF Ave Senators -Four