The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-09-13
The Political Attitude OF General Grant.

The Political Attitude OF General Grant.
GREAT significance has been attached by the
conservative orators and press TO the fact that
General Grant was present at the White
House when the committee from the Phila-
deIphia Convention arrived, and that ne con-
sented TO accompany the President through
out his tour to attend the dedication of the
Douglas Monument We have been told that
his conduct indicates thorough and intense
sympathy with the Executive policy, and that
we must hereafter count General Grant
among the foes of the Republican party. The
fact that the question of the meaning of the
Generals conduct is being discussed, renders
his utterance yesterday at Cincinnati one OF
pecuIiar interest He said to crowd which
desired to serenade him, and not the Presi-
DENT
"sir. am no politician. The President Of tte
Tinted States is ma dpdeT-ln-ctteJ. con-
srder this demonstratlon IN opposlt'on 10 the
President Of the United States, Andrew johnson.
IL YOU have any regard for me you will take
your men away"
Now, what is the meaning Of these phrases,
when considered in all the light OF surround
ing circumstancesP They mean simply this,
Oe0eIh UIdlb IdhCo hO bluOo III buO
questions of the day; that he is present only
because the President is his commander-in-
chief and he, as subordinate, must follow
where he leads. He considered that any ac-
ton calculated to exalt him at the expense of
his superior military officer was want ofmili
tary etiquette; and hence. in as mild manner
as possible, insinuates TO them that, as an ln-
ferior officer, he cannot tolerate any such in
suit to his superior.
The evident care he takes to impress on his
hearers that it is entirely in military point
OF view that he considers the case, makes it
clear that whatever might have been his con-
duct did he accompany the President as a
citizen, all his behavior so far has been
guided solely by the respect due his superior
officer. It would be absurd for the opposition
to make any other explanation ofthe Generals
words than the one we have given.
We do not pretend to say what may be the
Generals views in regard to the Presidents
policy We do not know what he may think
because he has never opened his mouth
on the subject But we merely say.
that so tar as any political signifi-
cauce can be attached to his presence
on the tour, there exists none whatever.
The caption OF this article is almost mis-
nomer. He has no political attitude, and in
having none shows his common sense. He
could not act otherwise than he dos in his
present position. He would be embroiled
with the President did he favor Congress,
and he could not, as the leader in our glorious
war, side with those whom but a few
months since he was not only fighting
our prisoners against their butcheries. He,
therefore, follows the course dictated by dis
cretion in preserving a total silence.
So far as General Grant is concerned in
our triumph, we do not care particularly where
ne stands. The cause for which we fight is
not one which relies on individuals. The
personal pronouns are not found in our plat
form. We ground our faith on conviction
and principle, and we only value the support
OF Grant so far as our personal regard for
him is concerned. We would not like to see
him tarnish his popularity by dabbling in
party politics, and therefore deprecate his
interference. But if Grant and all the host
of leaders in the political world were to prove
false, we yet would conquer.
Truth crushed to earth will rise again
Tue immortal years OF God are hers;"
and fortitude and perseverance viii bring
the victory on the side of equal rights.