Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-03-28

General Grant habitually shuns all political
subjects, and i'll doing so doubtless acts the
part of wisdom. He avoids giving offence
to any party, preserves the dignity and I'M
portance of his position, and by his entire
independence, wields all the power and IN
fluence which great reputation, high rank
and immense control of patronage naturally
command.
This reticence is right and proper Tor the
General-in-Chie OF the National armies.
That so exalted an officer should descend to
the active support of any party, or use the
power within his command TO urge forward
partizan purposes, would be as dangerous
to the public interest as il would be indis-
Greet and improper for the individual. But
though this is plain as regards the General
of the Army, it is somewhat modified by
circumstances connected with Gen. Grant,
who is not only the military head but pros
pectively the civil executive. 1t is generally
acknowledged, we believe, that he will be
made President, if not in 1865, then for an
early subsequent term, and there is no doubt
that if his friends, representing his Wishes
should claim the nomination for him at the
convention next year, the Republican party
established on the successful issues OF the
war, would feel bound to reward u hero
who had done so great share in achieving
their success. While many competent and
excellent civilians are named for the high
position, they will have to yield if General
Grants unquestioned claim is pressed
But the Republican party cannot, and dare
not, either as II matter of policy or OF the
high moral duty which rests upon it, elect
any man President in 1865 who is not clear
ly, openly and boldly committed to the prin
ciples which it represents. No partially
convinced man will answer the necessities
of the place no man who is not thorough,
and enthusiastically in accord with the grea
ideas which now happily rule in the councili
of the country. If General Grant is this, thu
people would be greatly glad to know Ill i
he is not, he cannot be President of thu
United States. Not only would ii be foil.
and ruin to cntrust great and incomplet
work TO hands which had no interest in it
completion, but the experience of the pas
is SO fearful ling against placing il
power any but those long tried in the servic
of great principles, that even Gen. Grant
military services will not suffice in place G
sound political convictions. There is wild
difference between military generalship an
civil craftsmanship, and the qualities whic
gained our favor in the one service may
very deficient for the necessities of the Other
We should be glad, then, to hear Geners
: Grant speak. We believe it would be wise
and productive of public advantage, ifneithe
the General of the armies nor the Chief Ju.
tice of the Courts could be eligible, undo
the Constitution, for election to the Pres
, dency. 1t would guard against many evi
: which really exist and may be readily in
, agined. But while this is not the case, an
General Grants friends continue to claii
what popular feeling will be so ready to a,
cord if his convictions are sound, we shoul
like to see less apparent indifference to IL
/ dangers of the nation and more live an
hearty sympathy with the measures whic
e ensure its safety.