Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1867-11-20
VOL. XXXV.
0Rlo Statesnan.
The AmerIcan Sphinx and His
SDOl<psmen
Correspondents A nti- Slavery Standard


- .
Correspondents nti- Slavery Standard
WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov. IL, 1867.
Another attempt to read the riddle
presented by the political Sphinx, whose
position so puzzles the American politi-
clan. Is there any way to get at the
opinions entertained by the General
commanding the American army? The
latest pronunciamento has only excited
another storm of contradiction. As you
are aware, tiolonel Forney has commit
ted himself to the Grant cabal. Since
the appearance of that editorial indorse-
ment. Gin my two papers, both dailies,"
the principal business of the reporters
has been to send dispatches contradict
ing or affirming the truth of the position
here assumed. Fornry's support of
Grant is based upon the speech of Gen
eral Rawlins made at Galena,, some
months since, upon more recent speech
of E. B. Washburne, and letter writ
ted by Grant to Logan during the can
vass of '63.
Immediately upon che appearance of
this article, Montgomery Blair had an
interview with Grant. Afterward he told
the New York Herald and Boston Post
correspondents that Grant repudiated
the whole affair, didn't want any thing
to do with Forney, and repudiated Wash
burne. In the latter case Blair doubt
less s"drew the long bow" But there is
another individual, whose stray words
are carefully watched by the journalistic
Paul Prys. This is Grants brother-in-
law, Brigadier General Dent, small
dent Of a man, fno earthly consequence
whatever. except as he may know some
thing of his illustrious brother-in-law's
views. Dent, it is declared, asserts that
Grant repudiates Forney. and will only
consent to become President by the wish
of the whele people. That Dent has
said something of the kind, l have ex-
cellent reasons for believing. But he has
probably gotsnubbed at headquarters for
his frankness, and is to-day busily en-
gagged in authorizing denials of the state
ment. Who is correct? 1t is very GER
tain that many men believe that they do
know something of Grants views; but
if you sound them, they will be like
Judge Kelley, who confesses only to
belief in the Generals soundness.
Whatever Grant may think himself
whatever would be his policy if he
fit to express it-there is not the ight-
est doubt that the Grant movement, as
now managed, is entirely one of expe-
diency. There is no principle in it. In
fact, its chief element of success is
" hurrah, boys! - and an ignoring of all
definite issues. This is expressed by
what l heard good fellow, for poll
tician, say would be the rallying cry in
the next canvass. "The next President
will be Grant," he said. AZ fear so,"
was my reply. "The platform will be
: Grant, Geary, and Congress-" he re-
joined. "We must put Geary on so as
to carry Pennsylvania, and with Grants
and the reaction to beat, we
don't want anything more definite than
a cry for Congress Forney's support
is then explained. He runs Geary, and
would expect to be powerful with the
administration if the Governor was
elected Vice President. r-.
On the-night of the New York elec,
ton, the Hon. E. B. Washburne openly
his hope that the Democratic
majority would not be less than $4,000,
as such defeat would be sure to make
the Republicans anxious for Grants
So much for the principle
involved in Mr.. Washburne's support of
the silent hero. -1slEsEr 2Tots
As for Logan's support of Grant, I
know that but few months since that
gentlemen was entirely and even per-
sonally hostile to any such nomination.
II he takes him it is because it is expe-
diency and not principle. When did
General Logan ever withdraw his troops
and abandon the field, because some
other of the line had met with disas-
teri s~i39 t1nf0 ~is$t
,Thayer is about the truest man of the
sweet quartette now engaged in chant
ing praises of Grants : Radicalism
Washburne, Logan and Forney being
the other three. He was an original
Freesoiler, and has always been Rad
ical. But his advocacy is founded alto
gether on belief in Grants intentions,
his capacity, and availability. As for
Rawlins, the Chief of Staff, when the
Radicals are informed as to the object of
his coquetry at Philadelphia with the
leaders of the Doolittle-Dick Taylor
Convention in August. 1866, they they
may believe that something other than
self-interest has dictated his views.
From a careful survey of all that is
known pro and CON, I gather this idea of
Grant. He is man of naturally con-
servative character a good patriot and
citizen, not hitherto possessed Of much
of political details, great
deal of Independence. and gerry much
more ambition than lie has hitherto OBJ
tanned credit for. General Grant desires
to be'President of the United States.-
In becoming that, he will not accept a
Copperhead nomination, but he is de-
termined, if nominated at all, to be SO
without pledges. The expression at
tributed to Dent is. probably a correct
of Grants view. When
he shall be President, the Republicans
may rest assured that he will Just as
soon, and perhaps little sooner, fill the
offices at his disposal with Democrats of
moderate view and good character, as
with earnest Radicals of equally as good
Doubtless he will do it
honestly, for such temperaments as
Grants are predisposed to believe that
good character and moderate view is
much more important than correct opin-
ions and clear insight. The Republi-
cans who think the balance of the re-
struggle can be most wisely
settled by the appointment of Long
street and other honest rebel soldiers in