The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-08-06


were steady. Gold closed at 14Oh
The Great Question Of the Day.
A portion of the radical press, afraid of the
overwhelming popularity of General Grant, and
afraid that he will not be a plant instrument
in its hands, insidiously assais him and asks
for suspension Of public opinion on the ques-
ton OF the next Presidency. 1t says the
discussion is premature, that the time has not
arrived to nominate a candidate, and that re-
construction and the condition of our national
finances are first to be considered. This is
mere pretence. These radical organs know
very we'll that the Presidential question is up
prominently before the country; that it cannot
be kept down, and that, in fact, it is the great
question of the day, ON which all others hinge.
The object is apparent; these political man
ayers want time to make bargains and to con-
troll both the election and the candidate.
The chief radical organ of this city, at the
same time it uses this weak argument to head
off Grant, has an elaborate puff of General sher-
idan. In truth, it pits Sheridan against Grant
Very well. We have no objection to Sheridan.
There is great deal of good stuff in him, and
he has fine military record. He would be
acceptable to the people. As to General Grant,
we have no doubt he would willingly give way
to and cordially support his subordinate officer
for the high position. His views have been
well defined. He frankly admits that he is sat
isfed with the position he holds, but that if the
people wish it he will take that Of President.
He knows that the Office of President could add
little to his fame or elevation. The Cen
eral-n-Chief Is little lower than the Presi-
dent, and has much less labor and care.
He wants to be wherever he can serve his
country, and only there. In Sheridan as well
as in Grant, we should have an uncompromis-
ing and vigorous supporter of American
nationality, honor and influence. Had the
word been given to him when he was in COM
mand on the Mexican border, with thirty thou
sand men be would have whipped the French
out OF Mexico worse than Wellington ever
whipped them, and would have thrashed the
Mexicans to boot. Sheridan is q strong card
to play, but Grant is much stronger, though
some Of the radical politicians will not see
il yet.
But il is said we should settle the questions
about reconstruction and the national finances
before going into President making. Recon-
struction is nearly settled now. The radio ais,
having control of the negro vote of the South,
gives them oil they wanted. There will be no
longer any motive or reason to keep the South
ern States unrepresented in Congress. Having
secured the support OF that section, the domi-
nant party, Of course, will admit the Southern
members to seats in Congress at IN early day,
and thus complete the work Of reconstruction.
This, then, we regard as settled matter.
AS to the question Of the national finances,
that is another thing. 1t will take many years
10 adjust and pu. the finances on q proper
foundation. The public mind is not educated
yet up to this point; the press, and particularly
the radical press, knows little about the mat
ter. and Congress is lamentably ignorant.
Some time must eapse before this most diff
cult and important subject can be treated in
statesmanlike manner. II cannot precede,
but must follow the settlement OF the next
Presidency. There is neither the time nor
though II ought to have, and probably
will have, on important bearing on the issue.
Looking at the utter incapscity Of Congress
and the want Of knowledge in the press aud
among the people, our national fnances-cur-
reucy, debt, revenue and everything else per-
tanning to them-should be left as they are till
after the Presidential election and the restora-
ton Of the Southern States. If the subject be
taken up before we are prepared for it--if the
on TO specie payment cry Of the radical press
should be needed before Congress and the
country understand the queston-greater dis
asters will follow than those that followed the
"On to Richmond" clamor Of the same radical
organs.
The first thing in order, as they say in par
liamentary proceedings, is the next Presidency.
Tha. is the great question Of the day. After
the settlement Of that will follow naturally the
other great issues before the country. The
public mind is aroused already, and nothing
can subdue il till the event Is determined.
Congress viii engage in hardly anything else
next winter than President making. The con-
ventions will meet in the spring, and the election
will take place in little over year from
the present time. Let the people and Con-
gress decide, then, TO postpone the considera-
ton of other important matters till General
Grant be elected, or, If the radicals will and
have the power, till Sheridan be elected. Then
there will be leisure and the opportunity 10
consider deliberately those matters that relate
to the national finances, and for the reorgaui-
sation Of parties on the natural issues growing
out Of the material interests Of The people.