Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-12
FrederIek DOugIass and Gen. firant.

We had an opportunity Of learning the views Of
Frederick Douglass, the distinguished eoloFed ora
tor, last Thursday, concerning the fitness Of Gen.
Grant for the Presidency, which more than any
thing we have ever before seen in him, increases
our conviction that he possesses eminent practical
Judgment well as surprising orstorical power
The interview occurred on the cars Of the O. c. and
@. Railroad, and we are violating no confidence in
repeating substantially what he said.
The topic under discussion the political con-
dition of the country the present and prospective
status of the freedmen, &c; and on our remarking
that we had great confidence in the hrmness and
patriotism of Congress- and the fidelity of General
Grant he replied substantially follows:
There seams to be no doubt as to who will be the
Republican candidate for the Presidency. The
claims of other distinguished seems to be al
most ignored in the overwhelming preponderence
in favor of Gen. Grant. He may not be my first
choice but it is foregone conclusion that be IS the
choice of the great mass Of loyal men who gave
him their support in crushing the rebellion. 1t is
said he is too retieen. that his opinion the sub
iect of manhood suffrage are not sufficiently known
But while would prefer that he clearly defines his
position on the subject, have great confidence in
his honesty and integrity and cannot doubt ne Will
faithfully carry out the will Of the people as ex-
pressed in the laws of Congress. His frmness in
supporting Sheridan, and the Congressional plan
of Reconstruction, goes very far in supporting the
popular opinion that he is worthy of confidence. He
| is a man of great executive ability. When he was
Colonel of regiment he performed his duties well.
I When he was Brigadier he competent TO his
task When he was Major General he showed
abundent capacity to command a corps. When he
was made General, AID put in command Of all the
armies of the Union, all the energies Of bis charac
ter were called forth, developing mind capable Of
| grasping with the greatest difficulties, and a will
and frmness capable of overcoming them. And
! finally, when he made Secretary Of War ad
interim, he took just and comprehensive view Of
the important duties of that position, and his acts
showed him to be worthy of all confidence Cen
gress, for the next four years, will be right It's
frmness in the past is warranty Of what it will
be for at least four years to come. With such Con
gress to make laws and with Gen. Grant TO execute
them there need be fear of the ultimate restOra-
ton of the Union a basis that will be just to all
| classes of citizens.
| We have given substantially, in the above, the
sentiment expressed by Mr. Douglass, and in por-
tons of it nearly his exact words. The interview
was all the more pleasing from the frankness with
which he expressed his views and the logical con-
clusion they conveyed, that he regarded the nomi-
nation and election of Gen. Grant as a happy ter
mination of the great contest between the friends
of equal rights, and their opponents Of the pro-
slavery olgarchy.-Elyria (Ohio) Democrat