The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-02-11
IFfon the Anti. Szaperg .standaf,d q as.

1 y
aceek.
General Grant Charged with
Drunkenness by wendell Phil
sEllps--An Investigation Demands
ed.
This is an anti.slavery journal. Look
ing out on politics as the negro looks on
them, it deals with public men and meas
ures only as they are true or false to him.
But experience has abundantly proved,
even before the existence of the present
1 Administration, that only temperate men
can safely be trusted with grave respon-
lsibilities. Temperance IS the substratum
of all other reforms. How sad the re-
suit, when power is given to men who
are wont "to put an enemy in their
mouths to steal away their brains" this
war hassmostimpressiyely shown MS. Noto
rumors reach as from Washington, COM.
ing from different and trust,oortsy sources,
that General Grant has been seen unnsis.
takdJly drunk IN the streets a that city
lpithin a fen s0eeks, We know nothing
Yourselves of the truth Of these rumors
| We make no charge against General
Grant in this respect. But even the pos:
ifsibility of truth Of these reports is Of
itao momentous importance to be lightly
deais with The nation is bound to in
ouire as to the habits of candidates for
/ high Office. After the experience Of the
Hast three years it has no right to run the
lslightest risk inithfs respect. No pub.
lie man, whose friends are asking foI
him high Office, ought to complain Of the
strictest scrutiny by the public as to his
habits in this particular; We call, there.
fore. on the national and State temper.
ance societies to investigate these reports
They are bound to give us the facts, ane
save US from even the possibility ct such
another infiction as the nation now suf
fers. Especially We call on the Hon
Henry Wilson, pledged teetotaler, tt
see that the whole truth in this matter
| is given to the country. He has devoted
himself to the advocacy Of Grants claims
As temperance man, he is bound to SEE
that we run no risks of this kind. Liy
ing in Washington, he must know, Of
have implements of knowing, the trutf
as to this matter. If we are unnecessa
rily anxious, let him relieve us by trust
worthy assurances that Grant is now /,
temperate man, fully able, on all occasions
Ito withstand this temptation. If th,
fact is notso, let him explain to his tenn
perance associates hew he dares to asl
their votes for Grant. 1t is perilou
enough to give the Presidency to mai
pho aoas, contessedy, an ineeteratc drunk;
} ard t,oo or three gears ago. But it vii
be the gravest crime to give it to him j
, that vice still holds him in his iron grasp
OF course fidelity to the negro must b
our first and desisive test Of any man
fitness for the Presidency. But this tes
Of temperance is also vital.
Fl WENDELL PHILLIPS.
From the Independent, January 22}
i Under the roof Of the Capitol there i
now very little intemperance, whethe
among Democrats or Republicans. 0c
cdsionaly a Presidential candidate /
seen fuddled an the streets; but, as thi
J. happens only on Sunday, it cannot b
said to interfere with public business az,
does not strikingly challenge public at
tention. Besides, If Vice. President j
drunk with view to his inauguration
J lghat shall restrain g Presidential card!
has nomiaation2 One glass Of win
poured down the throat Of the next Pres
: ident Of the United States, and maxim
. "a hell in his blood, may give the Who'll
nation the defiriuns trenaens. We sug
) gest prohibitory law to take on nom
mating conventions, and tempcranc
pledge to be signed by their nominee:
From the Revolution, January 29.
The talk is that Cabinet officer calle
General Grant a ssliar" and a ssneak,
that General Grant IS drunk hal the TN
and has been seen steadysing himself on an
others arm In Penasyluania apenue; tha
{ Stanton and Washburne have humbus
4 ged him, and that he feels his degrade
ton, and don't look anybody in the fac,
!, The talk is that Jay Cook goes in 70
e killing General Grant and nominatin
Chase; that Chase don't get drunk, is
moral man, and liberal to loan agents an
national bank men. The talk is that th
people are sick Of all politicians; tha
they don't their temperance or moral
9 lity in Washington; that they want q fres
\ deal now.
The New York Leader makes the fol
!, lowing reference to the affair: 'Th
J Duke of Marlborough, in one Of hi
,fl familiar letters, says that the first dut
!, of soldier is to remember to be alwaJ
gentleman, even to his enemy. Graf
e is great soldier but his recent CONDUIT