The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-11-12
The Republican President Elect.

From the ~ 2. World.
We cannot join in the panegyrics on General
Grant for his unostentatious return from
Galena to the Federal capital, and the care
with which he shuns the proffered demonstra-
tiops of political parasites. He adopts this
role because he is not fitted to shine in any
other. If statesman, like Seward, or a
military chieftain, like the late General Scott,
had exhibited the same dislike of parade, we
could easily put it to the account of republi-
can simplicity, of solidity Of character or any
other commendable quality which might hap
pen to find favor in the eyes of eulogists. But
silence is virtue only in him who has the
ability to speak. Retiring reserve may be
praiseworthy in q man capable OF acting a
graceful or a brilliant part on festive or con-
gratulatory occasions, but not in a man who
has neither the sentiments, the utterance, nor
the manners adapted to the ceremonious re-
auirements Of public positions. General Grant
is simple and reserved because he has no
talents to be otherwise. His deficiency in
these superficial accomplishments counts for
nothing either way in respect to his capacity
for the more important duties of the great
station to which he has been elected.
There is another recent topic of commeuda.
tion wherein we cannot chime in with General
Grants parasites. 1t is trumpted all over the
land that he has ordered General Badeau, his
private secretary, to destroy, without show
ing them to him, all letters containing appli-
cations for office. 1t is nothing very praise
worthy that General Grant wishes to be spared
that species of annoyance. But no person of
much experience or observation can believe
that General Badeau ia required to execute
such an order with literal strictness. Letters
from Republicans of standing or eminence,
even on that subject, will be brought to the
notice of General Grant; and we suppose that
any other President elect would refuse to waste
49, rlr Hha nrls
of small ofice-seekers. 1t is General Grants
interest to attach the leading statesmen of
his party to him by sense of obligation; and
to this end, the smaller patronage in their
various localities will be distributed with
more or less Difference to their advice. He
will, in most cases, appoint men whom they
recommend, not those who press their own
applications.
The Republican papers are amusing their
readers with vague speculations respecting
the new Cabinet. all of which are of course
worthless. No President, in these later times,
has been able to make up Cabinet in precise
accordance with his own preferences; and
General Grant, from the fact that he has less
civil experience and a smaller acquaintance
with personal politics, will have less freedom in
| this respect than his predecessors. Like them
he will have to compose an administration
| which will, as far as possible, harmonize con-
ficting claims and satisfy his party. No Presi-
| dent can successfully administer the Govern
ment without the united support of power
full party, and the example of General Grants
| mm ediate predecessor is warning against
detection of any of his present supporters,
or opening the way for schism. Ii he ap-
points a conservative Cabinet he will drive the
radicals into opposition. If extreme radicals
predominate, he must forego all hopes o
tranauillizing the country. Like Ulysses o
old, he must sail between Scylla and Charyb
dis, with the danger of being wrecked on
either side. He will be obliged to consult not
merely his own wishes but the exigencies
and dependencies of the situation, and will
have but small measure OF real liberty.
Among the names mentioned by the Re-
publican press as pretty sure to be in the list
of Cabinet officers, is that of Edwin M. Stan
ton as Secretary OF War. If General Grant
makes this selection, he will demonstrate a,
the outset that he is not only no statesman
but not even a man of sense and prudence
The impetuous, domineering temper of Stan
ton, and his faithlessness to his former chief
are minor considerations, although of some
importance to the new Presidents personal
comfort. The decisive objection to Stanton
is, that his appointment would stir up ole
animosities. TO give this insolent man &
triumph, and faunt him in the face of the
South and the Democratic party, would bt
such an act of needless irritation and wantoI
insult as WOulu 6AtlnS uiSn dll couuueHco ii
the pacific intentions of General Grant. |
would show that his attitude towards th'
South is one of domineering contempt O.
overbearipg defiance. 1t would be an un
called. for il Ldorsement by him of the impeach
ment proceedings against his predecessor
and would subject him to the imputation O
carrying into his high Office memory of hi
differences with President Johnson. Til
magnanimity which BELTS his position, a
well as the interests Of general harmony, for
bids an appointment which would thus ri
open old sores.
Another name which has been widely men
toned in connection with the Cabinet is tina
of Mr.. Greeley. We do not know that Nj
Greeley has sny administrative abilities; bu
in other respects this appointment is one {
the best that General GRAFT could make. II
needs to bring into his Cabinet men whose az
pointment will be significant of his intentions
II he means kindly to the South, he cannC
better express it than by taking Mr.. Greele
into his confidential council. Mr.. Greeley
oft proclaimed policy of universal amnest
and impartial suffrage" would be vlrtuI
promise that the new administration will fave
the prompt removal of all political disabilitit
in consequence of the Rebellion, and that
the Southern States should choose to restriC
3 the suffrage by an educational or other qualit
cation, the new administration would not OF
2 pose it, provided it applied to both races alik
l Mr.. Greeley is SO ardent a radical that thes
sentiments could be brought into the Cabine
with less offense in his person than in that
8 any other Republican eminent enough for
Cabinet station. Though he might be weak
administrative details Ca drudgery that coul
9 be we'll enough performed by capable subo
r dinates) his teeming brain would suppl
ks1.,, L. HI oIo