Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-11-18
Gen. Grant as President.

From the Nashville Union ana Amer1can.I
There is naturally great deal Of curl
osity to know how Gen. Grant will act as
President, aud every utterance by him OF
any of his prominent and steadfast sup
porters is caught up as perhaps furnish
ing an index to the policy the new Presi'
dent will pursue Gen. Grant has, how.
ever, been very reticent, and but little
has dropped from him which can be re-
garded as of much significance, except
his letter accepting the Chicago nomina'
ton. That has furnished some consola'
ton to many who opposed his election
while it is pointed to with considerable
exultation by those Democrats, not an
inconsiderable number either, who voted
for him, as furnishing a very clear indi
cation that he will not yield to or be con
trolled by the Radical faction of fhe par.
ty that nominated him. That letter is al
follows:
"In formally accepting the nomination
of the National Union Republican Con
vention of the 2lst of May, instant, il
seems proper that some statement OF
views beyond the mere acceptance OF the
nomination should be expressed. The
proceedings of the Convention were
marked with wisdom, moderation and
patriotism, and / believe express the
feelings of the great mass of those who
sustained the country through its recent
trials. | indorse the resolutions. Ii
elected to the office of President of the
United States, it will be my endeavor to
administer all the laws in good faith,
with economy, and with the view OF
giving peace, quiet and protection every
where.
"In times like the present, it is i'm
possible, or at least eminently improper,
to lay down a policy to be adhered to,
right or wrong, through an administra.
ton of four years. New political issues,
not foreseeu, are constantly arising; the
views of the public on old ones are con-
stantly changing, and purely admins
trative officer should always be left free
to execute the aciH of the people. /!
alsoays hare respected that pin, and
al,cdys shall Peace and universal
prosperity-its sequence-with economy
of administration, will tighten the burden
Of taxation, while it constantly reduces
the national debt. Let us have peace
with great respect, your obedien'
servant, U. 3. GRANT;
Washington, d. c., May 2s, ls6S.'
1t will be observed that while he in'
dorses the resolutions Of the convention
that nominated him, he expressly refuses
ITO lay down q policy to be adhered to,
right or wrong" during his administra'
ton, but lays greet deal of stress upon
his intention "to execute the will OF the
people" These are the pledges from
which the defeated have drawn a conso-
lation that has enabled them to accept
the election of General Grant in a spirit
that has surprised his warmest and most
enthusiastic supporters. They have
trusted the word of soldier, and believe
that he will be as unacceptable to the
Radicals a year hence as President John
son is to-day. The Army and Nary Jour
nal which has through the campaign
spoken in relation to Grant in an author
itatiye tone. discusses his probable course
now that he is elected to the Presidency.
II refers 10 his candid and dispassiouate
view regarding the South set forth in his
official report on the situation soon after
peace was declared, and TO the terms OF
surrender which he dictated to Lees
army. II then adds:
General Grant, We repeat, Is BY ma
ture a well-balanced, calm, modeiat
conservative man. Such will he appear
as President, and those Who contemplate
bis being either tool or tyrant reckon
without their host Next We msy count
on General Grants administration being
Of an exceedingly practical character.
This is an essential character Of bis evu
mind. General Grant, With.
NJ making q great noise about Il, viii
in 10 make bis administration generally