Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-11-15
GEN. GRANT AS pREsrDENT.

As1S, AOaSfeII DSSH very TstlcenI, anu Out
little has dropped from him which can be
regarded 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 in
considerable number either, who voted
for him, as furnishing very clear indi-
cation that he will not yield to or be |
controlled by the Radical faction of the |
party that nominated him. That letter
Is as follows:
AIN formally accepting the nomination
of the National Union Republican Con-
vention of the 2lst of May, instant, it
seems proper that some statement Of views
beyond the mere acceptance of the nomi'
nation should be expressed. The proceed
ings of the Convention were marked with
wisdom, moderation and patriotism, and l
believe express the feelings Of the great
mass of those who sustained the country
through it's recent trials. indorse the
resolutions. If elected TO the office of
President Of the United States, it will be
my endeavor 10 administer all the laws in
good faith, with economy, and with the
view of giving peace, quiet and protection
everywhere.
In times like the present, it is impossi-
Bile, or at least eminently improper, TO lay
dOun policy TO be adhered to, right or Urong,
through an administration of four years.
New political issues, not foreseen, are cen
stanily arising the views Of the public on
old ones are constantly changing, and
purely administrative officer should always
be left free 10 EXECUTE THE WILL OF THE
PEOPLE. l ALWAYS HAVE RESPECTED
THAT WILL, AND ALWAYS SHALL. Peace
and universal prosperity-its sequence
with economy of administration, will light
ed the burden of taxation, while it con-
stantly reduces the national debt. Let us
have peace. With great respect,
Your obedient servant,
u. S. GRANT.
Washington, D, C., May %, 1868.
It will be observed that while he en-
dorses the resolutions of the convention
that nominated him, he expressly refuses
ito lay down policy to be adhered to,
right or wrong" during his administra-
ton, but lays great deal Of stress upon
his intention ITO 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 Gen. Grant in a spirit that
has surprised his warmest a1d most en-
thusiastic supporters. They have trusted
the word Of soldier, and believe that he
will be as unacceptable to the Radicals
year hence as President johnson is to-
day. The Army and Nary Journal,
which has through the campaign spoken
in relation to Grant in an authoritative
tone, discusses his probable course now
that he is elected to the Presidency. 1t
refers TO his candid and dispassionate
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 ne dictated tie Lees
army. 1t then adds:
IGen. Grant, we repeat, is by nature a
Unbalanced, calm, moderate, conserVa-
tive man. Such will he appear as Presl-
dent. aud those who contemplate his be-
ing either a tool or tyrant reckon With
ont their host. Next we may count on
Gen. Grants administration being OF an
exceedingly practical character This Is
an essential character Of his own mind
Gen. Grant, without making
GREAT noise about it, will aim TO make
his administration generally useful by
economy, by honesty, by sound Judgment
ard common sense.
0His Cabinet will be selected with a view
| 70 render him assistance in this practical
wav. The measures he will recommend &c
Congress will be entirely Of this sort. The
finances and the civil service will be among
the foremost Of general political subject;
to receive attention, and we may safely
predict that the great work Of the hour
the great feature TO strike all observers, al
soon "a General Grant has been A month
in power, will be the confidence inspired
| in people of all parties and all polluca
creeds.
"Grant, az a soldier, understands wei
| the bounds Of coordinate and subordinate
authority. Congress will not be suffered
70 encrOach upon his prerogatives as tn
| Executive, nor he attempt to encroact
upon Congress as the legislative depart
" ment of the government A soldier ls useC
both 10 command and 10 obey-an admlra
bic training, say what civilians VIII, io
anv administrative office, from pound
keeper up to President.
We shall make bold to predict that h'
will realize more, than any man who ha
sat in the Chief Magistrates chair sine
Andrew Jackson, the Executive idea whlcl
sbould be the central idea connected witt
the Presidency"
If General Grant will realize this idea
if he will assert the functions Of the Elk
ecutivo officer so as to see that the law
are faithfully executed by subordinates
he will fulfill great task. In no countrl
in the world are officials so corrupt, S,
disproportionately paid for services, ant
so lax in the fulfillmGnt Of duties.
Gen. Grants military education will en-
able him to hold his subordinates to dut.
and strict accountability, he will rende
> memorable service to the American
people. The incoming Of the new al
ministration is the time to set about thi
great reform, and to put a stop to abuse
, that have for years been eliminating
till they have at least reached a heigh
that overshadowS the land. The Rich
mond Whig of the 10th inst, has
lengthy article on the result Of the Presi
dental election, in which, while it denie
it to be a free and unawed expression c
the popular will, it gives utterance to tn
feelings and hopes Of the great body G
Southern people touching the admins
tration Of Gen. Grant That paper says
They, the North, whether they kno,
IL OF not. have q master as well as We. Ga
, hone "a that be will be mild and merCifu
( 10 US poor miserable sinners. All the hti.
we know Of him, or imagine We know, }
derived from newspapers and current talk
G and is scarcely sufficient TO justify an opir
ion that is worth ANYTHING We Caunc
assert that he will cut the radicals, or Civ
a fresh turn 10 the screw with which the
: are tUrturing the South. We know &c
I whether he will be a bloody Nero, or
q mild and benignant Augustus; whether b
will law deep and broad the foundations {
a despOtic empire, or restore the lest night