The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1868-04-10
GRANT AND THE RADICALS.

When the Radical party deserted lIe
plan of restoration adopted by Presi-
dents Lincoln and Johnson, and sep
aration ensued between Mr.. Johnson
and his party, General Grant appeared
to side with the President. He stood
beside the President when the latter re-
ceived and replied to the Committee
from the Philadelphia Convention of
August 18th, 1866. He accompanied the
President in his memorable eelectiOneer-
ing tour to Chicago in the same year
And when the President removed Stan
ton, General Grant accepted the APP
pointment of Secretary 0d interim, as
every one thought, in order to facilitate
a change.
The testimony Of General Grant be-
fore the mpeachment Committee more
over indicates that he approved the
programme Of Messrs. Lincoln and
johnson and his celebrated report
upon the condition of the Southern
people, made shortly after the close of
the war, exhibits feeling of kindness
for them which is utterly irreconcilea-
BILE with a support of the Congressional
scheme of destruction.
How, then, does it happen that Gen.
Grant has deserted the President, and
given his adhesion to the abominable
plan of Negro Reconstruction Has he
deliberately deceived the people for
three years, or has he been corrupted
by the promise of the Radical nomina-
tion for the Presidency? His cores
pondence with the President about the
removal OF Stanton betrays desire to
create the impression that he was de-
ceiving the President and people. But
in either aspect of his course, we wish
the Radicals JOY of their candidate.-
If he has deliberately deceived the
American people for three long years.,
and perfidiOusly betrayed them at the
end of that time, the Radicals cannot
expect him to keep better faith with
them than with others. Ifhe has been
corrupted by the promise of office, the
Radicals may reckon on his deserting
them as soon as he finds their party
losing the power to confer office.
The willingness of the Radicals to
accept candidate ofGrant's eQuivOcal
antecedents, exhibits their fear and des-
peration. A year ago they would have
disdained to support any less pro-
nounced candidate than Chase, Wade,
or one of that stamp. Now, they grasp
at the candidate who promises to afford
them support in the hour of their ex-
tremity and danger. And they do this
in the face of their experience of An
drew Johnson and two Ofhis predeces-
sOrS.
But they f1atter themselves that I'M
parchment and the Tenure of Office Act
will secure the President, whoever he
may be. The Impeachment of Mr..
Johnson is not only intended as pun
ishment for him, but as a warning to
Grant, should he be elected. And after
Mr.. Wade has distributed the patronage
of the Government, the Tenure Of Office
Act will prevent Grant or any one else
from disturbing his arrangements. The
new President will find it his principal
business to draw his salary, and eXpend
it in entertaining his constituents.
The Radicals do not want Grant as
the pilot, but as the tigure-head of the
party. They propose to use him as a
decOy to catch votes. If under his name
they can pump up enthusiasm enough
to carry majorities in the Electoral Col
leges and Congress, Stevens, Sumner
and the negroes will rule the country
four years longer, and Grant will have
their full permission to smoke and talk
horse throughout his sterm.-LGncdSle7'
| Hltelligencer.