Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-03-26
Money and Presents.

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"Ulysses, when very small boy" wrote
Grant pere to the New York Ledger, "was
very fond of money and presents" This
trait of character which was so prominent
feature of the every small boy" as to
attract the attention and made matter OF
record by the father, seems to have "grown
with the, growth and strengthened with the
strength" of the man. The reputation
of the Jiographer has not been brought
into discredit by the man discardiDg this
leading feature of the boy, nor has the
son suffered any pecuniary loss by the con
siderate thoughtfulness of the father
Shrewd observers have protited by these
ooZden words, and as an advertisement
merely the announcement has PAID Well.
And inst here We would advise our bust
ness men to - stick PIN" for judicious
advertisements will pay.
A witty contemporary well observes that
the President is well named .. S. Us
in the vocabulary of that functlonary
meaning, me and my friends" For we
are satisfied that no man has been more
prompt to reward his friends, especially
those who have most literally gratifed his
penchant for "money and presents. -
Possibly one policy, for GRANT has one or
two policies, has been even more proml-
nent than this and more hasty in its execu-
ton, and that is the rapid and unseemlng
punishment meted out to former military
friends who have not supported his poiltl-
cal aspirations. In the name of the Gener-
al of the Army, even before the vacancy
caused by his legal resignation had been
filed, so great was his haste, he banlshes
General HANCOCK to Dakota, assigns Cen
eral G11LEM to an obscure position, and
promotes SHERIDAN over MEADE, THOMAS
and HALLECK.
However much he may have avenged him
self upon these old soldiers he has not for
gotten his fondness for money and pres
ents' and there has been no lack OF men
to take advantage of this amiable little
weakness. Now Washburne secured GRANT S
the war, and after his defeats in Missouri
and at Shiloh was his fast friends with
President LINCOLN. He was made Secre-
tary of State and then Minister to France.
And thus far has secured only two good
appointments for his near relatives.
Mr.. STEWART was liberal subscriber to
the house presented to GRANT in New
York, and also the one presented to him in
Washington, and bought the latter house
of him to present to General SHERMAN.
Mr.. BoRIE contributed freely of his
means to purchase GRANT house in Phil
adelphia, which he yet owns and rents.
Mr. BoRIE is Secretary of the Navy.
Mr.. HoAR presented General GRANT a
very handsome library. Mr. HoAR is now
Attorney General.
So much for the presents"
A year or two ago, Mr.. FISH, in connec
ton with few wealthy gentlemen, made
up purse of one hundred thousand dol
lars as a present to General GRANT, which
he accepted. Mr. FISH is now Secretary of
State.
So much for the /" money"
Another amiable weakness which the
new President has exhibited, and which
has provoked some comment among his
political friends, is the nepotism which has
characterized his appointments. Mr..
Sharp, brcther-in-law, has been appoint
ed Marshal of tho District Of Columbia, a
position decidedly more lucrative than that
of President of the United States.
Mr. Casey, another brother in law. has
been appointed Collector of the port of
New Orleans, probably the most lucrative
Federal Office in the South. The Grant
and Dent families have already secured po-
sitions or are to be appointed. More patri-
otto than Artemus Ward, rather than have
family feud he will appoint to Office
"every one of his wife's able-bodied male
relations"
But however gratifying it may be for
him to receive money and presents" and
provide appointments for his family, few as
they have been, are not being received with
much favor by his party. Says the Spring
field Republican, an influential Radical
paper
ut would be useless to deny that the Presi-
DENTAL appointments are made and canvassei at
Washington in q manner that does not strengthen
/ the now administration in the hearts of the
people. They care very little about Gen. Grants
relatives and personal friends, but great deal
| about the selection OF good men for the offices,
great and small. 1t is very well for the President
to select his men for places before consulting his
Cabinet, provided he selects good ones. But no
man is so wise all men,, and II he will listen
carefully to the voice of public opinion, he will
fiLd that the politicians are not the ony men
who look grave at the prospect OF such heller
SHELTER appoint ments Of consangnini,y and friend
ship as have been hawked about for the last ten
days"
TIL" Railroad Mania and the People.
For one reason or another, interested or
disinterested, patriotic or selfish, honest or
dishonest, perfect mania to appropriate
money to hnlld railroads. with discretion