The New York herald., 1870-01-06
A Contrnse-(:cncral Grant and Presidost
Grant.

to the time OF his election to the Presidency
was justly regarded as thoroughly represen-
tative American. On all questions in which
the honor, glory and progress Of his country
were involved he was American to the core.
He had none Of the contracted ideas OF
New England of sectional politicians, no
atllaity with European or monarchical institu-
tons, prejudices or habits OF thought. Raised
in the great West, he had the broad and sturdy
republican IDEAS of that section. His patriot
ism was elevated, and, like tho region OF
country where he had his home, was wide in
its range and as comprehensive as its destiny.
He had no narrow views Of American policy
or progress, and, like all true Western men,
believed in the manifest destiny Of this mighty
republic. Such man was General Grant
when he rc-entered tho army at the commence
ment of the lato war; and all through his
glorious military career till he reached the
Presidency.
1t viii be remembered how truly this lofty
American patriotism of General Grant was
shown in the case of the French occupation of
lurAico AAc ACSoAuCN VIZ AuVuoAOh "a SA~S
neighboring republic by the French and tho
setting up monarchy on our border by a
European Power as gross insult to the
United States, as blow OF republican govern
ment on this Continent and as violation Of
the Monroe doctrine. He said, in fact, it
was a part of the war against the United
States, and that the war would not be COM
petely finished till the French and their
imperial system were driven from Mexican
sol. Acting upon these views he boldly pro-
drive the French out of Mexico. At that
time he had no fear of war with any European
nation. lie would have risked war with
France in defence of American republicanism
and institutions yes, to defend those in q
neighboring country, though we had no diff
Gully with France ourselves apart from this
question, he would have risked war with
the greatest Power in Europe to defend and
protect American republicanism. A thrill of
pride and admiration ran through the hearts of
our people when the great captain of the war
thus proclaimed his fearless and lofty Ameri-
can patriotism. He knew that France could
not measure swords with the United States, if
even Napoleon had been foolish enough to try
the experiment. He knew, in fact, that all
Europe combined could not conquer this repub-
lie, or even land any considerable force on its
shores. But whatever the risk or cost, he was
ready then to defend republican principles in
America and the established policy Of his
country.
What n change has come over General
Grant since he became President! Or rather
what change has taken place since last
spring or summer In the case of Cuba he
seems to have forgotten his high-toned
American principles and policy. He seems to
quail before an insignificant p over like Spain,
and to abandon the cause of republican liberty
in America from fear of the least difficulty
How are the mighty fallen! Yet, when we
speak OF the President we would rather say
his administration, for we cannot believe his
nature is changed, and still think that in b is
heart he wishes the independence Of Cuba.
There is every reason to fear he has been and
Is iuHutuCCu III duli-OuDou uuu uH-hLucTl-
can policy by certain members of his Cabinet
and the chairman of the Senate Committee on
Foreign Affairs. The Secretary of State,
Attorney General Hoar and Mr.. Sumner have
mised him, no doubt, by cunning and per-
sistent system of misrepresentation. The
position they have assumed on the Cuban
question and their outspoken hostility to the
Cuban cause leave no doubt about that Then,
it il known that while the lamented General
Rawlins lived and was member of the
Cabinet the President manifested great interest
in the Cubans, and went so far even as to
intimate last summer to the Spanish govern
ment, through our Minister at Madrid, that the
United States would have to recognize the
Cubans before long. With the death of his
friend, the noble Rawlins, the President ap-
pears to have fallen completely under the in
luence of the pro-Spanish members of the
Cabinet and Mr.. Sumner. Hence was perpe-
trated that outrage upon the feelings and sem
timent of the American people in letting loose
the thirty gunboats from our shores to crush,
ifpossible the rising republic Of Cuba; hence
the overstrained and extraordinary efforts that
have been made to prevent the Cuban patriots
from getting any supplies from this country,
and hence the deaf ear the administration has
turned to tho appeals of the American press
and public and the Cubans.
Now, the question is, will tho President
hereafter follow the promptings of his own
heart, or those blind, narrow-minded and pre-
JUDGED men that surround him? The Cubans
are entitled to recognition, for they have an
organized government and have fought for up
wards Of fifteen months, herolcally and with
remarkable success, the war for republican
freedom. On reasonable international grounds
they are entitled to this; but the government
ought to take bolder and higher ground than
that. Itougbt to follow the sympathies and wish
of the American people, and aid, directly or
r. l.. ct