The Van Buren press., 1870-08-09
The Van Buren, Press,
VAN BUREN,, ARKANSAS.
Grants Trip to Connecticut.

| nc TeSlucut ny luNitatlOI, maue
visit on the 4th Of July to Connecticut
A correspondent, writing from Hartford
on the 7th to the New York Sun, Re
publican paper, says:
The Chief Executive officer of the
country is entitled to certain degree of
consideration, irrespective of the ndi-
vidual who holds the position, and hence
| reirained from criticising the strange
appearance and bearing of the President
while on his visit to Connecticut until he
left for his country home at Long Branch +;
and even now ] have some reluctance to
speak Of him in such terms as are de-
manded by regard for truth and i'm
partiality The exhibition he made here
was a painful one, and | cannot describe
or discuss it without a mingled emotion,
compounded of humiliation, commisera
ton, and Indignation. The Legislature,
irrespective of party, had made the nee
essary arrangements to receive the Presi-
dent in fitting manner, and the munici-
pal authorities had concurred in pro
gramme that would give him an oppor-
tunity to see something of the town, and
at the same time CRAFTY his pet weakness,
which is to be flattered, and feasted, and
toadied. There was considerable curos
ity to see him, and some of the feebler
Republicans hoped to avail themselves OF
the event to consolidate their dtssolving
organization. A few sagacious men of
the party had their apprehensions of the
result, for they had seen Grant, and
knew there would be general feeling of
disappointment, if not disgust, when he
came to be seen and heard. But the thing
far exceeded their worst anticipations.
The Republicans were grieved and cha
grined at the exposure of the pitiful ap-
pearance and boorish manners of the
nominal head Of their party, and morti-
fed at his manifest inaptitude for his high
place and his general insignifcance. He
took no interest in anything; paid no at
ton to what he saw or heard !; but sat in
moody silence, evidently discontented
and unhappy, enduring the ceremonies
with sullen reluctance. He was ill at
ease, absent minded, and on two occa-
sions, when he could not avoid respond
ing to complimentary addresses, he spoke
few words abruptly, incoherently, and
in bad taste. Clearly he was not en- rap
port with any of the persons around him.
He had no one in his suite except cou-
pie of superfluous army officers whom he
has attached to his person in the capac-
ty of executive secretaries, and two or
three toadies out of office, but hoping to
find places at an early day by favor of the
President. Not a member of the Cabinet
or any conspicuous man was in his train.
| was of the party Of GOV. English who
went to Stamford to welcome the Presi-
dent in behalf of the Legislature and the
people Of Connecticut. 1t would have
amused an indifferent spectator, the sur
ly, grun, and clumsy manner in which
Grant received the courtesies rendered
him The Governor addl csscd him brief
y and in excellent taste. In matter and
style he was exceedingly happy. Grant
uttered few unmeaning words, in dis
agreeable and almost offensive manner
lie looked and acted like somnambalist.
His embarrassment and perplexity were
painful to witnesses. During the ride to
New Haven he was dull and stupid, like
man under the influence of powerful
narcotic The furlorn looking individuals
who came with him from Washington
partook of his feelings, and the whole
party seemed prepared to unite in the
chorus, " Let us all be unhappy together"
Andy Johnson swinging round the circle,
Seward and Grant in state Of exuberant
hilarity, Seward making maudlin speech.
es, and Grant smoking in silence, but en-
joyng the hugely, composed an odifying
and dignided spectacle when compared
with this remarkable exhibition. The
Republicans hung their heads in shame
and modification, The Democrats, al
though foresceng the overthrow of the
Radicals, to be accelerated and made
more complete by Grants absurdties
and want of decorum, were nevertheless
distressed as American citizens that their
Chief Magistrate could SO far forget the
proprietics of his position, and the re-
spcct due TO the prejudices even of a
well ordered community.
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