The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-26
Wendell Phillips on General Grant.

Wenucu InHups Senefdi ssrunt.
Wendell Phillips. at the outset of his public
life, chose the role of an agitator. He pre-
ferred 1t to that for which his social position,
his personal refinement of manners and his
superior literary culture, seemed to have de-
signated him. From his richly furnished
armory Of oratorial gifts and acquisitions he
has taken fierce delight in selecting the dead
Hest weapons Of satire and invective. In fine,
he has carefully trained himself to be most
eloquent scold. Not unseldom, indeed, he has
been, in Shakspearian phrase, San irksome.
brawling scold." If some of his predictions
have been fulfilled, like those of Cassandra,
they have almost always been as full of fury
as hers were. Apolitical Ishmaelite, his hand
has been against every man and every mans
hand against him. If he has lavished eulogy
on Toussaint lOuverture and other dead
heroes, he has poured walls of wrath and abuse
on the heads of his own contemporaries.
Rarely has a hearty word of praise for any
living man escaped his lips. When, therefore,
he deliberately extols the character of General
Grant and his eminent fitness for the Presiden-
tial chair, such an exceptional utterance COM
mands universal attention. 1t derives, more
over, additional weight and force from the
assaults which he has made upon Grant. Mr..
Phillips virtually confessed the injustice of
those assaults when he told our Washington
correspondent, in speaking of Grant, 81 ad-
nit he did not suit my views in the start, but
l say cheerfully now that he does" Mr..
Phillips bitterly denounced even Lincoln as
being too slow for him. But he says that
General Grant is ahead of his party-they
have fallen behind him."
Notwithstanding all his buster Wendell
Phillips is endowed with clear and piercing
insight. The impelling causes, the drift and
the probable results of current events, are dis
timely discerned by him. So, too, are the
characteristics of the men who now figure
prominently and actively in politics. His de-
clarations that Grant is the strongest man in
the country to-day; that he has the character
and the average brain which represent the
loyalty and intelligence of the American peo-
pie; that he can make sure OF that confidence
from the people which means that they believe
the honor and the interests of the nation are safe
in his hands that he answers to the descrip-
ton of the man who is the successful one be-
cause he reflects the sentiments Of the largest
number and keeps in the front rank; that he
has shown great Judgment, and, above all,
has maintained for the coored people q stead
fast friendship, when numerous prominent
members Of his party shrked their duty; that
his strong common sense united to firm will
and true patriotic spirit, has held him
straight to the line of duty the people desired
he should pursue but that he is not sup
ported by a Congress which is selfish and
dwelling, does not interpret the wants and
aspirations of the country, deals in jobs, has
no broad policy and is incommensurate with
the growth and intelligence of the country
all these declarations Of Wendell Phillips will,
doubtless, be endorsed by The American
people as emphatically true.