The New York herald., 1870-02-07
viii Gcncrsf Granps Adminiseration DO
Success or q Fuflures

with more ecl0t, with greater advantages or
more opportunities to acquire enduring fame
than the present one; but we have yet to see
II General Grant understands the splendid
position he holds or has the ability to use these
favorable circumstances to make himself az
famous in government as he was In war. Will
he become another Jackson, or greater than
jackson, and close his administration with as
much popularity as did Old Hickory? Or will
he go out as ingloriously as Buchanan and
sink into similar disgrace and obscurity
Eleven out OF the first twelve months of his
four years presidency have passed with little
promise. The next three years will show
whether he will improve by time as wine does
by age.
Grants elevated patriotism, true republican
principles, in the general sense of the term, or
Of the honesty and kindness of his heart. His
public career during the war and since has
proved that Nor is the President incapable
OF learning craftsmanship. He has large
fund Of practical common sense and common
sense is the first quality of statesman.
During the war he advanced in knowledge by
experience and showed himself competent for
every emergency. Though he commenced as
colonel of regiment, and had never been
in command of larger force, he rose through
his military genius and practical sense
to the command of all the armies.
It, is true the foundation Of this
brilliant military career was laid in West
Point education and some little service previ-
ously in the army but without genius or great
ability he never could have gained the victo-
ries he did gain or have carried out that
glorious campaign which closed up the war.
Looking, then, at his great success as q mill
uncommon talents in the administration Of the
government. We find many examples in history
of great commanders becoming the first OF
statesmen. Caesar, the first Napoleon, the
Duke of Wellington and others may be named
as examples. We are aware that General
Grant had no experience or training in civil
affairs till he attained, short time since, the
elevated position he occupies-had never been
even in u local legislature or employed as a
civil officer; but the same qualities of mind
which distinguished him so much as a general
might make him great statesman were he to
apply them with industry and ambition to
civil affairs. 1t is only necessary, we believe,
that he should cut loose from the weak men
and mere politicians that surround him, trust
to his own practical common sense and patri-
otic impulses, and act Independently for the
good and glory Of the country.
General Grants conduct at the close of the
war, and for some time after, showed broad
and correct views of national affairs and indi-
after the rebellion was suppressed he wished
TO see the Union restored at once and the sad
memories of the war obliterated as soon as
possible. II was evident he did not favor
then, and for some time afterwards, the
prolonged reconstruction agitation, pro-
scription of the Southerners or the
party political object of Congress in keeping
the question of reconstruction open. He had
large and liberal views then. II will be
remembered, too, how broadly national and
occupation of Mexico, when he boldly pro-
posed to march an army across the Rio Grande
TO drive the French from American soil. In
fact, on all questions both of domestic and
foreign character he was liberal, republican
and American to the core His heart is right,
but he has trusted to others when |
he should have followed his own impulses, has
suffered himself To be the tool of faction
when he had the people with him and the
power to carry ont his own policy, and is now
only drifting along AS a few men direct him,
because he wishes to avoid trouble and to take
things easy. He seems to have lost in
measure his independence and ambition since
he became President.
None of General Grants predecessors had
the opportunity he has for accomplishing great
things and acquiring fame. He is President
when the republic is undergoing great
material social and political revolution,
partly as result of the war and partly from
the wonderful developments Of the age. The
American republic, with its forty millions of
intelligent and intensely active citizens, it's
boundless and varied resources and wonderful
future, holds the first position among nations,
and is the one to which the people Of all others
are looking as The hope Of the world. General
Grant holds the helm OF affairs Just as we
have commenced this new era Of progress
and greatness Win he comprehend this and
the glorious opportunity before him +? In
stead Of suffering himself to be clogged in
the mire Of party politics, or TO be controlled
by weak and narrow minded politicians, can he
raise himself up to the grandeur of the occa-
sion and high aspirations of the nation? Con-
gress is weak and tossed about like ship at
sea without rudder. 1t wants to be steered
II needs guiding hand The dominant party
that elected General Grant looks TO the admin
istration for maintaining its power, and would
be glad to follow the President in any popular
course he might mark ont for himself. Recon