Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-05-06
OLYMPIA. SATURDAY MORNING, NAY, 6, 1871
A Contrast.
at our risk

The greed OF Grant and his relatives Is
of worldwide renown. If there are any
of the Grant or Dent families who are not
sucking Government pap, it is no fault of
Ulysses. Another fact, exqually appar-
ent, still more fully demonstrating this
contemplate trait of character. No in
stance has yet been given Of his declining
agift of any nature or from any source, or
of his allowing the more liberal donors to
20 unrewarded by the cmoluments Of pub
lie Office, however unworthy the recipient,
or glazing the corruption. No one denies
it; everybody knows it to be true and his
party tacitly acquiesce in an outrage which
will leave stain upon the pages of our
national history that time can never efface.
The proAigate reign of James l. alone
affords parallel to it in this and many
other respects.
In this age of boosted progress, when
our public men have SO many illustrious
examples iu our own history before them,
it is huniliating to acknowledge that the
virtues have not kept pace with the gener-
al improvement. In the conduct Of the
great Washington, when called to the ex-
allied position, the modest dignity and ster.
ling worth of the nations founder is mos,
admirably portrayed by the contrast. One
of his letters, written upon assuming the
Office of Chief Executive, breathes these
pure sentiments "My movements will be
accompanied by feelings not unlike those
of a culprit who is going to the place of exc
cution, so unwilling am I, in the evening o.
life nearly consumed in public cares, t.
quit peaceful abode for an ocean of diff
culties without that competency of political
skill, abilities, and inclination which are
necessary to manage the helm. l an
sensible that l am embarking good name
OF my own On this voyage, and what return
will he made, Heaven can only foretell
Integrity and frmness are all that car
promise"
This becoming modesty was manifested
in every public ace of his life. The high
place he had won in the confidence anG
affections of the people he was anxious t.
maintain as the brightest and best of earthl,
honors. He declined all public receptions
and even the invitations of his friends te
make their homes place of temporary so
journ. On this subject he wrote to Mr.
Madison, II will frankly declare to you
mean to go to no lodgings but hired ones
Hthese cannot be had tolerably convenient
(for l shall not be nice about them,)
would take rooms in the most decent tavern
till house can be provided for the more
permanent residence of the President.
have already declined very polite and
pressing invitation from the Governor tc
lodge at his house till place could be pre-
pared for me-"
While Grant reposes in his fifty thou
sand dollar gift cottage at Long Branch
he has leisure to reflect upon the unpre
tending simplicity Of his predecessor, aud
to thank heaven he is not of such! The
"staff" Of Washington while Presiden,
consisted Of two persons Neither of these
were relatives, and he refused to his neph
ew the small Office of district attorney 70,
part of Virginia, so determined was be
not to be suspected Of Partially 70,
friends or relations"
Witness the difference at the present
time. Don Piatt, who used to be good au
thority among Republicans, draws thi.
picture:
For the first time in the history Of
the executive mansion servants appea,
In livery. His excellence is surrounded
BY the military. There is a continual
jingling Of spurs and clank of sabers
and the illustrius tanner now grown SC
great, can only be reached through a bat
tallion Of 6unkies, aud brigadier general:
(by brevet) are as thick as blackberries
Mrs. Grant, when she receives, is surroun.