Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-03-01
The President and Mr.. Sumner.

Ever since the inauguration of President
Grant there has been a set of men In Washing
tol and throughout the country claiming to be
his strongest friends and supporters, who evil
IDENTIFY have no confidence in his capacity or his
Independence of character, and very little in his
integrity and patriotism. Some of them are in
various ways dependent on the administra ion
for offices or patronage, in possession or ex-
pectancy, the fear of losing or the hope of gain
ing which prompts their superservceabe zeal,
and Others are wel-meaning but Iimid persons
whose goodwill and weak faith lead them to
make lame and insincere apologies for every act
of the administration which is capable of a
doubtful construction, and to break into extray.
i rant congratulations when il turns out better
than they had feared. For the last two years
these gentlemen have experienced alternate sea-
sons Of nervous suspense and excessive citation,
the suspense more narrowing and the citation
more feversh and demonstrative by reason of
their apparent dread that the administration
would soon put an end to both by breaking
down hopelessly, and so far losing the conf
dence of the country that praise of its acts
would be ridiculous and apology Intellectual.
This series of alternate seasons of depression
aud confidence began with the appointment of
the cabinet The announcement of their names
was the signal for a general attack by all the
enemies of the president and his party, which
alarmed these weak-hearted advocates. For a
while the dispatches from Washington the
columns of some newspapers, and the reported
remarks of certain politicians and officials,
a6ounded in doubtful deprecatory suggestions
tending not exactly to justify, but to apologize
for the presidents selection. But after little,
as they found no signs OF general dissatisfaction
with the presidents choice of advisers their
courage rose to the point of praising the mem
bers of the cabinet as remarkably faithful, |
efficient aud fitted for their respective du |
ties These persons passed through the |
same series Of mental exercises in regard to the
appointment of some officers OF less prominence, |
the presidents action in relation TO Cuba, the
differences with Secretary Cox, the removal Of
Dir. Motley, the San Domingo business and
other matters. Their dstrust Of the president
seems to be inveterate and not to be removed
by any experience of the general success of his
administration in indicating its claim to the
approval of the country at large They appear
" tdAAA tuS NuolS lCopOuol illtN VI SdNlu8 0lO ]
from an i5nominious failure, disastrous to the
republican party and the country, rests upon |
their shoulders, and that it is only their feeble
apologies for him and their attacks upon all |
who seem to differ with i'm that have given his |
administration what success it has attained.
Jast now these gentlemen are terribly afraid |
of Mr. Sumner. They think, or profess to think,
that be is personally and bitterly opposed to the
president, and determined to use his great
abilities and influence to break down the ad.
ministration. He will, for this purpose as they
say, take advantage of the San Domingo ques-
ton, the English questions, or any other that
may give him an opportunity: and they take it
for granted that be will succeed in his purpose
unless he can be brought into discredit and bis
opportunities for mischief taken away. They
are, therefore, husily employed in circulating re-
ports to his disadvantage. He is preparing most
violent speech in opposition to the presidents
policy on the San Domingo question, and means
TO make an occasion for delivering it before the
adjournment Of congress, regardless of the de-
lay in the public business and the proprietv Of
awaiting the fuller information which the com.
missiOners will give on their return; he is living
AZ wall AZ huS AOPOiL vi INT JOlDI commission
on the English difficulties, with the purpose Of
defeating the result Of its Negotiations he is in
different to every consideration except his desire
10 be revenged upon the president. He must be
removed from bis position as chairman of the
committee on foreign afflirs, and deprived, so
far as it can be done, of the influence he has
earned by many years Of eminent service in
public stations
Wesup?ose that Mr.. Sumner will survive the
attacks of these persons and the president their
etill m)re dangerous defence. President Grant
owes the generally cordial support he has re-
ceiyed from tle country to his own sincerity of
parPose and soundness of judgment, and bis
growing knowledge Of public men and affllrs.
ss well as to gratitude for his distinguished
military services. So far as he is indebted for
IL TO public writers and speak rs. il is mucb
more to those who have independence enougb
and sufficient confidence in him to criticise free.
ly any Of his acts which IN their opinion deserve
II, without fear Of consequences TO him or them.
selves, than to those of1eious, yet timid cham.
pions, who vary labored apologies for acts
whose propriety is questioned with fulsome eu-
Ioies Of those which have received the popular
approval. Mr.. Summers influence is great and
no administration of his own party could be
Indifferent to the loss Of his support,
much less to bis open hostility but he
Is not at all likely 10 be led
by q sense Of personal grievance into factious
opposition to men or measures. His patriotism
and integrity as well as his ability and expert
eoce have given him the influence which be pos
sesses, and he would forfeit 1t aud cease to be
Formidable adversary If Il were believed that
his course 10 public affairs was dictated by per-
sonI luminosity. We do not believe this, nor do
We think that those who have been accustomed