The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-21
evening JState Sol,rmal.
GENERAL GRANT.


by the opposition press are unworthy of
notice. They are part of the sensational
programme which party deals in when it
has no we'll defined principles or policy,
with which it dare go before the people.
1t is reduced, then, to making war by these
personal assaults, that ftly embody the
brutality 10 which they originate. We do
not propose to notice this class Of attacks,
for the same reason that we would not ao-
cept controversy with debauched and
drunken loafer in the streets.
But there is class of Republicans who
persist, in q style of comment upon the
President somewhat more moderate, and
which has the greater weight because it
comes to US as the free and kindly criti-
cism allowable to members of the same
party. Under this specious guise, Gene
raj GRAFT is made to appear as stubborn,
dictatorial man, who urges personal
schemes at the expense of party unity, and
rudely treads down those who oppose him.
1t is also asserted that the appointments
have been dictated in great part by per-
sonal considerations, and that as whole
they are bad. And, further, that General
Grant is not true to the Republican cause,
but shows indications of following the
recreant example Of his predecessor.
These objections and criticisms are no
doubt having some weight, urged as they are
in high places, and by men who ought to
be above using Misrepresentation against a
fancied rival. They may deceive hon est
and well intentioned men for time, but
they are wholly unfounded, and the people
who have clear insight will soon learn the
motives which prompted their publication.
What has General Grant done to weaken
the confidence Of Republicans in him ? Has
he violated the constitution or the law in
any particulars Has he failed to execute
any law of Congress Has he recon-
mended or urged any measure inconsistent
with the platform upon which he was
nominated? Has he knowingly appointed
to office any but loyal and capable men
We are confident that the most careful
investigation would show that General
Grant has been scrupulously careful in
obeying and executing the laws. We are
equally confident that he has been loyal
to the Republican cause, and is to-day
more earnest in the application of efficient
and practical measures to ensure its success
than most politicians on our side. He
is with the people, who are always in ad-
vance Of the politicians.
No man is more safe from the reactiona-
ry influence which has swept over the
land, and which always succeeds great
struggles in the individual or the nation.
If differences have arisen between the Pre-
sident and any members of the party, it
has been on men and measures, never on
principle, or from lack of zeal on his part
to do his whole duty to those who needed
protection.
But if you consider that General Grant
has,the appointment OF over $4,000 officers,
can you wonder that he has sometimes
been deceived and made mistakes7 BY
the necessities of his position and varied
duties, he must trust largely to the recom-
mendations of friends, and for every Office
there are numerous applicants, all well re-
commended, and often equally so. Put
yourself in his place, good reader, and con-
slider If you, or if any Of us, would have
done much better. Consider the limita-
tions and difficulties which harrassed the
appointing power, and be just if not char
table in your criticisms.
Of removals the same is true, one of the
outs wants a place, end forthwith charges
are made against some incumbent and the
whole ground must be gone over. Can it
be possible to satisfy the friends of both
parties? We are free to admit that some
bad appointments have been made, no
doubt, also removals without cause in some
cases, but upon the whole we wonder there
is SO excellent force in all departments of
the government. ss
| 1t is to be noticed also that very often
what seemed mistake in this direction at
first, has been vindicated by time. The
recall Of Mr.. Motley and the retirement of
Secretary Cox, were at first received with
adverse criticism, but the thinking public
has reversed the hasty Judgment of the
critics, and sustains the President. 1t is
quite probable that similar reversal
! awaits more recent events, by which he has
been placed iu apparent antagonism with
a portion Of his party.
To accuse him of dictatorial spirit in
his relations with Congress is fagrantly un-
Just. If there is any one trait to Gen Grants
character more conspicuous than another,
it is the moderate claim he makes for him
self, and his spirit ofjustice and fairness to
others. In all his military career this
quality is seen, and enabled him to COM
mand the confidence and affection of bis
comrades, even of those who otherwise
might have been jealous and dangerous
rivals.