The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-08-17

Hoy GRANT BRFRIESDs THE NEGRO
The very disastrous effort OF Gen. Grant's
friends and sycophRnts to vindicate him
against the sound aud pointed charge of
Cnrl Schurz, OF having approached that
distinguished Senator with corrupt pro-
posaIs, will not, we trust, deter them
from some attempt at least to clear his
fame from another grave scandal. 1t is
one which hus an important bearing
upon the much disputed question OF the
sincerity of the Presidents profession of
conversion to the doctrine once held in
great detestation by him. We refer to
the great cardinal Radical doctrine Of
negro equality, as proclaimed in the con-
stitutional amendments. To testify his
submission to this demand Of the re-
grophilist, it appears that Gen. Grant
was induced, about the beginning of his
Administration, to appoint colored boy
to that nristocratic institution, where his
own son, Prince Frederick, was under
going his preparation and polishing for
the grand tour which he has recently
made through Europe, under the special
care Of the Genernl-in- Chief of tue
armies of the United States. But cadet
Smith, colored, was not we'll received or
regarded by the Caucasian cadets. The
scions of the Radical chiefs, who have
appropriated all the cots in the ational
academy, would not take their parents
prescriptions, but rebelled against all
association with or recognition Of Smith, +,
as their equal. They snubbed. elbowed
aud larked him in all imaginable ways
It was in vain he complained to the pro.
fessors, and that he continued studious
and punctual in the performance of all
his duties. The Radical sprouts, headed
by the Presidents son, said, cit might
suit our governors to tell the niggers
they are our equals. Weknow that that
is all political Cannon. and we boys
ain't going to stand it," And 80 poor
Smith had bard time of it aud wished
himself back in Connecticut, where he
had kind friend and guardian in very
respectable old Republican, named Da-
vid Clark. To him, when complaining
of the rude conduct of tue white cadets
toward his protege. and intimating his
desire that be should be permitted to re-
sign, President Grant said, '.No; he had
heard most favorable accounts of the be-
havior aud proficiency Of Smith, and he
would see that he was protected in mis-
rights" How this pledge was kept is
now exposed by Mr.. Clark, in recent
publication, wherein he states, on the
authority OF that sanity soldier, Gen.
Howard, that q court martial being or.
dered to try Smith, Gen. Grant request
ed the Secretary of War to constitute
the court 80 as to secure his dismissal,
giving as q reason therefor the assurance
of his son Fred, that there existed a
strong prejudice against Smith among
the cadets.
In order, however, to conceal the real
object and character of the court, Gen
Howard was constituted president. But
as the evidence was not sufficient to con-
viot Smith, even this packed court could
not find a verdict against him. He was
acquitted Of the main charges, but the
President not approving the finding,
poor Smith had to leave, and his good
friend, David Clark, now revenges his
bad treatment by addressing to our me-
gro brethren throughout the land the
pertinent question, whether the man who
has behaved in this manner to one of
their race is worthy of their confidence
and support. We agree with Mr.. Clark
as to the pertinency of this question, and
we submit it to the special consideration
Of that African Moses, Frederick Dou-
glass, who is essaying to lead his race
through the Red Sea of politics into the
promised land of Federal favor.
Neo Orleans Times.