The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-05-09

Cabinet as one eminently practical, wise
and safe. Indeed, comparatively little
criticism has been made upon the cabi.
net. To be sure, the secretaries have
been blamed for want of energy in disci-
pline. In particular instances, their de-
liberation has been thought to verge
upon federation of corrupt men.
But, considering the state of the pub
lie mind, this cabinet has been pre-emi-
nently reforming one. All wars more
or less demoralize the business habits of
a people. The great civil war developed
a vast jobbing interest, and stimulated a
lawless and immense speculative greed
which could not be cured in a day Bnt
if one compares the progress of affairs in
the States, with the administration of
federal affairs by the General Govern
ment, he will find vast and complex
system of affairs, involving almost incom-
putable treasures, and Offering boundless
opportunity and temptation to frand, ad-
ministercd on the whole with fidelity
and integrity which have won the conf
dence Of business men throughout the
world. 1t is not just to judge of conti-
nent by the condition of an acre here and
there.
General Grant has learned much, and
suffered much in learning. We appre.
ciate the just criticisms that have been
made upon him. We are not his indis
criminate eulogists. We have marked
his faults, and we clearly perceive his de-
ficiencies. But In what other man will
be found all excellencies and no fault :?
Where can we find combination of
qualities which have, upon trial, pro-
duced, on the whole, better results? He
is far better fitted to-day to exercise the
executive functions than he was when he
was enthusiastically selected. If he is
a slow scholar, be is a scholar who re-
tains all he learns. 1t may be pity that
the administration men, par excellence,
in congress have among them so many
President must employ those who will be
employed. He cannot 60 upon his knees
to imperious senators. The people have
made President higher than senator. 1t
is for public men who are truly patriotic
to place their counsel and influence with
the Executive upon terms which he can
accept with self-respect. Ifthey are cold
arrogant, derisiye, it is not fer them to
complain that the President passes by
them to men who are practical, and who
help by cordial interest rather than by
moral lectures
General Grant has not failed in any
pledges made by the Republican party in
his behalf. The party itself has been
cum bered by practical difficulties as great
as ever were accumulated upon politi-
cal party. If in some directions less, in
other directions moro has been accom-
plished than was expected. No party
ever goes into power with the gift of
prophecy. New events change the COM
plexion of narty's purposes, and it
must conform to the requirements of
facts. The enthusiasm of 1872 is not the
popular enthusiasm of 1868, and a party
may be truer to its principles by not fol-
lowing out its original course, than by a
rigid adhesion to it.
Now, not seeking to justify every neg
lect, but applying to the Republican par
ty, those allowances and those tests which
just men apply to all human actions, we
firmly believe that, under Gen. Grant S
administration, the Republican party
has conductei the country through re-
settlement almost as perplexing as was
the period Of war, and with discretion
and success which are not unworthy of
the reputation achieved by it in the
stormy days of civil convulsions Dur
ing this period General Grant has neither
Jagged behind nor run ahead of the Re-
publican party. If he has not proved
brilliant, he has certainly established a
reputation for safety, For his place
there is no man before the public who
would not be an experiment. Grant has
been tried; his weaknesses and his good
qualities are known. Experience is heal
ing the one and developing the other.
His fidelity to the known wishes of the
party is unquestionable. What correc-
ton of abuses comes to be demanded
will be achieved 1t is the force of pub
lie opinion outside Of the government
which gives it sails, and gives it power
to move. We do not deprecate the cri
ticisms of able journals. just as fast as
they can raise the tone of public scnti-
ment in the community, they will secure
the execution of that sentiment by the
administration.
In short, the Republican party, in our
judgement, represents ideas and policies,
indispensable to the growth of justice and
liberty in this great commonwealth. Ii
was never more fitted TO carry out the
best thoughts of our wisest men. And
in looking about for leader in the COM
ing campaign, we know of no one so like
ly to secure success as the man who in
his military life, however slow or cum.
brous in his methods, seems to have in
variably come out victorious In the end.
This has been called good luck. The
men who habitually have good luck are
the men we want.
TEA AND CoFFEE FREE.-There viii
be general feeling Of relief in the bill
| to make tea and coffee free after July l.
| TIE House YESTERDAY aoreed very