New-York tribune., 1872-11-05
WAS WASHINGTON VULGAR o1FT-rAKERr

WAS WASHINGTON A VULGAR GIFT-rAKERf T.
10 me Editor OF The Tri6UHW
SIR: The CustOm-hOuse organs seem to take
infinite delight referring Gen. Grau our second
Washington. Any who has the least knowledge OF
tho character OF that really great and pure man
cannot but laugh at the ludcrous comparison
Leaving the military record Of borh men entirely
out OF the questlon-aud that is hardly
necessary, for the military skill and generalshlp
OF Washington considering the time and circumstances,
will not pale before that OF any commander IN our MIL
itary histor-tO compare the man Gen. Grant, morally
or mentally, with Washington is like comparing one OF
Dean swifs ptgnies of Lput with one of the inhab-
tants OF Brobdgnag. The student OF our history can
discover no pogt Of resemblance whatever in the char
notor OF the .wo men. We have had bur one
Washington. Grants gdcfenders endeavOr to trace
one point OF similarity between them, and
very offensive it is. To justify Gen. Grants scan
daOus record GIFT taker they say that he only fol-
lows the example OF Washington and all the other Pres
idcnts down Johnson Iventure 20 say that very few
examples OF the sort can be found ia the history OF our
Presidents.
Washington 1t Is true had number Of gifts bestowed
upon him. but it mostly after he had retired to pr
vate life and they chiefly mere personal memen-
toes such as gentleman would be fSey 10 present
10 another Frederick the Great sent him his portrait,
and louis XVI. when Col Humphrey was about 10 re-
turn home from FaIcc took the opportunity 20 send as
token or his regard large steelengrayng Of himself
The unfortunate Coult DEstaing once presented him
with bust of Neckor, the French fnancier aud the
Earl of Buchan made him eift OF beautiful box or
cosKet made from the historical Oak-tree under which
William Wallace found refuge after tho battle ol Fa
kirk Washington left directions IN lis VIII hat tho box
ingy. And this. reminds us of tine curious memento
which Franklin left nj his death for his friend and tho
friend Of mankind, Gen. Washington, W., long
LuOtty black cane with golden head. Madame LaiaA-
e''S' ~ W., einbor1ted Masonic apron which she
I'd
the ey Bastlle Oy the hands OF lem Pdue anu
on another he sent him all the way nom Europe
pack OF Fropch hounds. which, however. ne accepted
rather reluctantly aud which he gave away soon iter-
ward TIE Fresich ,'nsier once presented him with
costly uair of pi. " which Washington, in turn, pre-
scnted to CO.. samue Hay. Samuel Vaughan, wealthy
English merc, lu who enthusiastic admirer OF
WnehinRton -. over Italian manteipece, which lie
earnesty requested b. PLACED In the Mount Vernon
hia resa2d for the Father Of the Country"
Tie French officers y the Continental Army presented
lion aud esteem One was a porcelain punch bowl
another set fsoyres china Tor himself ana SET
for Mrs. Washington On inc lounulhg Vi ,he OIner ol
the Cincinnati thcro was magnificent order made for
the General stuuded with precons stones, costing sOO
which was presented 10 nun III tue name of the fleneh
soiders OF the Continental Army Ths order By the
way is now owned 10y Mr. secretary Fish, ,,.-, 49,
These the sOft OI presents that Washington 9c-
cepted his admirers To think OF comparing these
VITA Long Branch eottases GoVornmSnt NJ nu
Seneca quarry stock Philadelphia ana nashn9toh MAJ
sons, aud Clce real estate, IS an Insult 10 he menoI
of a good and upright man. Even II there was any NJ
fluty between them, one VIII scaich III vain hIousn
history OF tn time for any qa,a pro quo tel nol OF
paved the way 10 Cabinet or DIPLOMATIC aPPointcIs,
More vulgar and substantial testimonials were often
tondered Washington, but the man who was 30 pnsesh
s to refuse even his salary as CommandermS 1ieI was
roof eeaiosf tLen When the Legislature Of Virginia
wanted To express it's OF gratitude for bis great SER
and lame River Canal hut with inherent delicacy
So characorstic OF hin he accepted tne ohy on con
fnstitution of farming Let tho defenders OF Grant
wash the OH his character they can Dutet us
entire, them not to smudge tne character of memory Oh
BrcSEiga Oct. a, Isla