Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-02-27


The solid foundation of the peoples confidence
in General Grant is demonstrated very clearly
by recent events. 'ldom, if ever has any pub
lie man been made the object of so persistent
attacks by men of eminence and influential
journals of his own party, and if any president
or statesmen ever passed through such an or
deal, no one certainly was ever less harmed by
it. The withdrawal of Mr.. Summers confidence
ami support from a republican president 10 one
could regard as a light matter, and any poll.
tician might have been excused for believing
that the determined and bitter OPPOSITE On of our
senior senator would of itself be enough to
break down any candidate for the presidential
nomination. Almost as much might be said of
Mr.. Trumbull, and, though Mr. Schruz's infia-
encc is less commanding, no one would think of
DENYING that he is a formidable enemy. The
influence Of these senators is not co-extensiye;
each has his special friends and adherents, who,
on ordinary subjects, are willing to be guided
by him. Taken altogether, the men who regard
one or the other of these as the ablest and most
deserving statesman in the country form a large
fraction of the republican party.
All these senators are opposed to the renom-
lnation OF Grant. They make no secret OF their
opposition, but, on the contrary, take every op-
portunty to declare their want of confidence in
him, as well as their personal unfriendliness.
They are supported by several newspapers of
large circulation and of great political influence
in their different localities The efforts they are
making and the lengths they are willing to 20 TO
accomplish their purpose, may be judged from
the fact, which is reported, we presume truly,
that the democrats in New Hampshire are circu-
latiug the New York Tribune as a campaign
document, for which, in justice to their discern
ment, we may say, it Is very well adapted OF
the newspapers, as Of the senator's, which make
specially of defending the president and re.
fuse to see any blemish in bis administration. it
Is not TOO much to say that they are oYermatched
in adroit1ess, if not in general ability, by those
which lead the opposition. Conkling, Morton
and H rlan have not managed their side of the
political debate in the senate with so much skill
as Summer, Trumbulan and Schurz have dispIayed.
ard the New York Times, as the presidents or.
gan, certainly conducts his defense with less
ABILITY than the Tribune shows in attacking
him.
But IN spite OF the eminenee and skill of his as
saiants, the president maintains his place in the
confidence of the people with hardly any dimi
mutton of their regard. State conventions
wherever held have declared for his renomina-
zion with remarkable unanimty, and we have
not beard that there is anywhere popular dis
satisfaction with his administration or doubt
that he will be the party's candidate for second
tenn. What is the meaning of this? Why is
1t that president, who has in himself so few OF
the elements OF personal popularity, can so
safely defy the luminosity of trusted party lead
ers' 1t is because the people think for them
selves, because men who are called leaders seem
10 oe 50 because they 90 with the currents of
popular opinion which they seem to direct; they
are representatives, not leaders, and are strong
only while they truly represent the people
Massachusetts has long honored and trusted
Mr.. Sumner; when he opposed The nresi-
dents San Domingo policy, she was
with him and applauded his efforts TO do
feat that unwse measure; when he was re-
moved from the committee on foreign affairs
Massachusetts was indignant and freely ex.
pressed her dissatisfaction. Then SO far as
those questions were concerned, the republicans
OF this state thought Mr. Summer was right and
the president wrong, and they had no hesi-
tation in making their opinions understood
They did not then consider that the president
had forfeited all claim upon their confidence,
aud they do not now withdraw their respect
from Mr.. Sumner; but they judge for them.
selves Of the reason for his present opposition
and, finding no sufficient basis Tor it, they refuse
10 follow him, or share bis personal animosities
It common error to overrate the personal
influence Of political leaders. So long as one Of
them represents a great party which is heartily
IN accord with him, he seems TO be and is
powerful The whole organization speaks
WIN ms voice and strikes in his blow.
ine leader is himself apt to be dc.
cei'ea' as Others are, and to suppose that this
power Is his own Let him attempt To nse II
ior DIS own ends, even though he sincerely he.
Ileves them 20 be the dictates of wisdom nd
patriotism, aud be soon learns his mistaLo rrho
political history Of this country has man, -.
amples of trusted, popular and apparenn, a.
1untial leaders. who have dropped into ios,c
ndcance just as they hattered themselves ina,
they were about TO become leaders indeed 3,
putting their own impress on the policy or M,
organization Of their psrty. General Grant re
tains DIS popularity because his administration
has, on the whole, been in accordance with tl
principles and aims Of his party. This make
him hrm against attack; without this any o.
poDsat would be ioO strong for him,