Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-06-24
BEECHER on PHILADELPHIA,


The selection of Gen. Grant as candidate for
the next presidency was forgone conclusion
not for the reason often given, that he was the
politicians candidate, but for the reason that
he was demanded by the rank and file of the
voters in the republican party. So far was he
from being the choice of political managers,
that he would, beyond question, have been
thrown over by them, it they dared to do it.
We know of numbers in the Philadelphia con-
vention who freely confessed that Grant was
not their personal choice, but said they, the
common people will not take up any other
man!
This choice of the people is the more re-
markable, because Grant has none of those
ways which excite popular enthusiasm. He
10 not an orator, nor an enthusiast, nor a
snowy man. lie has no tricks to catch ap-
plause. He is helplessly silent unimpas-
stoned, simple, liking neither public show nor
taking appearances" Of any kind. Consid-
cred the bait of political fishermen, there was
never a less tempting fly thrown upon the
wrinkled water. There is no popular effsr
vescence at the name of Grant. SHe does not
create enthusiasm even in those who are most
earnest in his advocacy.
What, then, is his hold upon the country p
for, in calm and dull way, men stick to him.
| At the close of the war Grant had wrought
out areputation for good sense, patient energy,
trustworthiness, and. safety. This reputation
has not suffered. Men do not quote his
speeches, for he makes none they do not men.
ton any brilliant political generalship-he has
shown none. But he is steady, patient hon
est-minded, and safe. Men do not fear thai
he will try experiments. Government is moi
an experiment laboratory; nor a professor
chair, for eloquent theories in political econo-
IL h,,aip ,npse
are too expensive to be tried on the scale of a
continents And so, while one man calls Grant
a stick, wooden man; and another, an igno-
FAMOUS, without genius for political leader
| ship; and another, an ider, who rides and
smokes, and others, a blunderer; yet the
great bulk of considerate men see that he is
conducting the administration, on the whole,
prudently, with safety to all the great inter
ests of the country. His administration,
judged by fair business tests, has been a sue
cess, and the common people know it, Every
year our people, with growing intelligence,
are less inclined to put the administration of
government into the hands of brilliant think
ers Three and more years okpractice have
made Gen. Grant much better President
than when he left the army for civil life. The
business men Of the country who wish the
government to run steadily and safely, feel
confidence in Grants prudence. II, then,
Grant is reelected, it will not be by the proc
lamations of ofiice-holders, nor by the grace
of politicians, nor by the wild enthusiasm OF
the populace, but by the votes of men who
believe that no other available man brings so
few risks, and insures so many certainties OF
sober and wise administration.
The nomination of Wilson for the Vice
Presidency is wise, though the denomination
of Colfax would not have been unwise. II
was very evenly balanced case, and happily
one that could not be settled wrong whichever
way it went. No doubt Mr. Colfax would
have been renomina.ed without thought o
change if he had not pursued an unstable
course in respect to his candidacy. TIL,
country has passed through great and terri
bic experience, which has made men far more
sober and considerate in politics than,once they
were. 1t has learned by painful experience
not to regard the Vice Presidency as a mere
complimentary tassel tied on to the Presden
tial cloak. If Grant should die, Henry Will
son will be q wise and safe leader. Should
Mr.. Greeley be elected President, and dis
within year, as Harrison and Taylor and
Lincoln did, and as Buchanan came near to
would Gratz Brown, with all his affiliations
be the man to whom the whole scountry coult
look with confidence!