Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1872-08-02
GRBBLBI' or GR.s.rT. WHICH,

Now that the noisy rattle of the artillery
of the three great conventions has ceased
and the smoke thereof fairly cleared away,
we can sit down and examine the claims,
aims and abilities of the candidates in
better temper and with clearer show of
fair play, than was possible at the time of
their several nominations. 1t is generally
conceded TO be a political axiom that in
estimating the character of public candi-
date for office, his record of the past is the
best guarantee of his future. Accepting
this test let us examine the past record of
Gen. Grant.
That he is modest, unassuming and un-
pretentous is admitted by every unpreju-
diced person who has ever interviewed
him, or who has enjoyed his personal ac-
quaintance, and is denied only by his poll
teal enemies and paid detractors. His
ovcrbearing tyranny, obstinacy and inso-
lence of Office are observed Ivy none save
his bitter opponents who in their eager
search for capital TO use against him. do not
hesitate to manufacture charges that they
cannot find ready made.
That he drinks much or little has never
drank to drunkenness, or that any indul-
gence has untitled him for his public du-
ties, or that he has ever "swung round the
circle like his predecessor, has never been
charged against him, save by such fellows
rs Dana of the n. y. Sun, whose hate is
personal and deadly on account of defeat
in Office seeking.
That he loves TO drive n fast horse smoke
a fragrant Havana, and to take Il lengthy
rest at Long Branch or Saratoga, admits of
no argument as such habits come to him
naturally. He "smoked" the rebels out of
Tennessee, and Kentucky, took several
long "rests" before Vicksburg, Donelson,
Richmond and other Southern strongholds,
and ended by "driving" the whole rebel
host into their last ditch ut a pace rather
faster than they cared to go. No wonder
that these incurable habits make Gen.
Grant distasteful TO unrepentant rebels and
their copperhead sympathizers.
The stories about his appointing relatives
to Office have been so distorted, aggravated
and multiplied by his enemies, and so
often explained and corrected by his
friends, that all honest men understand by
| this time just how much such charges are
worth. All we have 10 say is, that grant
| ing the most absurd statement TO be true,
we have the best argument for his re-elec-
ton, as he will have no more relations to
provide for during his next term.
| As to his taking gifts from his fellow
| citizens, that Is simply a matter of taste,
and is of no consequence TO those who did
not give, and is simply none of their bust
ness. 1t has never been proved that Gen.
Grant ever granted political favor, in
consideration of such gifts, and until such
proof is given, the mere charge OF bribery
has no foundation.
OF the clearness of Gen. Grants war re-
cord there is no dispute. And his Presi-
dental record shows a period of peace,
plenty and unparalleled financial prosperi-
ty. The national debt has been reduced at
the rate of 500 600 900 year, and the taxes
reduced nearly $50, 600, 900 per annum. The
only trouble we have had in the country
has been from the bloody handed Ku-KluS
and their rebellious hackers at the South
and the raids of few rowdy Indians il
the West. With the Indian tribes we hav,
had no trouble.
II then Gen. Grant has conducted us 5,
well and so safely through nearly his frs
term, into which he entered without ex
perence, or political knowledge, what may
we not expect from second term, wher
four years of practice and education in tn,
intricate and arduous duties of government
are added to his qualifications The secon(
term Of Jackson was admitted to be hi
best, and yet his reelection was oppose,
by charges worse than any that Grant ha
had to combat. Poor Jackson was charge,
with lying, fighting, gambling, duelling
and even murder-a crime that his enemie
} have never put upon Grant.
And now let us be fair with Greeley
Personally he is an amiable and kind-hear
, ted man. But as a publicist and politician
he is not to be trusted. The Bible proven
meets his case-"The double-minded maj
is unstable in all his ways Look at hi
record. He has been the advocate and op
poser OF every conceivable crotchot an
ism by turns. Spiritualism, Faurierisn
Grahamism, Communism, Woman's Right
, and all other rights and wrongs have al
} ternately received his praise and censur'
One year he Is for Grant and the next aga
inst him. Now he Is for hanging the rel
els, and then he pleads for their pardon
| Ho damns democrats one day and affiliate
! | with them the next. At one time he drive