New-York tribune., 1872-06-17

SHALL THE SWORD DEVOUR FOR EVERf
While the war for the Union lasted one of
the most energetic and useful of the organiza-
tons through which the patriotism of the peO-
pie of New-YOrk was manifested was the
Union League Club. 1t was creation of
the war-as much an incident of the general
war establishment as the Sanitary Commission
or the suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus.
When the war ended its period of highest use
fulness ended also. 1t has seemed unable to
adapt itself to the changed requirements of
the times. 1t seems to be lost in dreams of
the glorious days of the war; when it had a
reason for existing, when every day brought
its own opportunity for generous and success
full effort. 1t lives in the past like an old
soldier who nourishes himself ON the
smoke of his early battles. 1t tries
to persuade itself that the war is not
yet over. 1t uses the old watchwords
and rhetorical fourishes which were so fash
iOnable ten years ago, and which seemed so
real in the days when we had each day our
daily battle. There was nothing ridiculous in
the swelling phrases, when the shadow of a
great affictiOn and a greater uncertainty
rested over every home in the country. The
Union League Club got so accustomed to
those fOTid forms of speech that it will proba-
bly, never leave them off. 1t stands by them
as some aged beaus in England still insist on
wearing the ruffles and breeches in which they
danced and conquered with the Prince Regent,
when the country was young. 1t was intended
for loyal Club, not partisan one. It's
best heads have earnestly striven to
keep it out of partisan ruts, and it
has never, on full vote, been
dragged into them. In question of
supporting the Government against foreign or
domestic foes, its voice has authority. In
question whether, in time of profound peace,
one candidate or another should be sup
ported it was not the purpose of its organiza-
ton, it has never been the wish Of its best
men, that it should meddle. But, in q slim
meeting, by needless vote of less than one
twelfth of its membership, it has decided 10
meddle.
1t seems scarcely credible that any dozen
intelligent Americans should calmly sit down
and tell one of their fellow citizens that he
had saved the nation. Yet that is what The
Union League Club said of Gen. Grant LAST
week. They credited him with Saving the
"life and honor of the nation" and little
further on they say he rescued the Constitu
ton." These are phrases which the LOYAL
shopkeeper applies to his King in time of
war, but which are rarely heard, in European
monarchies, in time of peace. We shall have
to go beyond the Bosphorus to find a people
slavish enough to address such compliments to
their princes. They have been out Of date
among Caucasians since 1889. Every gentle
man who voted for these resolutions knew very
well that Gen. Grant did not do these fine
things nor did he, as they say, pay the debt,
any more than he commanded the respect
"and confidence of foreign nations.n They
voted these resolutions untrue and e4agger-
ated as they were, under vague impression
that he was General Commanding STILL and
that there would be a species of treason or
mutiny in voting against them.
These Oriental DrostratiOns before the Prcsi-