The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-05-17
COLUMBIA. S. G.
Friday Morning, May II, 1872.


President took every one by surprise,
but this surprise soon gave way to ear
nest and enthusiastic appreciation. OF
Gratz Brown, there is no need to say
much-a more acceptable man to the
South and West could not possibly have
been selected, nor was his nomination in
the least unexpected. But general and
warm as has been the acolamation which
has hailed the name of Gratz Brown, the
great Missouri reformer, it is perfectly
plain that it is the "old white hat"
which has lent such wondrous power OF
popular enthusiasm to the ticket. It
was Sohurz, if We remember Alright, who,
short while after the convention had
settled upon Greeley as the standard
bearer Of the liberal party, remarked OF
the comparative strength of Greeley and
Adams with the people: "Adams would
have been as strong, and probably
stronger, upon the first announcement
Of his being candidate than at any sub.
sequent time; Greeley, on the other
hand, will not be 80 strong OF first, but
will grow in popularlarity day by day
until November" His words as to
Greeley have been thus far fully con-
firmed. The enthusiasm for the ticket
has spread like oontagion among the
Democrats, and there are evidences, too,
of its rapidly increasing strength with
Republicans.
It is difficult to account clearly and
nationally for this extraordinary strength
displayed by Mr.. Greeley-the wonder
full hold which his name has taken upon
the popular heart. It is, doubtless, to
no small degree, attributable to the
quaintness and originality of his charac-
ter. But it has other stronger aud
more enduring foundations. The peo-
pie are sick of Grant and the jagged
military despotic caste he has impressed
upon the Government. Greeley is
Grants antithesis--a civilian in the
fullest. truest sense of the word. Grant
is stupid, stolid, unfeeling, say-nothing
sort of man. Greeley is man of deep
convictions, all earnest, able thinker, an
active workor, a sincere philanthropist.
Grant said let us have peace; Greeley
aoiN let us have peace. Grant affected
to have no policy. The truth was. he is
too iadolent and sluggish to think or to
act. He was content, or pretended to
be content, to exercise his executive
functions as sort of high sheriff to
Congress.
Greeley will be President, an admi-
nistrative officer. Of wide knowledge, of
matured thought, capable OF valuable
suggestions to the legislative body, and
guided in all his acts by an enlightened
patriotism. Indomitable energy is o
marked characteristic of Mr.. Greeley's
nature. We feel convinced, and doubt
less others are impressed with the same
idea OF him. that, as President, Horace
Greeley would make himself thoroughly
conversant with the condition of the
country, the wants of the people. the
abuses of Government, &C.. and would
be untiring in his efforts to supply tho
one and correct the other. No set OF
public robbers, as now rule South Caro-
lima, would receive the sympathy from
him that they have from Grant. If he
erred at all-if he transcribed constitu-
tional limits in any way-the extraordi-
nary step would be taken in tho interests
O: gpod government and the common
welfare, not to protect political vampires
and aid them to utterly crush an already
impoverished people.
But, aside from Mr.. Greeley personal
characteristics, there is that in the spirit
OF the Liberal Republican movement
itself which would stir the public heart
in favor Of its nominees. Liberal Re.
publicanism means, first OF all, reconci-
liation and restoration Of fraternal feel
ing between the two lately warning SEQ.
tions of the Union. Secession is dead,
slavery has been wiped away and there is
now nc further bone Of contention TO
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