Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1872-06-06
U. s. GRANT.

struggle for the overthrow of this govern
ment, quiet, unassuming man resided i'll
the town of Galena, Illinois. He had
graduated at West Point in 1913, served
through the Mexican war, and had reach
ed a captaincy in the regular army, but his
manner and habits were so simple
and unpretending, that he was
scarcely known outside of his own imme-
diate neighborhood. But when the rebels
of the South determined to overthrow the
Government and destroy our free lnstltu-
tions, he was one of the first to enter the
field against them, which he did in an IL
linois regiment His capacity as military
leader soon developed itself, and he was
selected to organize the volunteer
troops that were then flocking to our
National standard from that State. He
was promoted to a Brigadier Generals
position very soon, and few weeks found
Ulysses S. Grant assuming the defensive
against powerful foe. A few weeks later
his name was the theme of animated con-
versation in every loyal household
throughout the land as the victor at Fort
Don elson. He did not stop there, but
moved Southwark and was soon before
the enemys entrenched position in
the neighborhOod of Pittsburg Landing,
where, after two days hard fighting, the
grand finale of which was charge by six
regiments of Federal infantry, led by
Grant, he gained another victory, and the
American people began to fully appreciate
his worth and merit. The following sum-
mer, Vicksburg, thought to be invincible,
capitulated to his forces, and the Missis-
sippi river was opened for the passage of
Union vessels. A few months later we
see him before Missionary Ridge and soon
Bragg's hosts are fleeing before his victO-
riUus army. By this time public senti-
ment with absolute unanimity pointed to
him as the man above all others, who
should command the entire Federal army,
lead it to victory and crush the rebellion.
He was selected for that high position.
Early in the next spring, he commenced
moving his lines, having made all the ne
cessary preparations. 1t soon became evil
dent to all, what the result would be.
sherman, day by day, was driving 10.
Johnson before him, while the Eastern
army under the immediate command of
Grant, was pushing forward through the
Wilderness 30 certain victory, he never re-
linquishing his efforts for a moment. The
mextyear gave us with the Appomattoxs sur
render, the end Of the rebellion. With one
accord, the whole country looked to Grant
as the chief instrument in the accomplish
ment of an end which had been hoped for,
and ardently prayed for, for four long,
bloody years. From the humble private
citizen of Galena he had arisen to a fame,
second to no man on the globe. He stood
at the head of the line of great military
commanders of which the world boosted.
The people of the United States had trust
B ed him and he had not deceived them.
But though the commander of a mighty
army, which could have easily dictated
such terms to a fallen foe.aS they thought
proper, he displayed 4 magnanimity that
brought forth words of commentator
from the brave but defeated South. He at
once became fav0rite with that class. A
few months later, after the memorable but
sad 18th of April, when the assassin's bull
let took the life of the nations
favorite, the detection of Andrew John
son to the Republican party caused the
masses to look around for aman to succeed
him. Who should they select, but the
brave, the capable, the tried, the faithful
leader of the Federal forces, who had done
more than any other to suppress the rebel
lion and bring about peace. He was Sc
lected at Chicago as the Republican
standard bearer. He had no opposition.
He accepted and said, LET us have peace"
which sentiment proved the key note of
the campaign. He came into the Exc
cutive Chair, and again the eyes Of the
country were turned to their leader, and
hope for the future fielled the hearts of the
people They have not been disappOint-
ed. The country has prospered Peace
has been restored. The public credit
has steadily increased. We are at peace
with all the world. The Industries
of the country were never in so healthy
condition. Public confidence is restored.
The National debt has been reduced Taxes
are much lower than they have been at
any time since the beginning of the rebel
lion.
Is it strange that after SO beneticent
an administration of public affairs the
people should desire his reelection Is
it strange that they should resolve
to elect him for another four years
regardless of what diSaDnointpd nO1iti-
clans may say of him? Is it any wonder
that he should pass unframed through
the Islander and abuse of his unscrupulous
enemies? No. His record for efficiency,
honesty, integrity and patriotism is such
that he cannot be harmed by his traducers.
He is firmly fixed i'll the hearts of the peo
pie, and until he does something to prove