The New York herald., 1874-11-06
yoaoes of sorrow.

Nothing can be more interesting al thlS
time than the "explanations' we printed yes
terday, and which we continus this morning.
as to the causes of the recent republican de-
feat. Nothing is easier explained than past
events, and we have no doubt thousand
reasons can be found for the defeat. The
trouble Is that men in the position OF the
leaders of the defeated party are apt 70
give every reason for their downfall but the
true one. The reveller with his morning
headache never will admit that it was the
wine, but more likely the salad or the
picked salmon. There was never defeated
general who did not attribute to Providence
the discomforture of his armies. So, In read
ing these opinions Of the republican leaders,
we discover that nobody was to blame.
"Canny" old Senator Cameron has been all
the way to California and 'knows little about
the canvass"-the ignorant man /; but II
there is one cause more than another
it is the want of employment and the general
apathy of business. We have not heard from
General Butler, but we presume that states-
man is in stunned condition, and feels that
the reason he was struck with the brick was
that he happened to pass when bricks were
falling. General Butler will be a more useful
man in opposition than in support of the
administration, and for this reason he would
have had wider field of activity in the next
Congress than he has had at any time. Our
vigilant Washington correspondents give US
an idea Of the impression made upon the
Cabinet by the defeat. These satellites Of the
second Washington do not know precisely
what to think of the tidal wave. Mr.. Jewell,
who has 'Ievel head in politics, attributes
the cause to bad political management This
is one way Of saying that the President did
it all, although no doubt he had no such
thought in his mind. Mr.. Williams is in
q solemn mood, and it would not surprise US
to see him an active member of the Methodist
Church before long. Mr.. Robson has de-
ferred his Senatorial ambitions and Mr.. Fish
has nothing to say. The truth is that if Mr..
Fish were to speak what he thought he would
say great deal
Our second Washington, whose opinion
comes to us in side flashes, is said to be
grieved. The President is not sensitive man,
but even he must feel chagrined that in two
years ne has squandered the precious politi-
cal heritage conferred upon him when elected
second time. He feels that somehow Con-
gress is to blame for it all-Congress and the
panic. There is some truth in this. Con-
gress did great deal toward the general
overthrow The recklessness which marked
much of its legislation was atrocious. The
great victory over poor Greeley was regarded
as an invitation to plunder the Treas
ury. The President could have prevented
this legislation, but he seemed resolute
upon his own selfish aims He took the
Office not as trust but as q reward.
He held it for his own comfort, and as
far as was necessary, for the use and comfort
of his family and his friends. Believing that he
had strength beyond and above the party he
held himself apart from it. Although not
avowing any wish for third term he gave
that almost reasonable suggestion a negative
support, and justified the country in thinking
that if any Marc Antony brought him the
crown he would accept it. In the division of
responsibility for the defeat he must take the
largest share. He may do much toward vim
dicating his fame in the remaining months of
his administration, but what is done cannot
be undone History will say that no Presi-
dent has been more highly honored and trusted
by the people than General Grant, and at the
same time no one has been visited with so Sc
we're and overwhelming a condemnation. 1t
will say also that if the honors were just the
condemnation was no less deserved.