The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-11-26

The Future Policy of President Grants

A special dispatch to the Baltimore Sun gives
further views of Gen. Grant concerning the
elections and the policy of the future We
quote:
In speaking of the elections the President
said that he did not consider the Democratic
victory as by any means permanent, though he
thought that any indiscreet statements or meas
ures on the part of the Republicans might rem
der it so. He looks upon the results of last
week as brought about mainly by local causes,
with their candidates. There were some nom
mated who had been associated with measures
odious to the people, and the political combi-
natiot1s had been formed which were objection
able. He indicated decided aversion to the
political rings which had been formed in the
various States These rings for SOME years
past had been run in interests which the people
would Mo longer submit to-, and having failed
to secure redress within their own party, they
sought it without or remained passive.
The President remarked that the people had
now arrived at that degree of Intelligence which
enabled them to discriminate between right and
wrong in politics, and that party leaders were
held to greater accountability than was the
case but few years ago. In this view of the
case he thought that the results, in some in
stances, were quite natural, and acted as a pop
ular rebuke. In the end it will leave the po-
litical atmosphere brighter and purer. He
said that there always had been two parties in
the country, and doubtless always would be,
that one was check upon the other, and open
ed to the people prompt means OF redress.
He hoped that they would always avail them
selves of the privilege, as the surest way. to
preserve the Government from.degradation into
of T1ri
The President thought that the stagnation of
business had, in measure, created a spirit OF
discomfort which had reacted to the disadyan
tage of the Republican party. The woman's
crusade in Ohio and Indiana, and other similar
movements, had also drawn large number of
persons of opposite interests away. He thinks
that with wisdom and discretion on the part of
the Republicans the lost grounds may be re-
gained.
d. In regard to appointments on the sole ground
of political ezpediency, Notwithstanding the
pressure of politicians, the President has de-
cided to adhere to the rules of the civil service.
He believes that the advantages claimed by
party leaders to be derived from free use OF
the patronage of the Government are very much
overestimated. He thinks that principle should
be superior to of1ice-holding; that it was not
sound policy, in view of the efficiency of the
Government service, to appoint or promote on
any other grounds than fitness for the position.
Whatever may be the action of the proposed
Republican conference, it is now certain that
no removals will be made on political grounds.
At the same time it may be stated that the Pres
ident is willing to do whatever may seem best
for the interests of the party, if not in conflict
with his settled conviction of his duty in the
faithful administration Of the Government.
The President further remarked that in the
matter offinance he was now more positive than
ever that the true policy of the Government
was the restoration of specie payment at the
earliest practicable moment. He remarked
that at the last session of Congress he vetoed
the initiation bill for the reason that such action
would be suicidal to the best interests of the
country also that the people, who at the time
of the meeting of Congress were expecting the
depression of business as incident to the panic,
might have time for reflection after the first
burst of the storm was over, and that members
of Congress might have further opportunity to
better understand the minds of their constitu-
ents. Since the adjournment of Congress the
President has been able to judge of the views
of the people of every State of the country, and
from communications through the Departments,
his own observation and the public prints, he
feels more confident than ever in his financial
policy. Though not so stated, it is more than
probable that the President will recommend in
his message to Congress that some legislation
should be had on this important subject. Ihe
statement that the President had surrendered
his position on the financial question, and now
favored initiation, upon his own authority, Is
therefore wholly incorrect.