Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1874-06-10
The Memorandum.

President Grant, having made note
of his views on finance, has stirred up
lively discussion not only between the in
fiationists and their opponents, but also as
to the propriety of his having made any
remarks on the subject that Congress is
considering. The men who are afraid Of
Capitalization are moved to consider the
step as one in the direction of one-man
power, of executive interference with leg
islatiOn.
1t is long way from the fear which
pervaded the country, that the president
would sign the imitation bill, to the conf
dence which business men now feel that
his influence will he exerted in favor of
sound financial principles. In Il few words
President Grant believes that the country
should fulfill its promises; that the war
having closed long ago, it is high time to
build once more on the solid rock of a
specie basis. His views, given elsewhere,
are clear and evidently meet the approval
of the business men of the country. The
republican party has once placed itself
upon a platform which means substan-
TALLY the same thing, and the man that
this party elected president very plainly
means to do what he can to hold them tc
their declaration of principles.
It's doubtful wheather the memorandum
is what is called good party policy" foI
so great portion of western republicans
are infationists, that the organization there
will no doubt suffer from its publication
The democrats show signs of favoring the
imitation theory more and more, and viii
perhaps try and make that an issue in tho
west. The president will be honored al
the more for saying distinctly what he be
lieves to he the honest and true way when
it has to be done in the face of an opposi
ton that comes from his friends, and where
it offends broad spread but mistaken pub
lie sentiment
The clamor about the improperly Of
making his views public is one ofthe noises
of the hour. 1t is not parliamentary &c
refer in the Senate to what the House vii
do with bill under consideration, nor tC
refer in debate to the coming action of the
executive; this is all well enough. but the
trouble taken to preserve dignity is Otter
more nice than wise. The concern in thi:
matter that has been exhibited in debate
this spring has been laughable; it is prud
cry and not mOdesty.
The president is required yearly TO give
Congress his views on the state of til,
country and proposes legislation in hi.
annual message. He also does it in specia
messages, and no exception is taken. W.
see no reason why he may not at any time
make his views known if it be dom
squarely and openly. The fears of central
lied power have their only ground reall!
in the system of patronage which make
the president the giver of countless place
of profit, and which, holding these place
simply as rewards for party service
makes him the supreme head Of an organ
ization of office seekers. In SO far as thi
system prevails, any president must hav'
at his heels, whether he will or not, mel
who will follow his supposed will in tn
legislative branch. 1t is no reason, how
ever, that he should keep his mouth shut
1t is only the presidential influence tina
works in secret and by patronage and no
by reasonable words, that the country vii
ever be in danger from.