Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-04-10
Presidential Pretenders.

"GATH," Of the Pittsburs Gazette has been
writing up some Of the candidates 70. the
Executive Chair. He deals with TITO, be-
ginning with the present incumbent, and
prefaces his remarks on each, by saying that
neither Grant, WeshbuTne, nor Blaine, are
men who fa that IDEAL Of the statesman
Which We get from school. Taking the soldier
statesman FIRST, be declares Grant to be a stern
accident, with an orthodox foundation, ruling
a nation by bis instincts, eyes and ears. Nor
does he consider Grant an absolutely con-
scjcnlious man. Success is the supreme object
Of his endeayors, and be has not geniss e.
noush to 90 far astray.
Washburno comes next, ani Is declared
popular leader. somewhat above
the level of large demagosuei he has
audaciiy and physical courage, and is
quick 70 resent what have been discovered to
bethe ir jaries Of the people. He is a man Of
toe times, but never ahead Of the times. His
constituents make his platform. He knows
the average mind Of the couOtry and labors
to obtain its appreciation His standard of
morals is political. He is not as adrOit as
John T Farnsworth, but is more like him in
many respects than any other pablo man !
could name.
Last. but uos least, tie wide-awake GATH
takes up the burly ex-speaker and it is quite
clear in which ones favor as between these
three, his u'ualistic vote would be cast lie
says
Blaine is a more accomplished politician
than either lie has not the bandness which
I disguSts worldly people, nor the Alterations
I of virtues which get no credit with the skep-
teal, nor the gravity which repels any way
faiiug man. lie is a good parliamentarian,
a better aTguer than reaSOner, a tne organizer,
aid has a national mind, radical IN It's oppor-
/ tuuities, and conservative in its preferences.
lie has an unusually clear vision and breadth
of view. II he were President he would
visit the South and pick his otlice-holders
there in advance frOm q general personal un-
Outstanding Of the condition Of affairs lie
is not a man Of eminent loyalty 10 his person
al friendS unless they keep well abreast OF
him in deserving aud receiving success. We
should have no personal government if he
were President. His aspirations for riches
are not extensive. None Of the common pas
sious Of men can ever master him to the dis
ruption Of his general character. He drinks
wine only 40 aud after dinner. He does not
drink whisky nor brandy at all. In his eX-
peuditures he pays most Of all for his house
and the clothing Of his family. lie does not
run to horses nor fashion. lie likes the ac-
quaiotance Of useful people, and spends no
time in iudolent intercourse and compliment.
/ lie admires fue women, but not if they in
yolve his captivity OF compromise. He Is not
a deeply read man, bu: a very well read journal
\ liStand politician. He knows the value OF men
I of learning in the ethics aud influence Of the
nation. aud is not afraid to have the abeSt
men in lbs councils, believing that the very
ablest can be governed by aiIability aud d.
plomacy."
| Summing up The merits Of each, he says:
ct is coming very close to the question as
10 whether James G.. Blaine will not be a
candidate Of the Republican party IN 1876.
You will note his actions between now and
next December, aud keep the run of his prI-
yate correspondence to see 1t this probability
be true.