The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-12-10
Comments On the Message.

lne message, taken as whole, Is quite
equal to the occasion, since it treats of the
important, delicate, and sometimes very vex-
atious questions that have of late agitated
the country, with calmness, ability, and per-
spicacity.-N. Y. Com. Advertiser.
1t is a document worthy Of the man as
well as characteristic of him. 1t betrays
throughout depth of study which his enc
mics do not give him credit of being capable
Of and capacity for close analysis of which
his friends and supporters may well feel
proud.-Ndtional Republican.
If DR.. Loring has not already selected the
centennial orator, the opening paragraph of
the message would recommend Mr.. Grant to
favorable consideration in that connection.
For man who has had so little experience
in twisting the eagles tail, he does it well.-
Springfield Republican.
1t covers the field, leaving little to be de-
sired, less 10 be questioned and very much to
ponder and approve. We believe it will be
received with satisfaction by the country and
be accepted as an additional evidence of the
capacity of the Republican party to govern
the nation wisely and well.-Albany Jour
nal.
The message throughout shows evidence
of careful study of the political and admin
istrative questions of the day, and of acute
and sagacious Judgment. 1t is more skill
fully written than President Grants previous
messages, and contains little that even a
political opponent could reasonably object to.
-Worcester Spy.
Although probably not written with view
to any such dramatic effect, President Grants
penultimate annual message recalls forciby
the Farewell Address of General Washing
ton. Again, over the gap of almost hun
dred years, the soldier and statesman stands
on the threshold of Centennial epoch and
offers the result of his observation and ex-
perience and thinking to his fellow-citizens.-
Philadelphia Press
This document, even judging the produc-
ton as it comes to us, fearfully distorted by
telegraph, is remarkable state paper; re-
markable in the gravity of the topics dis
cussed; in the positions taken, and in the
force and ability which are conspicuous char
acteristics of the message. 1t opens with
centennial resume of the progress of the
country.-Boston Transcript.
That the public schools, by wha tever au-
thority established, when established should
be secured from all sectarian interference is
truth which no one trained in our Ameri-
can traditions and principles will dispute.
No less wise, in our opinion, is the recon-
mendation addressed TO the states, we pre-
sumo, as Congress can have nothing to do
with it, to remove the unjust exemptions of
religious bodies from their fair share of the
burdens of taxation-another measure which
the Evening Post has already urged.-N. Y.
Post.
The message will be perused with great
satisfaction. and it ought to have weight with
Congress. Well written, it is a statesman
like document which will commend itself to
our own citizens, and the people and gov
ernments of other countries. It is alike sem
sible, comprehensive and plain. Facts, argu-
ment and suggestion are so blended as to
make every point distinct, and leave no ex-
cuse Tor the national Legislature, nor for the
people; if they do not consider and rightly re-
solve the important questions placed before
them.-Providence Journal.
President Grants seventh annual message
will add to his reputation as thoughtful aud
iudiciOus chief executive. 1t Is somewhat
remarkable that the state papers of man of
no legislative experience nor political training
should exhibit so much of what may be
properly called craftsmanship. His treat
ment, for instance, of the Cuban question,
the most important and delicate question be-
fore the country, as far as our foreign rela-
tions are concerned, has been from the first
dispassionate and in accordance with the
soundest reason, despite the pressure which
has been brought to bear in favor Of an oppo-
site course, and of the temptations which
an aggressive policy would offer to an ambi-
tious man of military tastes and training
Hartford CourGnt.