The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-06-05
GRANTS LETTER.

can doubt after read1ng tne eAuaoiunoiJ
letter lately emanating from the Chief Magis-
trate of the Republic, and how any contrary
inference can be drawn from this, his First
epistle to the Americans" we confess LACK
of ability to comprehend.
If Gen. Grant had desired to decline re-
nomination for third term, nothing would
have been easier than for him to make PLAIN,
simple statement to that effect. In fact, he
might have won unbounded gratitude, and at
the same time intensified his reputation Tor
taciturnity with single monosyllable, MOI
Not only does be avoid this issue, but on
the contrary takes especial care to embody IN
the document an artful argument defending
the propriety of 'third term" In addition
to this he appeals to the nations sense OF
gratitude, and denies that his services nave
vet been properly appreciated or rewarded
He speaks inferentially Of his high Office in
terms of contempt, and as though he had
conferred instead of accepted its honors
He intimates that the sacrifice made IN
assuming it has not yet been sufficiently
atoned for or compensated, and then, after
having established these claims to his own,
and he also hopes to the public's satlsfaction'
suggests that inasmuch as his last reelection
gave him great pleasure, imperative duty ITO
himselt) may necessitate its repetition.
A plain, simple declaration, while much
more acceptable to the country, would not
have required any such sophistry and sphynx-
like phraseology, the mere existence OF which
demonstrates a covert meaning. Being salts
fed upon this point, we need no longer be IN
doubt as to the nature of that meaning. II
is simply that 'Barkis is willin'."
OF course Gen. Grant would not have as
sumed this position thus publicly in face OF
the political revulsion already created by mere
suspicion of his purposes, without having
carefully weighed the chances, and herein
lies the importance with which his letter de-
serves to be regarded.
He cannot help being perfectly convinced
that at least two-thirds of the people OF the
United States are opposed to his aspirations,
and that his reelection by the popular vote is
an utter impossibility. He must therefore
have in contemplation some resources upon
which he confidently relies to successfully
combat and overcome this danger. What
they are is the problem now staring the
people of the United States in the face, and it
is problem fruitful Of both consideration
and speculation.
At this early date we can afford to be con-
tent with contemplating without discussing
it. But, for its better comprehension by the
thinking public, it were perhaps well to call
the roll from his standpoint, of all Gen.
Grants forces in the way of available advan-
tages. We find upon doing SO that he has at
his command the influence and support OF
l. The United States army and navy.
2. An army of ofice-holders.
3. The Grand Army Of the Republic.
4. The entire bondholding interests of the
country.
5. All the corporate interests of the coun-
try, prominently including the railway and
manufacturing interests.
6. The Treasury of the United States.
7. The Senate Of the United States.
s. The Supreme Court
9. The sympathy and encouragement OF all
foreign powers.
10. Unlimited patronage wherewith to re-
ward friends, and sufficient power to punish
enemies.
Truly formidable list, against which We
have arrayed only
The United States House Of Representatives
The agricultural interests Of the country,
and
A majority of the popular vote, comprising
the least influential and wealthy of the popu
lation.
Here then is the issue plainly portrayed,
and doubtless in the same manner it presents
itself to Gen. Grant. Can we wonder tina
under such circumstances an ambitious
grasping, determined man, such as we know
Gen. Grant to be-, hesitates to announce
that "Barkis is willin'."
| If we do not mistake the signs of the times
the letter of Gen. Grant, which came upol
the country like the sound of bell in III
night, will yet find more important place il
the annals of the country than general.
dreamed of at present. Fortunately the gam
to be played is long and open one. Let u
watch it. Giant leads, and all know that ex
treme vigilance has ever been in all countrie
and at all times the price Of liberty.
VALIDITY OF CONFEDERATE sTAT1
| LAWS.
.Can corporations created by the laws
Confederate Legislatures be recognized
having legal existence, with capacity t
own cotton and to sue in the Court Q
Claims?" This question being before tn
United States Supreme Court, it was he'll
that