The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-04-23
Could He Do tn

Is IL too late for GRANT to refoiml II Is
pretty late now; but better late than
never. 1t is altogether too late for him TO
undo the evil lie has done. lie cannot blot
out the past, bring back the blackened
years, or erase the memories that must
hereafter belong TO his Presidency. 1t Is
not in his power or IN the power of any
body else, TO nullify the decp-rootod and
widespread results of his negligence, ne
potlsm, folly, lazness, corruption, and I'M
moral associations.
Babcocltsm, Bclknapism. and other
things of the KIND have been shown up.
but their poison has entered the country's
veins. has wrought an incalculable amount
OF iIretTlovable mischief, IS SIN sprt aiding
Its pestiferous influence, and win 20 on
doing 30 for many Il dav Ia cnm'- Ii = one
OF the drondful things about wrong q ding
that It stands dore. The muIder,r's VIC
tim cannot be brought back to life The
man who has stolen may make restitution.
but the fact that he stole remains. lie
who assaults his neiGhbor may ask ana re-
ceive pardon, but this cannot undo the as
sault. The false word u.ay be iepented Of,
but its utterance cannot be recalled.
GRANT cannot obliterate his long career of
Grant ism, or turn back its consequences.
GRANT might change his ways, however.
He might, after realizing the wrongfulness
of his course, take up better course, aud
follow II hereafter. He ought TO be able
to tee. 10y this time, the true nature and
shocking results Of his malpractice. He
must know tire havoc II has wrought. lie
strewed all around him. lie can hardly re-
main totally destitute OF the sense Of re-
spopsiblity.
| We admit there Is not much hope that
GRANT will reform, or, in any way, change
for the better. He is an obstinate man,
selfish and mercenary. His conscience is
dull and his notions OF truth, honesty, III
tegrity. and honor, are low. He is careless
of those things which people Of sound vir-
tue value most lie pays no attention 10
the sequence of his derolict!ons. lie ia
surrounded by gang Of men Ike himself,
who encourage him In bis errors, aud
gloze over his misdeods. 1t Is hard 10
bring about the reformation OF such IA man
Never thcless, we are anxious that GRANT
, should reform his ways, even Mt this uih'
of day. Ii Is not impossible for any maj
who earnestly desires 10 do right, to d9f
II may require "a hard struggle With IA
own Opposition; II may require MIN to gu
loose from many things TO which lac Is "a
} tached aud TO drive away his evil CON
I pauioDs; IT may be painful TO his self. COZ
| cent; 1t may result In pecuniary loss; bl
yet, II he makes up hts mind with prop,
determination, II is in his power 1t is
fact, more over, that he who does 1t wi
J soon feel the pleasure Of il and soe its ut
: yantaEes.
d We feel disposed to urge GRANT to a
o tend to this matter Immediately. lie hi
!, gone Il e wrong way long enough. II h;
n not brought him satisfaction, honor.
: happiness. II has led him to disgrace. W
y feel sure no can do better II he will II
o with all his might, and seek the advice
= men who are free from greed and seltsl
o ness Should he do so, the last year of b
o residence in the White House will be
7 pleasant contrast with the other sovt
r years of II, and THE sun will mark al
4 celebrate the contrast.
q He has no time TO lose. His second AZ
II final term Of Office will coon have pass,
d away. Even he must desire that II Shl
= not close in disgrace and dishonor