New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-12-07
ANNUAL AND VALEDICTORY MESSAGE
OF PRESIDENT GRANT.

OF PRESIDENT GRANT.
The time has come when an opinion Of
the character and views of Mr.. Grant may
be given without ilnputation of syco-
phancy. He has held two national exec.
utive administrations during two terms at
period alike critical in the political and
financial condition Of the country, and
will turn over to the Office to his constitu-
tional successor according to the laws OF
the republic. To say that as Republicans
we approve the modest fidelity of his off
cial course, would be an insufficient trib-
ute. We are proud as Americans, that a
citizen unframed and unknown in polit-
ical affairs has been sought out
by the sagacity Of the people and en-
trusted with duties which have been per-
formed with such efficient integrity. In
reviewing the personal history of Mr..
Grant We find that he has always demon
strated the same traits. They are found
in his unflinching and imperturtable cour-
age, in his good judgment, impartial JUS
tice, protection and federation even of
opinions from which he dissents.
At the close of his term he has expressed
some opinions which prove his impair
TALLY in striking manner. Of the North
ern Democracy he has said that they were
during the war IAN enemy in the rear" Of
the army and the government. To the
Confederates he has given a generous
and general amnesty. He has said they
vera "a more honorable enemy" than the
Northern Democracy, and that while they
committed errors of judgment, they
maintained them honorably and cour-
ageously." With an honest simplicity
President Grant has admitted to his want
of political training. 1t was in the same
spirit that Washington, when appointed
to the command in chief of the revolu-
tionary armies, accepted the trust with
a distinct declaration that he felt himself
inadequate to its responsibilities. It was
with little more political preparation that
Washington inaugurated the experiment
of the first President of the republic.
The American people were not mistaken
in either man. Each had given evidences
of the qualities indispensable to admins
ter the law.
All great leaders for whom the people
thrust aside incompetent aspirants, have
made history. Cromwell, Napoleon,
Washington, Grant, have all been revo-
lutionists embodying the popular de-
mand which those who tread in the lock-
step of precedent could neither compre-
bend nor consummate. President Grant |
has nobly avowed this demand of the |
period. He has executed the great popu-
lar assertion of national sympathy. There
is no open opposition to the amendments
Of the constitution. He will leave the |
government at peace with the world; the
prosperity Of the people advancing; the
credit of the government without ques-
ton; the government respected and
obeye There are some points in the
which will require attention from
Congress and the press.
The right of American citizenship must
% very valuable since so many come from
oreign countries to acquire it. 1t has
been awarded with the same ungrudging
iberality that bestows the national do
main upon the homeless. This right,
lowever, has been VIGOROUSLY abused by
'ome who have employed it solely as q
privilege in foreign countries.
There have been many instances in which
he government Of the United States has
oeen brought in delicate relations with
oreign powers by demand for its pro-
ection on behalf Of those who had prac-
ically renounced the responsibilities of
citizenship in peace CT war. The Presi-
lent desires the complete protection of
be immigrant, but thinks Congress
hould provide for uniformity in the
ecords and certificates and for the va
ating naturalization records obtained by
raud. Perhaps the recent practice of
rance, in making her nonresident citi-
ems report at home for military enroll
lent, might have good effect if adopted |
'ith regard to our own denizens cor
trangers admitted to residence" in for.
ign countries. /
After an intelligent resume of the
;rength and discipline of our army and
avy, and an encouraging statement of
lie financial condition and credit of the
ational treasury, the President notices
lie common apprehension in regard to
II electoral system. He thinks there
iould be some greater safeguard over
Ie method of choosing and declaring the
ection of President. One of his rene
les would be very decisive. It would
assist in
Ihe compulsory support Of the free school |
I'd the acknowledgements of all who can | I
1t read and write the English language, t
ter fixed probation.
He would not make this apply to those !,
ready voters, but would assign such
sriod of probation as would allow all to .
,alify themselves. Thus, reading and :
ritipg "English' could be readily
quired by all who valued suffrage, but :.
ithout these qualifications, the President !.
urdily says of citizens
Ii they did not take interest enough in our
nguage to acquire sufficient knowledge of
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