The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-10-12
Grantisiil.

CCteh aSd'"st 0cl1. UfitiiI SINCE tic mas Decn
n the Executive Chair. The Democratic
press and speakers represent him. AS tic EN-.
bodiment Of all the corruption that could at
1ach to lumanity-the enemy of his country,
who has a lurking ambition to destroy Re-
publican institutions-a planning, scheming,
despot, who would gloat over the ruins Of the
to achieve his personal aims
''Grantism, Is the term used to convey all
that the opposition are able to urge against
The Republican party and its canlidate,-
They endeavof, to brighten the people and
drive them to Democratic utilization by
the denunciation Of ''Grantism," proclaim
lag that the election Of Hayes would be but
q continuation OF "Grantism.''
By persistent repetition, the popular mind
has been impressed with the belief that there
Is something monstrous In the present ad-
ministration that should be reformed and
that Gen. Grant has beer the author and in
stigator of measures and legislation detri-
mental to the public welfare. The Repub-
malicious ISLANDERS to pass without that stern
rebuke they deserve, in the light OF history,
and have, by their silence, not only inflicted
a wrong upon the President bit upon the Re-
publican party. It is about time this whole
sale SANDER were stopped. 1t is about time
that the Republican press should meet it AS
it should be met, and point out what really
have been the civil achievements OF President
Grant. His military record is written, never
to perisI, while time lasts. That can be left
to take care of itself. vicksbarg and Apo
mattoy aud the intervening events, speak Of
that, and no rounded phases or studied pc
RODS ceuld possibly throw y glamour ever
that which is so brightly and endnrinsiy en-
craven OH the nations cseutehen.
But what Is conprehended in ssGramlis,n, -
that the Democrats should so continually
harp on it, and the Republicans hesitate in
Its defense?
Assuming the reins OF government when
the country had just emerged from bloody
revolution, with the passions of the sections
infamed, and the political, Industrial and So
cial structures Of the South torn to pieces,
Gen, Grant had difficulties to encounter that
never confronted any Of his predecessors
The condition OF the country was without a
precedent. There was nothing in the past
to serve As guide. The seeded States had
to be reconstructed and their local politics
adapted to the new order OF things growing out
Of the war, and the Union perpetnated un-
der constitution that had been shaped to
meet the exigeneies Of the country.
We witness to- day each State that had tnatlly
torn itself from the national head, restored te
Its original relations, with Its representative
In all the departments Of the government, sha
ring in the benefits and protection OF the
very authority 1t had defiel and sought tt
destroy. The people Of each of these States
have been clothed with full citizenship. nc
penalties infected for violated law, no life
demanded Or property seized as punishment
for the highest crime known to nations
This Is ''GraHtism.'
Emerging from the bloody encouxter;
Of revolution, The armies of the Union
were peacefully dlsbanded. the General
In command disdalnins to pass his con-
quering forces through the Confederate
capital, but passing to the various depart
ments OF his government In citizens dress
and alone, lie instantly gave directi on to
curtall expenses, and reduce the expenses of
the government to peace standard as speed
lily as possible. Elected President he had to
face the enormous debt created to preserve
the life of the nation. A financial policy
was adopted that quickly developed its wis
dom in the reduction OF the public oblga-
lions, lessening the taxes OF the people, and
establishing che credit OF the gorernmet mp
on basis higher and tilmer than 1t ever
before maintained. This is ''Grantism. :"
The kuklnx OF the South were arrested,
tried and convicted. the terrorism career
ing over portion of the South checked, and
the assurance given that the power that had
crushed out rebellion, was strong enough to
protect its citizens, whether at home or
abroad. This Is "Grantism''
The government of Louisiana was rescued
from the mob that had seized it, and the
rightful legal authority permitted to assume
control OF the State. This is 'sGnntism.''
The whiskey rings and Mobilier frauds
were broken up, the guilty brought to trial
and punishment. This Is "GrantiSm.
From 1868 to 1876, there has been q con-
tinuous advance in all that attaches to the
progress and greatness Of the country, individ-
ua. and national prosperity have kept apaee,
until to-day no nation Oh the globe maintains
more exalted position, Notwithstanding the
terrible strain that was given our Institutions
during four Yeas OF civil strife and conflict.
This Is ''Grantisa.'
The marvel is. when we consider tie cha
osic condition of society and commerce, the
terrible revolution that had been effected in
the relations Of the people, and the diver
gent ideas of government that had grown
with the sections, that we have advanced so
rapidly In all The avenues OF prosperity, and
that the emblem of National authority floats
owe, land comparatively peaceful and pro-
grcssive. The history Of the world furnishes
no parallel, and the future historian will
record that s'Grantism,' is all that is brave
and generous in war. and wise and beneficent
In peace. ...
Assuming that the predictions OF Our OPP
ponents will be verified, that the administra-
ton of Hayes will be but the continuation of
''Grantlsm," what have the people OF the
country to fear Or shrink from? Has not
sGrantism'' brought the country out of the
tiroes Of revelation. restored the authority
OF the government throughout the lanth pre-
served and established the credit of the ma
ton and thrown the ;eg- Of the Constitution
over the citizen In the exercise Of his legal
rights? Has it not faithfully observed all
our National obligations, enforced the laws,
and directed legislation to the secl,rement Of
the rights and the promotion Of the interests
of all the people? Could the country ask
more OF any administration than that this
kind OF 'sGrantism" should be initiated and
faithfully followed'
l.. AZ -s.xs.