The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-11-30
From the National Republican.
PRESIDENT GRANT.

PRESIDENT GNANI.
PRESIDENT GRANT-TIIE RISING AND SET
TING SUN.
President Grants official life is rapidly
fastening to its close. While nearly all eyes
arc turned from the setting 10 the rising sun.
Ipropose through the columns OF the Repub-
lscaa-w!iich has always stood firm in de-
handing Justice to this distinguished man
to take a short but calm and fair survey OF
his past public career. While preparing hon
ors and ovations, bonfires and ilnminations
for those whose star is in the ascendant let
us not forget those whose labors and services,
whose tolls and sacrifices saved to lis our
country in tact and our free institutions mn
impaired. While Inducing those who are to
minister ut the shrine Of our freedom. let us
not lose sight Of what is due to him, above
ALL WHO rebuilt our templeand who replaced
our altar OH enduring foundations.
Tic superiority OF cir republican system
railways assumed as alissixiolnatic truth. in
the discussion OF all issues connected with
the operations of the Government, and yet
there arc reflections. growing out OF the po-
ltical developments Of this Centennial year OF
our existence. well calculated to dampen the
ardor aroused by the associations OF Its cele-
bration. One of the oft-boasted theories Of
our governmental system is, that our rulers
are selected by tEe popular will, as tribute
to great public Service and great private
worth. Another is, that our American insti-
tutions are a standing protest against what
has for ages been q maxim with monarchies
that republics are always nngrateful.
= EVENTS
and the present excited state Of the country
is well calculated to shake our confidence in
the truth of the foregoing theories. There
is more or less anxiety, not to sag alarm. per-
vading all ranks and classes of our people In
regard to our present condition and future
prospects. Ii cannot be denied that there is
a want OF confidence by the people in their
prominent representative men-a conscious
ness in the public mind OF lack OF that kim
of character and ability which directs the
destinies of nation, in time of difficulty and
danger, and which can save 4 people against
the destructive elements that are Invariably
eliminated from civil commotion, snch as
this country has passed through.
When Gen. Grant was called to the head
OF the State, in 1868. it was not the result Of
any political combination or management.
Partisan manipulation had nothing to do
with it. Never siEee the fathers called to
the Government, in 1889, the great chief who
had led them to victory and peace has the
people OF this country with such unanimity
turned to one man as in 1865 they turned to
Gen. Grant. There seemed to be an instinc-
tive conviction in the public mind that there
was but one man that came up to the require
ments OF the occasion, and that man was
Gen. Grant. He had as little to do with
making himself President as Washington
had in his own case eighty years before. He
took 40 steps to procure his nomination; he
used no appliances. he made no pledges, in
order TO secure his election. Although ja-
ded by seven years OF continuous public SER
vice, yet at the call Of his countrvmen he
lnodestly, but firmly and self reliantly, rs
sumed heavy labors and dread responsible
ties-for dread they were--of recognizing
and administering the Government. And it
is doing no dishonor or injustice to the mem
DRY Of the Father of the Country to say that
IN rai atl al,n and cthiI;ty,
imposed on President Grant were fully equal
to, il not greater than those encountered by
Washington. In 1899 our population was
less than four millions. In lS6Sit was more
than forty millions.
TIE DEBT INCURRED EY THE WAR OF THE
REVOLUTION
was not exceeding one hundred and fifty
millions. That incurred by the war Of the
rebellion was near three thousand millions.
Washington by long training and experience
was accustomed to the details of pu. ! C Off
cial life. Gen. Grant had had but little ex-
perience, except that of the camp. Public
opinion and pablo confidence were unit in
rallying around Washington. Gen. Grant
was beset by rivalres and jealousies and the
opposition of bitter party organization. The
achievement OF independence had crystalized
in 1883 the kind and fraternal feelings of all
and every section. The salvation of the
Union had, in 1869, left large and power
full section moody, sullen and discontinued.
Those who have INDUCED in harsh criti-
cisms against General Grant do not reflect on
the immense labors he has had to perform.
and on the unprecedented difficulties that
have beset his path. The wonder is he has
been able to sllrmount these difficulties as he
has Considering the vast extent of our
country and the mighty conflicting interests
to be harmonized anC consulted, where from
necessity he has TO rely upon the information
Of others, the wonder is he has made so few
mistakes, committed so few errors. For ito
err is human;'' to make mistakes, even when
actuated by the p~rest intentions, is the pen
atty OF that limit imposed upon human intel
lect in consequence Of mans first disobeai-
ence" | have often wondered why it is
considering the evidences General Grant has
given by the whole tenor Of his life and con
duct of disintercsted and patriotic honesty of
purpose-tlat lie should not have received
from his political opponents more credit for
the great good he has done, aud more chart
" for is lnlirmitics, which, of course. he
has in common with all men.
The bittercst enemy Gen. Grant has cam
not deny his great and commanding powers
is soldier. All the criticisms and rcviling>
of the present time cannot prevent history
from writing him down among the few great
military commanders of the world that ma
ture, or rather Providence, brings forward to
to meet the demands OF great occasions. His
military career was one of uninterrupted sue
cess. from Belmont to -ippomattox. Wheth-
er in pursuing the Fabian policy, as ut Shi-
lob and Vicksburg, or the impetuous dash OF
an aggressive policy, as ut Missionary Ridge
and Spot1 sylvania, he has always proven
himself the man for the work to be done.
He has been charged with being reckless i'll
the shedding OF blood. Never was there a