New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-04-19

very properly, Gen. Grant intrusted the maIi-
aeement of his private estate while he was
absent in the army upon Ford he relied for
advice "a TO investments after the war; to
Ford he offered higher positions, and gave the
most lucrative Federal Office III Missouri.
When Ford died suddenly in 1873 it became
generally known that the President haa
intended to take him into his Cabinet i'll place
of Delano. This was the man, intimate per-
sonally, and trusted politically, by whom the
President was most earnestly warned in 1870
that Mcdonald was ga bad egg"
Wa saw that the President was warned, be-
cause it is not possible to believe otherwise.
Between Grant and Ford no private secretary
interviewed. Even if one letter had been inter-
cepted the published letter from Ford shows
that he had previously sent at least one other
Of like tenor; a Geographic dispatch from him,
dated some months before, had also warned
the President, in brief but strong words, and
this dispatch was produced Mt the trial OF
Mcdonald. Thus it appears that FordS
indignant teegraphic protest without eS-
planation did reach the President, and
that for some time afterward he con-
tinued to write most earnestly, advising the
President to " squclchn this man. Even II u
were possible to believe that every letter from
Ford. during all that period, was intercepted,
it is absurd to suppose that during many per-
sonal interviews between him and the President
about that time he never repeated the warning,
and the President never asked his reasons
for the dispatch against Mcdonald. On
that side the case is closed. The Presi-
dent must have heard Ford's objections
undoubtedly lie heard them many times
repeated But what did they include Proof
made public then, and sent to the President
in person by Ford, that Mcdonald had caused
the removal of his predecessor, Mari, alter
irving in vain to get Mari to consent to sys-
tematic robbery OF the Government. Such was
the affidavit of Mari, then made public, and
Grant was advised by Ford that Mcdonald
had either refused or been unable to meet the
charge. Nevertheless he was appointed. and
retained 10 spite of continued protests.
Now Mcdonald is in the penitentiary, and
Ford in his grave. The world is not con
cerned AS to the reputation of either. But
this tel-tale letter. which comes to light
among the dead mans papers, has most dis
agreeable interest. The world does not want
to think that the President of the United States
has been aware of the villainy perpetrated by
his immediate and confidential friends. IL
prefers, if possible, to believe that bad men
gained the Presidents confidence closed every
avenue by which knowledge of their mis-
deeds could have reached him, and used
his trust in order to rob the country
But what does this letter mean ! who
can explain it consiste tly with the
theory which the country wishes to accept
What creditabe reason can be given for the
Presidents long continued defense of MELON
aid after such a warning to- the character
and conduct of the mani For the President
not ONLY trusted this man Mcdonald. He not
ONLY kept him in office. But he gave to the
man such unbounded influence as to subordi-
nate appointmcnts in the revenue service, ami
permitted him 10 exercise such absolute sway
over other officials in the revenue service, that
Ford himself finally submitted, year after
his letter of protest was written, and be-
came one of the regularly paid agents
of the Whisky Ring. He was made to be
lieve. il is said that the Ring was eomblna-
ton to raise money for political purposes. lie
WAS no politician, and was told that such
things were customary and necessary. Bnt dld
the President himself accept that view OF the
matter3 Did he sustain Mcdonald as Il neces-
sary political toolf II that explanation be re-
iccted IA disgIaccful To the President, what