The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-09-03
Mr.. Bristow.

The ex-Secretarv OF the Treasury, after
his campaign in Vermont. has enjoyed
popious libation of the medicated waters
Of Saratoga, and, like the Star Of Empire,
Westward takes his way.
We have an admiration for this gentle
man which we would not stint in express
SION. When he left the Treasury Depart
ment he was at the pinnacle Of repu
tation. A candidate for President by
no unworthy seeking Of his own,
he had fiattering support In the Con-
vsntion; yet no man, not even Kentucky
HKnCrLEs, could stand the combined pat
ronage OF such advocates AZ +. lockwood
HoAR and GEORGE w. CURTIS. Cooperat-
Ing with them, worse political agencies
wore at work to consummate his defeat.
In fact, from the first Of the candidacy it
MA hGRs ls4 5sS Fs hs was strSs
him from the herd at the given moment Of
attack; and this was no less apparent be-
fore the balloting than after.
And now with reluctance and sincere re-
greet we must speak OF him not In terms OF
commentator. Mr.. BRIsrow's only course
after this, as we scan IL, was simply 40
puiesoenoe He was not member Of the
Convention, and not bound by Its action;
and yet his code Of duty seemed 10 him to
require his active participation in the
canvass, for the successful candidate who
was not rival TO him, but happy acct
don't OF electricity.
In our opinion, Mr.. BRIsrow would have
lddsd largely to a just estimate OF his
character, If, after his telegram to the
favored offspring OF the Convention, he
had returned to his law library aud con-
lined himself TO the labors OF the bar.
He has, in good degree. what some OF his
friends have not-a robust common sense,
without which other gifts Of mind are
OF little practical value. Genius and COM
mon sense united, rule nations wisely and
veil but without that qualifying ally, bril-
nant intelleos are as valueless RS the violet
bf the gardens or the lily of the valley.
Aessrs. ScHURz and CURTIS, for Instance,
are but the decorated capitals OF the
Corinthlan columns, which only adorn but
do not support the browning dome. We
are not disappointed that they advocate
HAYES, but that Mr.. BRIsrow should bring
the endowment OF his name to such
oause Is surprising. No one better knows
thar he that the election OF HAYES would
be four years lease TO like tenantry
with the present. Where they are, there
h aud can be no reform.
In his Vermont speech, Mr.. BRIsrow des-
cibes the Republican organization as a |
"paTty OF convictions" lie could not |
have had either BABcocK or BELKSAp in |
mind when he gave this utterunce. II |
ought 10 be a party Of CONVICTIONS" in a |
IeQal n thon1out,n1
one OF conversion from its wickedness; bur |
mch Is not its quality. II has now only the |
Instinct 10 plumber with the rapacity of
The condor and the Unsuitable NAV OF the
anaconda.
1t Is significant too. aud illustrative Of
the command 10 turn the left cheek also, "
fhat while Mr.. DRIsTow was exploring the
syrie Of the eagle in Vermont, he could
hear, along with the reverberation OF in
Veotlve against him uttered by the profit
gates and parasites OF the Administra-
hon. the echo Of those vigorous kick,
bestowed upon every surviving friend
Of ms IN oihcs nt Washington OF else
where. Such reciprocity Of good for evil
may add 10 his glory rs martyr; but twin
not enhance the popular appreciation Of
MS manhood, or Leighteu the dignity Of
his character ns "A public man.
MI bRIsrow has declared hi, disgust FOR
sfioial life aud hi desire for tar pnr-uit Of
bis profession. In this he may have CHOSEN
he better part; and ii may partly explain
what Is now obscure Ia his conduct We
VIII not 50 underrate his intelligence 49,
10 believe that, knoHiug NLat Lo doc n
the men who now govern. aud who will
,til continue 10 hold sway under MI
HAYES, II elected, he can feel any con-
'traint Of honor to aid The party ana It's
candidate al The saoriice OF oaudor and
bis good name
W" most p"sitiv"ly aoquit Inn of any low
.u'' Vi ONCE ~ seli-s-"airg; and il ths
"siss ~"''ve of hls acton. nothing could