The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1879-09-11
"CAPTAIN.GESERAL GRANT.Y
A Proposition TO Create New Office for
the Ex-Prcsidcnt.
Washington Letter to the NJ Y. Herald.

Washington Letter TO the N. Y. Herald.
Since the adjournment of Congress a
number of Gen. Grants friends have had
under consideration a suggestion, coming
originally from distinguished Southern
soldier whose name is withheld for the
present, but whose services in military
and civil life have won for him the con-
idence and esteem of his people, as well
as the respect of the country at large, TO
create the Office of Captain. General OF
the Army, with suitable pay and allow
ances, and to have the same rendered to
Gen. U. S. Grant, in recognition of his
patriotic services in behalf of the Union,
as well as to afford him permanent occu-
patton in a congenial employment the re.
mainder of his life. This idea has been
quietly canvassed among the members of
the Senate and House who have visited
Washington during the recess, as we'll as
at Saratoga, Newport, Long Branch and
White Sulper Springs. 1t can be said
that the proposition has been received
with great favor, and will take shape in
a bill accomplishing the purposes named
early at the next session of Congress.
The friends of Gen. Grant have view
ed with great regret the efforts of politi-
clans to embark him once more on the
muddy stream of politics, and have been
casting about for some suitable employ
ment and position for the distinguished
ex.President. This proposition has been
prematurely developed in consequence Of
the recent announcement that Gen.
Grant was willing to accept the presiden-
cy of the Nicaraguan Canal Company.
His friends are of opinion that the posi-
ton of Commander-in.C Chief of the Army
of the United States would be much
more acceptable to him if it could be
gracefully rendered by Congress, since it
would restore him to the rank he was Ia
ken from almost forcibly by the politi.
clans in 1868, and which sacrifice he has
frequently had occasion to regret.
1t 10 understood that quite number of
distinguished Southern men have not
only warmly esponsed this proposition,
but, in fact, the leaders of the move
ment in both houses will be repre-
sentative Southern statesmen. 1t can
be said also in tliis connection that
no one in public life whose name has
been associated with the Republican
nomination for the Presidency has been
approached on the subject, and the prop
osition will doubtless be heard by
them with great surprise. Inasmuch as
those who are in the confidence of the
leaders of the movement have deemed it
proper to make known at this time their
intention, it is not longer a secret that
the idea originated and has been fostered
as the best answer that the South can
make to the clamor that calls for Grant.
1t will be remembered that on the prop
ostion to pension Gen. Shields in the
Forty-fifth Congress an amendment was
offered in the Senate to add the name of
Gen. Grant, which was voted for by
quite q number of the Southern Senator'S
The amendment was adopted, but the
whole bill was subsequently lost in
conflict between the two Houses. Then,
however, the Senate had a Republican
majority. Now, the regular session of
the Forty-sixth Congress will contain
Democratic majority in both branches,
so that the proposition to add to General
Grants honors WILL be Democratic
measure, and will, it is. believed by its
promoters, be the grandest challenge that
any political party has ever given to any
of its adyersaries.
The present law recognizes four grades
in the rank of general. These are: First,
General; second lieutenant-general;
third, major-general, and fourth, briga-
dier. general twill be observed that the
prefix is purely arbitrary and simply
distinctive. Therefore, it is in the pow
er of Congress in creating the Office OF
captain-general to define its powers and