Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-11-26
GRANT AND THE DEMOCRATS.
Cincinnati ENQUIRER,

Cincinnati Enquirer.
The honors heaped on General Grant
in foreign countries were remarkable, but
his receptions at home have been pheno-
menal The spectacular methods of re-
cognizing men of military renown are
deep-seated and long sustained in the
forms of government which prevail in the
old world; while in our democratic gov
ernment, though they are none the less
exhibitions of popular patriotism, they
have more of the "hurrah' and spasmo-
die character. Men succeed each other
rapidly in the public affection, and there
is usually an early limit to the rewards
which are given to those who have been
conspicuous in the public service. Gene
raj Grant seems to be an exception to the
rule He has passed over the spasms of
public admiration, and, fourteen years af-
ter the events which made him what he is
the recipient of demonstrations more COM
prehensive and ponderous than those
which greeted him when his military
achievements were fresh in the minds of
the people. The flattering estimate of
Grant abroad seems to have emphasized
the affections of those who have admired
IllIil dU w uClI llC UOuSuCu uPOh
the Golden Shore, after more than two
years absence from his native country,
San Francisco gave him a tremendous
ovation, which was the signal for other
outbursts significant in proportion to the
opportunities and resources of the
places subsequently visited. Chicagos
turn came two days ago. The occasion
was reunion of soldiers, and Grant was
visitor; but Grant Immediately became
the central figure, and the uselessness of
anything but Grant as a nucleus for a
great demonstration became Immediately
apparent. Whatever there may be in the
future for General Grant, politically, for
the present he is in, large measure, con-
sidered regardless of party. To Grants
obstinate silence as to his political inten-
tions is largely due the non-partisau char
acter of the public welcomes which have
been extended to him. The political
'boomers'' and "bummers' have not had
things their own way. If office-seeking
partisans, on the one hand, had succeed
ed in taking charge of the receptions, or
| if those politically opposed to the distin-
| guished General had refrained, through
petty party spirit, from taking part, even
the selfpossession and skillful silence of
Grant might not have stopped a stipend
Gus party uproar-a pyrotechnic and pre-
mature opening of the Presidential cam
in 1880. 1t is especially noteworthy
that Grants intentions or desires in con-
nection with the Presidency are no more
clearly defined than they were when the
General was riding in a jaunting-car in
Ireland, or giving soothing advice to con-
! tending peoples in the Orient. Demo
Gratis and Republicans alike join i'll the
welcome to a man in whose person the
country has been most highly abroad.
All party rights a1e reserved. The peo-
pie are engaged in extending hearty
welcome to distinguished soldier who
has been abroad. They could not, per-
haps do less and fittingly recognize the
compliments bestowed upon us by the
rulers and and people ofgovernments old
er than our own. When we all get
through with the proceeding with Grant
as soldier and citizen, we will be ready
to fight the battles of 1880 on party lines
whoever may be the nominees of the par
ties, respectively, for the Presidency. In
the meantime the welcome will go on,
and the cities Grant is yet to visit will
doubtless do their utmost to surpass even
the brilliant and efforts of San Fran
cisco and Chicago. There is a healthy
spirit of rivalry among the cities of the
United States in the matter of brass mu-
sic, displays Of bunting, and after-dinner
speeches.