The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-06-14
The FlunAy Procession.


The great triumphal transcoutinental
procession from San Francisco eastward to
Grants homo 10 Illinois, is not going to be
the ilattcring ovation to the cx-Prcsident
1t was expected to be. Hence an effort
is put forth 10 let it down as easily as pos
sible Mr.. Childs, of the Philadelphia
Ledger, is Of the opinion that Gen. Grant
has no political plans whatever, inasmuch
rs he has not written to him upon the
subject Wouldn't it be laughable if
Grant should take it into bis head to dodge
the procession Of aunkys who may make
pilgrimage to the Golden Gate to vel
come him home and to start the movement
for third term in the Presidency Such
freak would 60 far to confirm Mr.. Childs
opinion, though very many persons now
express doubts Of its correctness. They
believe that the projected escort had its
origin with Grant's former retaiucrs, wth
his knowledge and consent, with the *
peetatioh Of creating a popular Juror that
should bear him for the third time into
the Presidency. If he had not sanctioned
and encouraged it, it never would have at
tanned to the proportions it has. Never
theless it is destined to be comparative
failure, and win be the subject of merci-
less but deserved ridiculc.
General Grants last letter to Mr.. Childs
was written at the Straits Settlement, Singa-
pore, April 9th. He says he expects to reach
San Francisco in July Mr.. Childs thinks the
date will be about the 18th, and intends to
make excursions to all places Of interest on
the Pacific coast. Afterwards he means to
stop for few days at Virginia City, Nevada,
and on his way East will spend little time
in Salt Lake City, and then take in Colorado,
where he expects to make rather extensive
tour When he wrote he had evidently heard
nothing about the plans for giving him pub
lie reception in California and in the Eastern
cities, Tor he speaks Of his Pacific coast jour.
neys as though they were to be quiet and en-.
ioyabIe affairs, and urges Mr.. Childs to join
friends, whom he names-among them being
the venerable General Patterson, who, though
lightweight years old, is still great traveller
and delightful social companion. The let.
ter is mainly made up Of pleasant chat about
the voyage and inquiries about friends in this
country. General Grant speaks Of his party
suffering some annoyance from the heat, but
says all arc in excellent health.
Speaking Of the projected excursion TO San
Francisco TO meet the exPresident ON his re-
turn, Mr.. Childs says that none Of General
Grant personal friends are in any way con-
eerned in it or take the slightest interest in it.
The affair, be adds, is evidently business
speculation, gotten up by individuals who
hope to make some money out ofth interest
felt by the public in General Grants return.
They are, no doubt, aided by the railroad
companies, who would naturally be glad to
get the profits on heavy excursion business
Mr.. Chiids says there will be undoubtedly q
handsome reception rendered TO Gen. Grant
by the city OF San Francisco, and few per
sonal friends will cross the continent to take
part in welcoming him, but their trip will be
private affair, without the slightest political
significance.
As to General Grants political plans, Mr..
Childs is confident that he has none. If
General Grant entertained any expectation of
being nominated for the Presidency in 1850,
or meant to enter the lists Of candidates, Mr..
Childs is confident he would have written him
on the subject. As the ex-President has
never cnee mentioned the matter in his let.
tiers, Mr.. Childs feels convinced that the pos.
sibiliiy Of being called upon to serve third
term in the White House is wholly foreign TO
his thoughts. AR. Childs says that any move.
ments TO hestow public honoss on Grant ailer
MS arEiral (which have, a politieal purpose and
candidate for the Presidency, will be distasie-
fal to him and will be discouraged by all bis
personal friends.