The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-01-27
Let IL be Grant.
New York Express.

There is an increasing contention among
Republicans as to the nomination of Gen
eral Grant for the presidency. He has
active, powerful, enthusiastic supporters.
He has good deal of organized strength.
He is unquestionably stronger to day than
any one of his rivals. His nomination i:
certainly among the probabilities, though
he may be defeated at Chicago, as Seward
was in 1860, by some less conspicuous and
less obnoxious candidate.
The contention respecting Grant how
ever, IS purely Republican dispute.
Democrats regard it from the outside as
interested spectators 10 spectacle which
does not Immediately concern them. The
deiIrlOus opposition of Mr.. Dana 10
Grants nomination seems 10 be inspired
by personal rather than political and
patriotic considerations. 1t is impossible
otherwise TO account for his acute agony
on tbs subject, and the despairful note
which runs through the ieremiads which
he 80 frequently intlcts upon the readers
of the Sun. He is an allie man, but GER
tainly be is hardly a wise one, and his
intense eagerness to prevent the nomina-
ton of Grant shows that he has not care
fully considered the elements of the polit-
zeal situation and does not understand the
interests of the Democratic party. Why
should Democrats oppose the reDom-
inatiOu of Grant? His nomination
would commit the Republican party
to the third term principle. 1t
would be practical confession of it's i'm
perialistic tendencies Ii would show to
the country in the most conspicuous aud
startling manner precisely where that par
ty is leading. 1t would demonstrate the
truth OF the charge of centT alism and con.
solidatiOu which the Democrats have so
often unavailingly made against the Rep
ublioans. 1t would declare to the country
that the Republicans are the grave-diggers
Of the government founded by Washing
ton. And so long as very Sarge section
OF the Republican party mean just these
things, and are doing what they can to
bring them about, better let the facts be
proclaimed. If the majority OF the Amer
lean people are tired and sick of the pres
ent constitutional government, if they
want an empire under the name and dis.
Suise OF republic, if they want Grant
Tor permanent Dictator, let them say so,
and the sooner they say so the better.
The nomination of Grant would be q
tor the country. He would be antagon-
lied by thousands of the most intelligent
and patriotic Republicans in the nation.
Probably twenty five thousand Republic
cans in this State alone would refuse to
vote for him. 1t would precipitate new,
vital, and tremendously i'm portant and ex-
citing issue upon the country. 1t would
at once lead the Democrats to place them
selves upon broad. conservative, constitu-
tional grounds, and appeal to the patriotic
patriotic craftsmanship and moral
sentiments of the country. 1t
would encourage and inspire them to
nominate wise, conservative statesmen,
who have the respect and confidence of
patriotic citizens of all parties 1t would
result in complete reconstruction of the
party, which would be Immediately rein
forced by dissatisfied Republicans and the
best life of the nation, and elect its candi- |
dates BY an immense majority. These