Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1880-01-22
THE NEXT PRESIDENCY.

Fernando Woods refun ling bill is
intended as ar ingenious device for
killing off John Sherman as candid
ate for the Presidency, though ex-
actly how the machine is to be work
ed is not disclosed. We a"pprehend
that however ingeniously contrived
by the Chairman Of Waysand Means,
his invention will hardly prove worth
patent for killing off anybody, UNI
less it be the inventor, and that he
will wake up to a realization Of the
fact that seems already to have
struck. that Observation-Disclosures and
Democrat, Charles O'Conor, that it is
not possible to elect a Democratic
President this year.
'Theonly interesting feature about
Mr. Woods movement Is the object
mt which it is aimed. This indicates
whom the New York Democracy re-
gard as the most formidable opponent.
They know that the.Republican par
ty has gained immensely since the
last Presidential election by reason
of its financial policy, and they know
that the real father Of every valuable
feature in our national financial poll
icy, from egg to full-grown bird is
John Sherman. As Chairman of the
Committee on Ways and Means in
~thel1ouse Of Representatives before
lie became a Senator, Us Chairman of
the Senate Committee on Finance,
and as. Secretary Of the Treasury, he
has given direction to, every impor-
tant financial measure FOR the past
twelve years, and it is due to his iu-
eXorable determination alone that
the resumption Of specie payment
was successfully brought about
against the;streauous efforts Of the
Democratic party to defeat it.
This..achievsment having been fol-
lowed up by a refuding of the Ma
tiolial debt at.four per cent. also due
to Mr.. Sherman foresight and cour-
age as Secretary of The Treasury, the
late attempt of Mr.. Wood to take the
wind out of his sales must'proye a flu
tile one. The-substantial thing is
done, and!the people,know who did it.
Even if Mr.. Wood should succeed, in
passing his bill, it would simply be
an incident in financial legislation
of trifing Importance compared with
what has already been achieved, and
its success or non success in practice
could not affect public opinion re-
garding the realized value Of Secretary
Sbermans services.
There can be no question that the
Denocrats are alarmed at the growing
popularity Of Secretary Sherman assa
Presidential candidate. They realize
the fact that the country is conscious
Of its improved condition financially,
and in a business point Of view, and
knows to whose intelligent foresight,
perststent.,efiort, determined will, and
sklllinadministration, this improve
ment is mainly due. John Sherman
stands before the world to-day rs the
greatest fiHancier of his age, not Sec
ond to Alexander Hamilton, but more
skilful than he. upon a broader. field,
and in conflict with weightier prob
lens. This is substantial basis for
enduring fame, which cannot be ia.
ken away from him. The future
may, and probably will, give him OPP
pertunity to display the same won
derful ability in administering all the
departments Of government that be
has shown iill his special branch, elld
those who are familiar with his grasp
ofmindiand strength of purpose have
n ddoubt as to how he will WELD the
power oftho Chief Executive Office Of
The United States,