National Republican., 1880-11-18
ELEEMosYNARY Ex-pREsIDENrs.

This world is full of eccentricities. Moth
ing seems to be perfectly balanced in hui
man existence so that the current of affairs
preserves a steady and easy IN otion In its
action If this were otherwise-if every
thing moved on in the even tenor of its
way-there would be very little of sensa-
tiOn in life, and it would lose much Of its
spice Somebody must he found who will
dash from the usual course Of events in
tangent, or life and circumstances would
become monotonous if not uncomfortable.
If there were no differences and quarrels
we should not halfappreciate the blessings
of peace when that delightful condition is
reached If there were no sickness health
would go without proper appreciation. II
there were no arrangements friendship
would be less boon. II there were no pow
erty wealth would lose much of its value.
If there was no darkness light would be-
come monotouous superauity. If there
were no shadows the creation of genius
would never stand out upon the canvas to
challenge admiration and enchant the
tastes. If there were no fools wisdom would
lose much of its captivating power. So
this world is filled up with eccentricities
and phenomenon which have their mission
and help to fll up the chapter through its
mosaic structure and varied influences,
which bring contrast and interest.
But our original purpose in penning this
article has proved somewhat eccentric, and
we have been led away from it. Among
the recent cccentricties to attract public
attention and, perhaps, wonder by its phe-
nOmenal character is the proposition on
the part Of wealthy citizens to raise vol
untary fund of $250000 to pension ex-
presidents. The full details of this project
have not been presented, but, nevertheless,
it is new and novel and helps TO chequer
the wool of life, and hence attracts atten-
ton and discussion. This being measure
of volition on the part Of wealthy benevo-
lence, there is no just ground of objection
TO it, though the proposition may be ever
so novel and needless Of itself The opulent
have perfect right TO use their money in
any manner not inhibited by law or by
the proprieties and welfare Of society. II
there can be any objection TO such scheme
il must arise outside of the benelactors who
have advertised their benevolent purpose
and relate to public character, taste and in
terest, and not to private conduct in the
matter This is government by the peo
pie. They elect presidents, and their rep
resentatives in congress decide what tlIci
gI,.T1 ha Il hai
tive terms Of office. So that the people ar,
In some degree responsible for proper pro
vision against the future possibility tha
president may become an object of char
ity after he shall have served his tern
and "stepped down and out" This propo
sition adveruses to the world the posi-
bility that a president is liable to be
come an object Of individual or associate
charity outside the government which rep
resents all the people, when lie shall la,
aside the honors and responsibilities of IT,.
position To intimate such possibility j
reflection upon this government and it
people. The inference is that when presi
dent is relieved from his duties he goes ou
of Office impecuuiOus and fit subject 70
private and public benevolence. This ma
not be so considered by the wealthy an
benevolent gentlemen who have set thi
ball in motion, but the outer world cannC
regard it in any other light, and the eI
president who accepts such charity mus
do so with personal humility, while til
people Of the United States would !
deeply humliated by such action.
The pay of a president is $5000O pt
Hnnum, with residence provided aud
generous contingent fund to draw upon f
his subsistence. If this is not ample
provide for his future let congress in i
wisdom make such provision, without sui
jecting the chief magistrate TO priva
charity in retirement. Such q future f
one who has occupied the highest positic
in the scale of human preferment won
be uudgnilicd and un-American.