The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-10-09


him against him, and he should not change
his opinion unless he was obliged 10 do so by
indisputahle evidence.
Gen. w. +. (Baldy) Smith, in a letter Ia
the New York Sun, comments on Gen. Grant
recent statement, aud, abiding 10 the fact
that Gen. Grant conleases to having nomina-
ted Hancock, who he now says lisa ''vain and
weak man. for the post Of bfigadier and
major general in the United States army, says:
"What a high regard Gen. Grant mus, have
had for the efficiency ofthe regular army, and
what a food OF light this throws on some
other nominations by Gen. Grant To call
Gen. Hancock a weak man, in view Of his
brilliant record in the field during the war
to call him weak man in the face ofhis civ.
Il administration in the South in 1861, and in
the face Of his writings which are before the
country, such as General Order No. 40, the
letter TO Gov, Pease, the letter TO Gen. Sher'
man, the letter Of acceptance Of the Demo
cratic nomination, and his letter with refer
enee TO the Southern war claims, is to express
an opinion which does no credit to General
Grants intelligence. Gen. Grant says Gen.
Hancock is crazy to be President The am-
biiion 10 be President is one which is worthy
Of any man in this country. however great his
reputation and abilities. 10 charge il upon
Gen. Hancock as fault comes with exceed
ingly bad grace from one who served in that
capacity as long as Gen. Washington, and who
debased himself so far as to go down into the
arena and struggle for third term, like any
other political gladiator, agains, the best sen
timent Of the country"
Col. Blanton Duncan, u Greenbaek apos.
tie, has furnished for publication couple OF
letters, written nearly year ago by General
"a. L. sta
ment said TO have been widely circulated
through Republican sources that bel Hancock
had sought the nomination of the Greeuback
ers on ticket with Gen. Butler. The first
letter is dated October 20, 1879, aud is as fol-
lows:
my Dear Colonel received to-day your
favor OF the 18th, aud was much interested in
your resume Of the working Of the political
caldron. have always been Ct the opinion,
and am so still, that, until the Democratic
party has disposed Of the question as to wheth'
or they would nominate Mr., Tilden rs a Sc
quence Of past events, il was folly inside Of
that organization to advance other candida
ties IL their availability for the future was n
question Of importance or Of interest. have
no part in any programme looking to the fu.
ture. My name comes up through friends
and foes, possibly, yet know Of no mAehi'
merry in the interest Of 10Y nomination. IL is
about as 1t has always been in that regard. |
seem in public opinion 10 be put forth as an
exponent Of certain political available posi-
bilities, and | would be better pleased il per.
miited TO pursue the even tenor Of my way, uu.
touched by political excitement. ] do not wish
to be considered a chronic candidate, for know
what that means when the end comes. So
my friends had better let the matter rest, or,
II not, let il drih. The next election is TO be
a momeuious one. What may come out Of
it, good or bad, do not know, but am Ger.
tain that cannot assist in leading 10 good
result more certainly than by following the
quiet course that l have always endeavored
to pursue. If ] come in question in politics
it will have to be from the States and people,
and not from me. am very truly yours,
"WISFIgi.D S. HANCOCK"
Col. Duncan says there came to him about
the same daya letter from prominent Green.
hacker, proposing, provided Gen. Hancock
would respond with the right views on the &
nancial and labor question, TO call a national
convention and nominate him for President,
and some ex'Confederate for Vice President
That letter was forwarded TO Gen. Hancock,
who responded as follows:
''Norember !, IS79.-My Dear Colonel
Aout nVte mas peeh teceiNtu. w hot &c
eupy the position Of u political candidate, to
express any opinions. lam a soldier in the
federal service, and my usefulness as such and
as a commander would be impaired if should
take open grounds 10 favor Of the political
views Of any party. II am ever a candidate
OF a party for civil Office ii will be on the rec,
ord | have made | should never make AM
bid for such office. III were nominated by
party would be governed by its platform
or would not accept the nomination. There.
fore ! shall pursue the even tenor Of my way,
undisturbed by the ambitions which pursue
some people. | am, very truly yours,
hWiSF1ElB S. Hancock. -