New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-03-02
PEOPLE AND PRESIDENT.

We do not know when we have read any
| thing of the kind more satisfactory in matter
and manner than the report of the little fare
| well speech which General Garfield made to
his neighbors before leaving his old home for
Washington. 1t would not, perhaps, be pre-
cisely accurate to say that there was something
of sadness in the tone adopted by the speaker
on this interesting occasion; but there was
enough to prove him man Of profound feeling
and generous impulses. "YOu do not know"
he said, "hOw much 1 leavGbehind of friend
/" ship and confidence and hOmelike happiness"
The idea that any man sacrifices anything in
taking Office is probably not familiar one to
the American public. There is, indeed, ira
diton that Washington, in the Army ard after
ward in the Presidency, never ceased to sigh for
the rural happiness of Mount Vernon, and that
he went gladly back to his farm and its peace
full pleasures. But, al o rule, we are accus-
toned to consider the Presidency as an enor-
nous prize, and rs q priceless gift from the
people, for which the recipient caLnOt be too
profoundly grateful. And so, in one sense, p is.
Intclligently bestowed, it implies confidence OF
which any man might be proud. At the same
time, il should be remembered that if the Presl-
dent is public servant, all servants are
entitled to honorable and equitable treatment.
1t is not altogether q desirable fate to be for
ever in the public eye; to have every action
criticised and every motive impugncd; to be
lamp0OnCd, caricaturcd, mislcpresentcd; to
know no privacy; to be regarded as the re-
sponSible representative of Il party without
powc to control ITS policy and its NOV ements.
Considering all that President must endure,
We think that people like ours is exceptionally
fortunate in finding a man like General Gar
field who is willing to take the Office. Much,
indeed, he has reason to be proud Of. Not
little hc owes of gratitude to those who have
called him to this high position; nor do we be-
lieve him likely to 10 found wanting in any
proper aud manly feeling Of this.
But we believe that the public will
agree with us when we say that some
thing is due from itself. A President is
not so much dependent for his peace CT mind
and his happiness upon tho appreciation Of his
party, or upon the forbcaranrc OF his opponents,
as he Is upon the general good Will and the gem
crous consideration of the whole people. To-
day all is pleasant. The political skies are
serene. There ia no calping criticism aud no
foundationlcss fault finding. The crowds that
greeted the next !'""-ldcnt upon his journey TO
Washington were iIii of kind wishes and gen.
erOus enthusiasm. Cannot we have this era OF
good feeling prolonged AT least through four
ycais2 Can we not 30 manage matters that
GencIal Garfield will not hunger for his Ohio
home too soon aud too sadly
1t has been said thousand times that Re-
publics are uugratelul. Many n statesman who
has abored for the good of his countrymcn has
found them tickle if not unjust. The American
people, demanding much OF their servants, have
not always been fair and considerable. General
Garfield is likely to be reminded often enough
of his duty--lt may do 40 haTm TO remind these
who have called him To post of such rcspon-
sblity of theirs. Let US be to him rs his Men
tor ncghhors have been, friendly, conSidcTate
just Those, at least, who have profcSScd their
confidence IN him. and have given him their
votes, should he the last to carp, to crticse, to
wound by unnecessary iault-iindlng And
they will be! General Garfield has only moved
TO "A new Mentor, and only added TO the number
of his personal friends and ncighbors.