National Republican., 1883-01-03
Orr IaIrst rsci,rrnl.

Our First General.
| In the spring of 1864, when this capital city
WIS the headquarters of armies and navios, as
we'll as of tho civil government, u quiet and
uuassuming man walked into tho dining
room of Willard's hotel and ordered his
breakfast. Tho ubiquitous western congress-
man was present. and without ceremony
mounted chair and called out in stcntorian
tones, Ladies' and gentlemen, VIC are in tho
presence Of the newly.appointcd lieutenant
general of the army, ULYSSES s. GRANT"
Instantly there was a turbulence Of voices, as
! fair ladies and brave men hurried into the
immediate vicinity Of the quiet stranger and
WED with each other in their efforts to be
among the first to salute and do him honor.
Tho same distinguished citizen is in our
midst to-day. The man who, in November,
1861, startled the country with the news Of
battle mt Belmont; an advance, attack, and q
successful retreat, in the presence of superior
numbers; who showed the nation that it had
one commander who could better fight battles
than hold grand reviews; who then gained
an enviabo fame has grown in public esteem
from that date until he is now recognized
throughout the world as the greatest of liv-
ing Americans. Gen. GRANT has attained
his present proud position by virtue of honor,
integrity, and great public services, the value
of which cannot be described. His military
career was remarkable. From Fort Doneson
wo Vicksburg he plodded along, striving faith
fully to overcome almost insurmountable
/ IL to Il ,,,l. n,
during his study of the vast problem of Vicks-
burg; but in May, 1863 he executed the brill
| liant maneuver which brought his army into
the rear of the Gibraltar of the confcderacy,
and from that moment the clouds were dis
persed and he has moved alongi in the sunlight
Of popular approval, respect, and admira-
tion. few months after the close of that
great campaign he was seen, OH crutches,
limping about the streets of Chattanooga
| giving directions for the movements of corps
and armies, which resulted in the brilliant
battle of Mission Ridge and Eight above the
clouds" on Lookout mountain. This opened
the way for the march 10 the sea- His popu-
| larity was such that congress created for him
the grade of lieutenant general as token of
! appreciation Of his mcritorious services. At
! the close of the war, which he had brought to
a successful issue, grateful country gave to
| him the full grade of general, and he became
| the nations idol. In further token of popular
esteem, he was twice elected to- the chief
mugistracy of the nation. He has, since
the Inauguration of his successor, lived
the unassumng life of an American
citizen, and has borne himself in such
manner as to obtain the plaudits of the world.
! Wherever he goes he is met with an enthusi-
astic reception. Men, women, and children
have Travelled many miles to simply catch
| glimpse of the hero. In the hearts of the
common people Of his country he has an abid-
! ing place of respect and high esteem.
! Gen. GRANT deserves we'll of his country.
He has earned her gratitude and the love of
her people. The effect of his successful man
agement of our armies; his unerring judg-
ment in tho choice of SHERMAN, SHERIDAN,
and other leaders; his perfect conception of
the requirements of every occasion and emer-
/ gcncy-all these aud their results can
only be fully appreciated by future
generations, His wise and conservative
course during his presidential career is looked
upon to-day with admiration by our abest
statesmen. His voyage around the world,
which was one grand ovation, was marked by
his wise utterances to the rulers of nations
and by his truly noble equipoise of manner.
| His life and public services have been such
! that it is almost impossible to htly character
izo them without II semblanco Of laudation
ovomuch. Forthis reason have We said that
his services and their results will better be
understood and appreciated in tho future
than now.
His presence recalls the fact that bill for
his retirement with the rank of general is
now before tho house, having passed the sem
ate. IL would be fitting time now for call
ing up the bill and passing it, Gen. GRANT
gave up the Office which had been created for
him voluntarily by congress in order to nc
ccpt the presidency, which had come to him
unsolicited. 1t is but right that he should be
permitted to retire to his former position at
the head of the army. The general does not
ask this retirement. 1t is the spontaneous
wish of the people, and their representatives
should attend to IL without delay.
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