The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-04-10
Shall We Have a Soldier President9

lions of both political parties with a view
TO securing the nomination of candidates
for the Presidency Of undoubted sympathy
with their interests, we have received a
large number Of letters from our subscribers
asking who, of the many aspirants to that
honor would make, in our opinion, the best
soldiers candidate. To arrive at salts
factory answer to this question it may be
well TO take glance at the available mate
rial
In the Democratic party the names most
frequently mentioned in connection with
the Presidential nomination are those of
Ex-Governor Tilden of New York, ex-Sen-
abor Mcdonald of Indiana, and Senator
Payne of Ohio. Until recently it has been
supposed that the precarious condition of
Mr. Iilden's health would render his candi-
dature impraeticable, but the industry with
which his friends are now circulating re-
ports that he still retains his mental vigor
would seem to indicate that he il still in
the field He is unquestionabIy one of the
ablest politicians in the Democratic party,
but there is no reason TO believe that he
entertains any special love for the soldier
As for Mr. Mcdonald, while he is man of
great ability and strict integrity, there is
nothing in his record to warrant the infer
ence that he is particularly well disposed
towards the soldier. And this is true, too.
Of Senator Payne; SO that it is evident we
must look further for the sort of Presidential
timber that the occasion demands. How,
for instance, would the name of General w.
5. Rosecrans answer TO head the ticket? 1t
IS true that he has never sought the nomi-
nation and might not accept it were it ten
dered him, but there are few men in the
party more deserving of it, and he would
unquestionably make an able and public
spirited Executive. Moreover, he is sol
dier and an incorporating supporter of
soldiers rights We maybe sure he would
never interpose his veto TO prevent such
measure of justice as the equalization of
bounties bill from becoming law, nor per
nit the provisions OF Section 1854 Of the
Revised Statutes to remain dead letter as
they are at present If our Democratic
readers are in doubt as to whom they ought
TO support as soldiers candidate, let them
take General Rosecrans. There are many
Republicans among our veterans, we can
tell them, who would throw up their hats
at the announcement of "Old Rosyis"
election
Turning now TO the Republican party, the
leading candidates appear. TO be President
Arthur, ex-Secretary Blaine Senator Ed
munds and General John A. Logan. Leaving
personal preferences out of the question en-
tirely, which Of the four is most deserving
of the soldiers support-which would make
the strongest soldiers candidate ? Doubt
less, among our subscribers are some who
would be glad 10 see President Arthur re-
nominated; but can any one point to q
single act Of the present Administration that
shows concern for the soldier? On the
contrary, IS it not true that the Presidents
last message ignored the claims OF the SOL
der entirely, and recommended such a re-
duction of the revenues as, if carried into
effect, would have made it impossible to pay
those claims? We entertain the kindliest
feelings for Mr.. Arthur, but the fact is in
dispntahle that he has not lifted hard in
behalf of our veterans, while it is notorious
that section 1854 of the Revised Statutes.
requiring preference to be shown the soldier
in appointments to civil Office, has been fire.
quently and nagrantly violated
As TO the candidacy of Mr. Blaine, it must
be admitted that it possesses elements of
great strength, and in the great States of
Pennsylvania and New York has arousfd
! positive enthusiasm; but, we fear, the cleo
ton Of the plumed knight would be pro-
ductive Of no benefit to the soldier. Vast as
was the influence which Dir. Blaine welded
in the Congress of the United States, it was
rarely exerted in behalf of the soldier. Does
any veteran really believe that the welfare
of cur ex-soldiers generally would be pro-
NOTED by his electionP
And Mr. Edmunds2 No one questions
his ability or integrity, but is it not a fact
that he has invariably opposed the passage
Of the equalization of bounties bill? If we
are not greatly mistaken, Senator Edmunds
was also among those who persuaded Prcsi-
dent Grant to withhold his signature from
the bill after il had received the approval of
both houses Of Congress. Mr. Edmunds has
sometimes been called the " Watch dog of the
Treasury" but, notwith standing the solici-
tude which be has displayed lest the
soldier should obtain his dues from the
Government, we observe that he so fal
relaxed his vigilance in another direction
the other day, as to permit Government
vessel to be dispatched to the Bermsdas to
bring his family home at the public expense