The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-15
GENERAL GRANTS WIFE.

Among Inc many tHlnSS Ill the history OIL
their public men, of which Americans have a
right to be proud, is the fact that, almost
without exception, the family life of the lead
ers among them has been without flaw or
stain. Living in feverish social atmos-
phere, as they often do, exposed to every
temptation, it is to their credit that they so
seldom succumb. Unpleasant and scanda-
lous tales concerning men and women promi-
nent in public and official life are, alas, COM
mon enough, but even the falsest of them
have seldom smirched the garments of the
chiefs among them. No such scandals as
make the courts of Europe corrupt, and roy
atty term for contempt among decent peo-
pie, have found foothold at the American
capital or political centers. The dark tales
of darker doings. when sifted down. are
oftenest found, if there be any truth in them
at all, to involve those whose regulations are
not of the highest in other directions. The
love of family and the purity Of the family is
paramount in the minds of the best men, and
that they have lived up to their principles in
these respects not only rounds out their great
ness, but endears them to the people to a
greater degree than they themselves can be
aware. The domestic life of Grant has, for
instance, been model in its way The dying
hero is pictured as soldier and statesman;
his warlike exploits are told and retold in
song and history; but it is, after all, as hus-
band and father that he comes nearest to the
hearts of his countrymen now. In all his
career, remarkably little has been said of Mrs
Grant. Her personality, which is undoubt-
eddy strong, has hidden itself behind that of
her illustrious husband. Accepting what
came to her through his high position,
she has sought nothing, has taken
no stand which brought her before
the public except as associated with him.
With ambitions for him, she had apparently
none for herself, and when his public life was,
in measure, ended, she resumed the quiet
domestic duties which pertained to the home
he most desired and enjoyed, and in them and
his happiness found her own contentment
The happiest women, it is said, have no his
tory, and Mrs. Grant, having none separate
from that of her husband, has doubtless lived
life not less satisfying than had she taken
advantage of his station to become social
leader, OF to become otherwise Individually
prominent No one who has followed the
Generals career can doubt that the woman
now watching the shadow of death lower over
her loved one has exercised much influence
over him. Who knows how much the out
come of the battles which he fought WIS
due to the encouragement the gentle
''home" woman gave to him? Who can tell
how many of the generous, forgiving acts for
which he is praised were owing to her interven-
ton? How many times her discretion guard
ed him, who may know Although she is
known only as the wife of General Grant, and
not through her personal characteristics, a
feeling prevails that she has been his help
meet indeed, and that in his high office, as
well as in the troubles Of his later life he has
found the companionship the sympathy and
consolation which he needed and which no
one but she could give. The prayers of the
people are for General Grant, but prayers for
the patient, devoted woman so soon to be left
alone, are as frequent and fervent In her
coming desolation she will stand apart, but
the hearts Of her countrymen will 60 out to
her as one who was almost part of the great
chieftain, and who helped to make him what
he was She hath done what she could, and
as part of a beautiful picture of family life
her memory will never fade.